When shopping for refurbished storage drives, the age-old debate between SSD and HDD resurfaces—but with a budget-conscious twist. Should you buy SSD or HDD on refurbished? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. While HDDs offer more storage per dollar, SSDs deliver blazing speed, better durability, and energy efficiency—especially valuable in older or refurbished systems. This guide cuts through the confusion with expert-tested recommendations, real user feedback, and a clear buying strategy to help you choose the right drive for your needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Should You Buy Ssd Or Hdd On Refurbished Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. HP EX900 Plus 1TB SSD Hard Drive
The HP EX900 Plus 1TB SSD is a standout choice for anyone upgrading a refurbished laptop or desktop. It combines solid performance with reliable durability, making it ideal for daily computing tasks. Whether you’re booting up an old workhorse or boosting a budget build, this drive delivers consistent speed without breaking the bank.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 1TB capacity offers ample space for OS, apps, and files
- ✓ NVMe M.2 interface for faster data transfer than SATA drives
- ✓ Low power consumption improves battery life in laptops
- ✓ Compact design fits easily in most refurbished systems
Why We Recommend It
This SSD strikes a perfect balance between price and performance. It’s especially great for users who want modern NVMe speeds in older systems that support M.2 slots. The reliability has been proven in real-world use across both servers and gaming laptops.
Best For
Refurbished laptops and desktops with M.2 support, gamers on a budget, and anyone needing a fast boot drive.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fast NVMe performance
- Great value for 1TB capacity
- Low heat output and energy efficient
- Compatible with most modern refurbished PCs
Cons:
- No included heatsink (recommended for sustained workloads)
- Limited warranty compared to premium brands
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I have 1 of these as the boot drive for my server and the 2nd as the main drive on my HP Victus gaming laptop. They’re a solid value on price, and I have not had any reliability issues. I recommend adding a basic heatsink to ensure longevity. Even the most basic slim piece of copper will do the tri”
Customer Review: “I have 1 of these as the boot drive for my server and the 2nd as the main drive on my HP Victus gaming laptop. They’re a solid value on price, and I have not had any reliability issues. I recommend adding a basic heatsink to ensure longevity. Even the most basic slim piece of copper will do the tri”
2. Crucial BX500 1TB 3D NAND SATA 2.5-Inch Internal SSD
The Crucial BX500 is a no-frills, high-value SATA SSD that breathes new life into older refurbished machines. With read speeds up to 540MB/s, it’s dramatically faster than traditional HDDs and perfect for everyday computing. It’s a smart pick if your system doesn’t support NVMe but you still want SSD benefits.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ 3D NAND technology for improved reliability and endurance
- ✓ SATA III interface ensures broad compatibility
- ✓ Energy efficient—45x more than typical HDDs
- ✓ Includes Acronis True Image for easy cloning
Why We Recommend It
This drive is ideal for upgrading aging refurbished desktops or laptops still using spinning disks. It’s not the fastest SSD out there, but it offers excellent real-world responsiveness and is trusted by users worldwide for basic to moderate workloads.
Best For
Older refurbished PCs with SATA-only support, students, home offices, and general productivity tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable entry-level SSD pricing
- Reliable performance for everyday use
- Easy installation and cloning software included
- Improves system boot and load times significantly
Cons:
- No DRAM cache (can slow down under heavy writes)
- Slower than NVMe alternatives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Review of BX300 480GB drive. Let me be frank. This is a budget drive that likely uses decent, reliable but not top of the line NAND. Things pricier drives will give you:- DRAM cache: ❌- Heat-sink metal casing good for sustained write performance: ❌- Bragging rights on read and write speed: ❌On the o”
Customer Review: “I recently purchased the Crucial BX500 4TB SSD and wanted to share my experience so far. Here’s a breakdown of its performance and features: Performance: Although I’m not sure how to measure the exact read/write speeds, the drive has performed excellently in terms of loading times and file transfers fo”
3. Samsung 870 EVO 1TB SATA III Internal SSD
The Samsung 870 EVO is a legendary SATA SSD known for its rock-solid reliability and consistent performance. Even though it uses the older SATA interface, it maxes out the bandwidth at 560MB/s read speeds—making it a fantastic upgrade for any refurbished PC or laptop still running an HDD.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Industry-leading 600 TBW endurance rating
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind
- ✓ Intelligent TurboWrite technology boosts burst performance
- ✓ Broad compatibility with PCs and laptops
Why We Recommend It
If you’re looking for a dependable, long-lasting SSD for a refurbished system, the 870 EVO is hard to beat. It’s been tested across millions of devices and consistently delivers top-tier performance, even years after release.
Best For
Upgrading older refurbished laptops, workstations, and systems where reliability matters most.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and longevity
- Consistently high performance under load
- Trusted brand with excellent support
- Works seamlessly in legacy systems
Cons:
- SATA bottleneck limits peak speed
- Higher price per GB than budget drives
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5” SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely. I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to “
Customer Review: “It’s a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise grade drives, tryi”
4. Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA Internal SSD
The WD Blue SA510 is a modern SATA SSD from Western Digital that offers solid performance and reliability at a competitive price. Designed for everyday computing, it’s a great fit for refurbished systems needing a dependable storage upgrade without overspending.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Up to 560MB/s read speeds
- ✓ 1TB capacity ideal for OS, games, and media
- ✓ Low power design extends laptop battery life
- ✓ Compatible with both PC and laptop systems
Why We Recommend It
This drive delivers consistent performance and is backed by WD’s reputation for quality. It’s especially well-suited for users upgrading older machines who want a balance of speed, capacity, and brand trust.
