I'm looking for an inexpensive M.2 NVMe SSD to use for Windows, drivers, programs, and some data. I'm considering a used 128GB Samsung PM991 with 27 days of power-on time, 8TB written, and 95% reported health for $15, or a used 256GB Micron 2200S with 383 days of power-on time, 10TB written, and 86% health for $20. Is the second drive a better deal despite its lower health percentage? I'm also unsure whether larger SSDs wear out faster because they can hold more programs and games, and whether 128GB is enough for a system drive.
4 Answers
Between these two, the 256GB drive is probably the more practical choice for only $5 more, assuming its SMART data is accurate and it has no errors. The 86% health reading means it has used more of its rated endurance than the Samsung, but 10TB written is still not much for an SSD. Check the actual SMART attributes, error counts, and whether the seller offers any return period before buying.
Also consider the operating system’s support schedule. Windows 10 is no longer receiving normal security updates, so using a supported version of Windows is preferable if the computer meets the requirements. For a system drive, I would choose the 256GB model over the 128GB one, or buy a new 500GB-class SSD if the price difference is reasonable.
128GB is very tight for a modern operating-system drive. After Windows, updates, drivers, applications, and the free space you should leave available, there may not be much room left. A 256GB drive gives you considerably more breathing room, while 512GB or 1TB drives will not wear out simply because they are larger. Avoid buying based only on the health percentage; verify the drive’s SMART report and condition first.
A larger-capacity SSD does not automatically wear out faster. Drive endurance is mainly affected by total data written, operating temperature, and how full the drive stays. Keeping roughly 15–20% free space is a good practice for performance and wear leveling. In general, larger versions of the same SSD family often have higher endurance ratings.
That makes sense. I was treating the health percentage as if the drive were almost dead, but the total writes seem fairly low.