^
I would bite the bullet on loss of time and simply get an external SSD.
On the right you'll see my node: SSD sitting behind it. I velcro'd it to the nodes case. It's in its own case with super fast connection cable. 
Discussion
Think you’re right, new SSD here I come
2TB is what you'll need for now. And that's 50% already.
So... if you can find a deal on a 4TB. (I did) I would just go for it and be done with it for quite some time