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This isn't a good deal for $180 unless you are banking on the Costco returns. $180 is a pretty average price for a 4TB QLC drive these days; you can get much better YMTC Nand or a better controller for the same price.
Pros:
It's from Costco so in theory you can return it forever.
Very high 3200TBW for a QLC
Cons:
Controller is InnoGrit IG5236, which is a low end one from 2021 with known firmware issues. Either Lexar fixed it as this is a new product or this is never going to be patched. It's a PS5 marketed drive so the tech competency for the average buyer for this product is effectively negative -> review has 0 value.
Very low end Intel/Solidigm QLC
Researched my own question:
This SSD is the Costco exclusive "SE" version of the normal PLAY model. It's a little slower and is QLC instead of TLC. If it were the normal TLC PLAY version, it would be almost identical to the M790, but that's not quite the case here as it's the downgraded QLC version.
This 4TB Lexar PLAY 2280 SE is a Costco exclusive PCIe 4.0 SSD aimed at PS5 and large game libraries, with a heatsink, 7,000 MB per second read speeds, and a 5 year warranty. The main appeal is the storage capacity and Costco return policy, which makes it feel low risk for buyers who need space now. The big caveat is that this SE version is the downgraded QLC, DRAMless model with an InnoGrit controller, so it is less attractive for heavy writes, video editing, or cache use. For mostly static game storage, it still looks like a practical fit.
Costco members who want a low-risk way to get 4TB storage now because multiple commenters pointed out Costco's return policy can make the purchase safer if the drive fails, even if "lifetime" returns depend on how the CSR handles eligibility.
PS5 owners who want to expand storage for game downloads and mostly read data because commenters said even a slower PCIe 4.0 SSD worked fine on PS5 with many 100GB+ AAA games, and this one should be even faster for that use.
People buying a 4TB SSD specifically for mostly static workloads like installing AAA games with only occasional updates because commenters noted QLC's main weakness is write performance, so it's "just fine" when files don't change much.
Desktop users planning to do video editing, heavy file management, or use the SSD as a cache drive because commenters warned that QLC drives are not recommended for those kinds of write-heavy or frequently changing workloads.
Buyers who care about controller quality and firmware reliability because commenters specifically called out the InnoGrit IG5236 controller as low-end with known firmware issues, arguing the $180 price isn't good unless you're relying on returns.
People who want to avoid DRAM-less designs because commenters said the drive is DRAM-less and strongly discouraged the purchase ("RUN AWAY" / "Trashtier").
At $179.99, it is a fair price if you want 4TB now and value Costco's return policy, but it is not a standout bargain for a QLC drive. Comparable TLC drives and alternatives like the Crucial T500, Samsung 990 EVO Plus, or WD Black SN7100 have been cited around the $200-$210 range.
The Costco-exclusive PLAY 2280 SE is the downgraded SE version of the normal PLAY model and is described as QLC rather than TLC. It is also reported as DRAM-less with HMB and an InnoGrit IG5236 controller, so it is not the same drive as the regular TLC PLAY version.
Costco purchases can fall under its lifetime return handling, but the practical limit depends on the item category and the CSR processing the return. Computer hardware is argued to be outside the 90-day electronics restriction, yet returns after many years may still be questioned at the counter.
It should work well for PS5 game storage and loading, since a 5000/4200 MB/s SSD has already been used without issues and this drive is faster on paper. The main caution is that it is better suited to installing and reading games than to heavy desktop workloads like video editing or cache use.
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This isn't a good deal for $180 unless you are banking on the Costco returns. $180 is a pretty average price for a 4TB QLC drive these days; you can get much better YMTC Nand or a better controller for the same price.
Pros:
It's from Costco so in theory you can return it forever.
Very high 3200TBW for a QLC
Cons:
Controller is InnoGrit IG5236, which is a low end one from 2021 with known firmware issues. Either Lexar fixed it as this is a new product or this is never going to be patched. It's a PS5 marketed drive so the tech competency for the average buyer for this product is effectively negative -> review has 0 value.
Very low end Intel/Solidigm QLC
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Quote
from RandomMistakes
:
How does this compare to something like the Lexar M790?
Researched my own question:
This SSD is the Costco exclusive "SE" version of the normal PLAY model. It's a little slower and is QLC instead of TLC. If it were the normal TLC PLAY version, it would be almost identical to the M790, but that's not quite the case here as it's the downgraded QLC version.
For all my more technical friends, if I just need more space to store these 100gb AAA games and I have a budget of $200 for a 4tb drive, what else would you recommend instead of this one?
For all my more technical friends, if I just need more space to store these 100gb AAA games and I have a budget of $200 for a 4tb drive, what else would you recommend instead of this one?
