I have a 500GB NVMe that's nearly full with school software and files. I have one M.2 slot left and want a 2TB drive eventually, but can't comfortably afford it yet.
Would a 250GB drive be worthwhile for playing one game at a time while I save? The prices available to me are about $65 for 250GB, $110 for 500GB, $175 for 1TB and $380 for 2TB.
I'd save the $65 toward the 2TB if you can tolerate waiting. A 250GB drive could hold a large game or two, depending on their sizes, but you'll probably be uninstalling things often. Once you buy the 2TB, the temporary drive also loses its slot unless you replace the existing 500GB drive.
At those prices, the 1TB is a possible middle ground if getting space sooner matters more than reaching 2TB quickly. It costs more now, but gives you a lot more room per dollar than the 250GB.
If one game at a time really is enough, 250GB can do the job. Check the installed size of the specific game first and leave some room for updates. You're paying for convenience now, not making the cheapest long-term upgrade.
Check whether the computer supports a 2.5-inch SATA SSD as well. That could add game storage without taking the remaining M.2 slot, so you might still be able to use it after buying the 2TB NVMe. Compare local prices though. SATA isn't necessarily much cheaper.
b812!foldroute_6:
You'll need an available SATA connection and a way to connect power to the drive. Check the computer's compatibility before ordering.
Used storage might stretch the budget, especially if a 500GB or larger SSD is available locally. Check the drive's SMART health information and total bytes written, and be wary of deals that don't allow testing. A used drive still carries some risk, so keep school files backed up elsewhere.
Another option is a hard drive for files or software that doesn't need fast loading. That could free space on the existing SSD for a game and remain useful for storage later. It will be slower than an SSD, so check that the programs you move will run acceptably from it.
Answers are reviewed before publication.
Jelvan.3r:
I do need some space soon, so the question is whether waiting longer for 1TB would be worth it.
Jelvor-8m:
That depends on how long saving would take and how much the game access matters to you now. The 250GB isn't useless, it just adds to the cost of getting to 2TB.