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.
3 Answers
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.
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