This one from Costco would be fine for that. And if it dies, you can return. Although it's "lifetime" return, from actual experience, past 5yrs would be pushing it. It all depends on the CSR working that day. I've returned something that was almost 10yrs past; granted the item was still like new and was barely used.
Quote
from AustinM8565
:
Computers and electronics aren't covered by that. They have a 90 day return policy.
Need to fully read the description as what is considered Computers and Electronics.
If in doubt or receiving confrontation with the CSR, politely ask them to try to return. If the register allows for the return, it's returnable; had first hand experience with this.
Costco RTRN Policy.png - 102624
Last edited by toky00 October 20, 2025 at 09:12 AM.
For all my more technical friends, if I just need more space to store these 100gb AAA games and I have a budget of $200 for a 4tb drive, what else would you recommend instead of this one?
I have a "slow" MSI that's 5000MB/s read and 4200MB/s Write and i've had zero issues on my PS5. I've had it for over a year with many 100+ GB AAA games on it so this one from Costco should be great as it's even faster. Might not be great for a desktop computer doing video editing or something but for downloading a game onto the PS5 and then only reading the data it should be perfect.
For all my more technical friends, if I just need more space to store these 100gb AAA games and I have a budget of $200 for a 4tb drive, what else would you recommend instead of this one?
The 4TB Crucial T500 was $200 back in July on Amazon but only for a day before it sold out. It's Micron TLC, has DRAM, Phison E25 controller and 5 year warranty. I would expect it to hit $200 again around Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
This one from Costco would be fine for that. And if it dies, you can return. Although it's "lifetime" return, from actual experience, past 5yrs would be pushing it. It all depends on the CSR working that day. I've returned something that was almost 10yrs past; granted the item was still like new and was barely used.
Need to fully read the description as what is considered Computers and Electronics.
If in doubt or receiving confrontation with the CSR, politely ask them to try to return. If the register allows for the return, it's returnable; had first hand experience with this.
If it's within a reasonable time. Costco does not have lifetime warranty. They will turn you away if you are not a good member.
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Top Comments
Pros:
It's from Costco so in theory you can return it forever.
Very high 3200TBW for a QLC
Cons:
Controller is InnoGrit IG5236, which is a low end one from 2021 with known firmware issues. Either Lexar fixed it as this is a new product or this is never going to be patched. It's a PS5 marketed drive so the tech competency for the average buyer for this product is effectively negative -> review has 0 value.
Very low end Intel/Solidigm QLC
This SSD is the Costco exclusive "SE" version of the normal PLAY model. It's a little slower and is QLC instead of TLC. If it were the normal TLC PLAY version, it would be almost identical to the M790, but that's not quite the case here as it's the downgraded QLC version.
Normal PLAY version review:
https://thepcenthusiast
SE Edition review:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2...eview.html
Community Reviews
This 4TB Lexar PLAY 2280 SE is a Costco exclusive PCIe 4.0 SSD aimed at PS5 and large game libraries, with a heatsink, 7,000 MB per second read speeds, and a 5 year warranty. The main appeal is the storage capacity and Costco return policy, which makes it feel low risk for buyers who need space now. The big caveat is that this SE version is the downgraded QLC, DRAMless model with an InnoGrit controller, so it is less attractive for heavy writes, video editing, or cache use. For mostly static game storage, it still looks like a practical fit.
Common Questions (4)
AI-generated summary based on comments from the community. Updated ago
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edit: this wasn't in the description when I added this comment.
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Pros:
It's from Costco so in theory you can return it forever.
Very high 3200TBW for a QLC
Cons:
Controller is InnoGrit IG5236, which is a low end one from 2021 with known firmware issues. Either Lexar fixed it as this is a new product or this is never going to be patched. It's a PS5 marketed drive so the tech competency for the average buyer for this product is effectively negative -> review has 0 value.
Very low end Intel/Solidigm QLC
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This SSD is the Costco exclusive "SE" version of the normal PLAY model. It's a little slower and is QLC instead of TLC. If it were the normal TLC PLAY version, it would be almost identical to the M790, but that's not quite the case here as it's the downgraded QLC version.
Normal PLAY version review:
https://thepcenthusiast
SE Edition review:
https://www.pcworld.com/article/2...eview.html
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank
If in doubt or receiving confrontation with the CSR, politely ask them to try to return. If the register allows for the return, it's returnable; had first hand experience with this.
https://www.tomshardwar
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This one from Costco would be fine for that. And if it dies, you can return. Although it's "lifetime" return, from actual experience, past 5yrs would be pushing it. It all depends on the CSR working that day. I've returned something that was almost 10yrs past; granted the item was still like new and was barely used.
Need to fully read the description as what is considered Computers and Electronics.
If in doubt or receiving confrontation with the CSR, politely ask them to try to return. If the register allows for the return, it's returnable; had first hand experience with this.
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Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!