Lexar has added another PCIe 5.0 SSD to its storage lineup, and the THOR Ultra is targeting users who want high-end NVMe performance without moving beyond the familiar M.2 2280 format. The new SSD supports PCIe Gen5 x4 and can reach sequential read speeds of up to 11GB/s, while sequential write speeds climb to 10GB/s on the faster-capacity models.
The THOR Ultra is available in 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB versions. That gives PC builders a choice between a smaller boot drive and higher-capacity configurations designed for game libraries, applications, and large files. Lexar is also using a 6nm DRAM-less controller together with Smart SLC Cache technology as part of the drive’s performance design.
According to the specifications provided by Lexar, the 1TB model reaches up to 11,000 MB/s for sequential reads and 10,000 MB/s for sequential writes. The 512GB version is rated at up to 9,900 MB/s read and 5,000 MB/s write speeds. Random read performance goes as high as 2.2 million IOPS, while random write performance is listed at up to 1.9 million IOPS.
Endurance also increases with capacity. The 512GB model is rated for 350 TBW, followed by 750 TBW for the 1TB version, 1,500 TBW for the 2TB model, and 3,000 TBW for the 4TB version. All four models come with a five-year warranty.
The use of a DRAM-less controller means the THOR Ultra does not include dedicated DRAM on the SSD, while Smart SLC Cache is used to help maintain write performance during supported workloads. The PCIe 5.0 x4 interface provides the bandwidth needed for the drive’s higher transfer rates, making it a better fit for newer desktop and gaming PC platforms with PCIe 5.0 support.
- PCIe Gen5 x4 interface
- M.2 2280 form factor
- 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB capacities
- Up to 11,000 MB/s sequential read speed
- Up to 10,000 MB/s sequential write speed
- Up to 2.2 million random read IOPS
- Up to 1.9 million random write IOPS
- 6nm DRAM-less controller
- Smart SLC Cache support
- Five-year warranty
- Up to 3,000 TBW endurance
Lexar has not provided pricing in the supplied launch information, so the final cost will determine how the THOR Ultra compares with other PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs already available. With capacities reaching 4TB and sequential speeds of up to 11GB/s, the new drive is aimed at PC users who want fast storage for modern gaming, large file transfers, and demanding desktop workloads.