Best For
Refurbished desktops and laptops, home users, and light gaming setups.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reliable performance from a trusted brand
- Good value for 1TB SATA SSD
- Energy efficient and quiet operation
- Easy to install in most systems
Cons:
- No hardware encryption
- Firmware updates can be tricky on some systems
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “OK, besides the initial glitches with Windows, once I updated the SSD Firmware with WD/Sandisk Dashboard the drive worked perfectly! That said, my initial issues drove me nuts trying to update the firmware in Windows!!! I blame Microsoft more than WD for this instance. I would still buy WD drives over “
Customer Review: “I recently replaced the original hard disk drive (HDD) in my Xbox One X with the Western Digital 1TB WD Blue SA510 SATA SSD, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. This upgrade has completely transformed my console, making it feel faster and more responsive in every aspect. The most n”
5. Samsung Electronics 870 EVO 2TB 2.5 Inch SATA III Internal SSD
If you need serious storage in a refurbished system, the Samsung 870 EVO 2TB is a powerhouse. With double the capacity of its 1TB sibling, it’s perfect for users who store large files, games, or media libraries. Despite being SATA-based, it delivers top-tier reliability and performance.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Massive 2TB capacity for heavy users
- ✓ Up to 2,400 TBW endurance—best-in-class
- ✓ 5-year warranty and Samsung Magician software
- ✓ Optimized for sustained workloads and multitasking
Why We Recommend It
This is the ultimate SATA SSD for refurbished systems that need both space and speed. It’s overkill for basic tasks but ideal for content creators, gamers, or anyone tired of constantly managing storage.
Best For
High-capacity storage in refurbished workstations, media servers, and gaming PCs.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Huge storage in a single drive
- Exceptional durability and lifespan
- Smooth performance even under heavy use
- Comes with useful management tools
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- SATA limits maximum throughput
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “I got this Samsung 500gb 2.5” SATA SSD to upgrade from the 512gb HDD in an old HP Pavilion laptop (model HP 15-f233wm). It’s a perfect fit and works great. It’s made the old device MUCH faster and improved the overall performance immensely. I consider myself a functioning illiterate when it comes to “
Customer Review: “It’s a shame SATA III will likely be disappearing in the next 5 to 7 years, the form factor is so much nicer than NVMe and it is still more than fast enough for like 99 percent of people. There are SATA III drives available with real ECC error correction and super durable enterprise grade drives, tryi”
Complete Buying Guide for Should You Buy SSD or HDD on Refurbished
Essential Factors We Consider
When deciding whether to buy SSD or HDD on refurbished systems, we evaluate speed, durability, power efficiency, and compatibility. SSDs win in every category except raw storage cost. They have no moving parts, so they’re less likely to fail in older laptops that may get bumped or dropped. Plus, they use less power—great for extending battery life in aging devices.
Budget Planning
Set a realistic budget based on your needs. A 1TB SSD typically costs between $60–$100 refurbished, while a 2TB HDD might be half that—but remember: speed matters. For under $80, you can get a reliable SATA SSD like the Crucial BX500 or Samsung 870 EVO. If your system supports NVMe, the HP EX900 Plus offers even better performance for a slight premium.
Final Thoughts
Unless you need massive storage for archival purposes, SSD is almost always the better choice for refurbished systems. The performance boost is immediate and transformative. Even budget SSDs make old machines feel new again. Prioritize capacity and interface compatibility, and always check return policies when buying refurbished.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it safe to buy refurbished SSDs?
A: Yes—if purchased from reputable sellers with clear warranty terms. Look for drives with low usage hours and avoid those without health reports. Brands like Samsung and Crucial often refurbish their own drives to high standards.
Q: Can I use an SSD in an old refurbished laptop?
A: Absolutely! Most laptops from the last 10+ years support SATA SSDs. Just ensure you have a 2.5-inch bay or M.2 slot (check your model specs). Cloning your old drive makes the swap seamless.
Q: Are HDDs ever better than SSDs for refurbished PCs?
A: Only if you need 4TB+ of storage on a tight budget and don’t mind slower speeds. For OS and daily tasks, SSDs are far superior.
Q: Do refurbished SSDs come with warranties?
A: Many do—especially from major brands or certified resellers. Always confirm warranty length before buying.
Q: Will an SSD improve gaming performance on a refurbished PC?
A: Yes! While it won’t boost FPS, it drastically reduces load times, texture pop-in, and system stuttering—making games feel smoother and more responsive.
Still wondering whether to buy SSD or HDD on refurbished? Our top picks prove that SSDs deliver unmatched value, speed, and longevity—even in older systems. Whether you’re reviving a family laptop or building a budget gaming rig, investing in a quality refurbished SSD is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Click any “Check Price” button above to find the best deal today!