Lexar Play SE 4TB SSD Review: The Oddball of the Bunch

The Lexar Play SE 4TB SSD represents an interesting experiment in budget storage design, combining unexpected hardware choices with the familiar PS5-compatible heatsink that made its predecessor popular. While the drive offers impressive 4TB capacity at an attractive price point, its performance and efficiency metrics reveal the compromises made to hit that target.

Hardware Configuration: Where Things Get Interesting

The most striking aspect of the Play SE is its controller choice. Rather than using a typical DRAM-less budget controller, Lexar opted for the InnoGrit IG5236—a controller we've previously seen in high-performance drives like the Adata XPG Gammix S70. This eight-channel controller is typically paired with external DRAM, but the Play SE uses it in HMB (Host Memory Buffer) mode, eliminating the DRAM module entirely.

This configuration is unusual because HMB controllers are typically either cut-down versions of higher-end controllers or specifically designed for the HMB feature. The IG5236's use here suggests Lexar prioritized channel count and performance potential over the typical cost savings of a dedicated budget controller.

Flash Memory: Intel's 144-Layer QLC

Underneath the heatsink, the Play SE uses Intel's 144-Layer QLC NAND flash. Each of the four NAND modules contains 1TB of flash, arranged in a configuration that allows the drive to hit its 4TB capacity. The choice of QLC flash is expected for a budget drive, but the specific generation and manufacturer are noteworthy.

There were initial rumors that the drive might use Intel/Solidigm's 192-Layer QLC, which would have been even more unusual given that flash's typical enterprise focus. However, the 144-Layer variant makes more sense for a budget consumer product, offering a balance between cost and performance.

Performance: Meeting Minimum Expectations

The Play SE's sequential performance ratings of 7,000 MB/s read and 6,000 MB/s write are respectable for a PCIe 4.0 drive, though they fall short of the top-tier competition. The drive's random performance figures weren't provided, which is telling—this isn't a drive designed for heavy workloads or professional use.

What's particularly interesting is the endurance rating. At 3,200TBW for the 4TB model, the drive offers 800TBW per terabyte—double what we'd typically expect from a QLC-based drive. This high endurance rating suggests either exceptional flash quality or a conservative specification that allows for future flash variations.

Software and Compatibility

Lexar includes its standard software suite with the Play SE, featuring DiskMaster for drive management and DataShield for encryption. The drive maintains PS5 compatibility through its heatsink design, making it a viable option for console storage expansion.

The single-sided design and compact form factor ensure compatibility with a wide range of systems, though the drive's budget positioning means it's best suited as secondary storage rather than a primary system drive.

Market Position: A Budget Option with Compromises

The Play SE's 4TB-only configuration is strategic. At this capacity, the drive can better leverage its eight-channel controller architecture, and the price premium for 4TB SSDs makes the budget positioning more attractive. However, the drive's performance limitations and power efficiency issues prevent it from competing with higher-end options.

For PS5 owners specifically, the Play SE offers a cost-effective way to expand storage, though the performance trade-offs may be noticeable during game loading and installation. The drive's strengths lie in its capacity and compatibility rather than outright speed.

Conclusion: A Specialized Solution

The Lexar Play SE 4TB SSD is exactly what its "Special Edition" designation suggests—a specialized solution for users prioritizing capacity and cost over performance. Its unusual hardware configuration, combining a high-end controller with budget flash in HMB mode, results in a drive that works but doesn't excel.

For users needing maximum storage at minimum cost, particularly for console use, the Play SE represents a viable option. However, those seeking balanced performance across all metrics would be better served by more conventional alternatives. The drive's true value proposition lies in its ability to deliver 4TB of PS5-compatible storage at a budget-friendly price point, even if the journey to get there involved some unconventional engineering choices.

The Lexar Play SE occupies an interesting niche in the current SSD market, where component shortages and pricing pressures have led to more creative solutions. While it may not be the fastest or most efficient drive available, it successfully delivers on its core promise of affordable, high-capacity storage with PS5 compatibility.