Best 64GB SATA II SSD

The version of SATA is unimportant. I recommend a crucial M4 SSD if you want to go 64GB, although I strongly urge you to go 128GB and get a Samsung 840 pro. You will have almost no space for files if you go with 64GB.

Hope this helps!

64GB are getting low in supply chain and can be less cost effective than getting a 120GB and seem to have poor read/write times.

Prices from ebuyer.com ex-vat & delivery ...

Crucial 64GB V4 SSD £55
Toshiba 128GB $89.99 <-- Very good drives

Samsung 840 120GB (non-Pro): about $95

Wear-out:
There's no need to get the PRO version of the Samsung 840. While it will last longer in theory, it's very, very unlikely your sister would wear it out in the computers lifetime.

SPEED:
An older laptop's SATA controller is not going to run a good SSD at full speed either. No point in paying extra for something you can't use. Just because it has a "SATA6" controller doesn't mean you'll get full Write Speeds. There's an article here at Tomshardware that discusses this.

Samsung Magician and SSD setup:
1) Install Samsung Magician
2) Apply over-provisioning (important to prevent slow-downs)
3) update FIRMWARE if needed
4) run benchmark if you wish (probably slower due to older SSD controller)
5) REMOVE Samsung Magician (if it pops up when booting. It's not needed now.)

*Capacity:
On a 120GB SSD you'll probably see about 89GB after over-provisioning and formatting. As others have said, 64GB really isn't enough. After you install Windows you might only see 30GB used (depends on RAM as well) but System Restore and a few other things slowly use up drive space. I had a 60GB SSD and used 35GB shortly after fresh Windows install. Two months later I ran out of space (53GB usable). One year later I was at 70GB where it basically stabilized (if you have capacity problems though you can Google how to reduce Pagefile or eliminate Hibernation file).

Backup Image:
Use Acronis True Image Free (WD or Seagate HDD must be installed), or Windows System Image: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/4241/how-to-create-a-system-image-in-windows-7/

Make an IMAGE of your SSD once you've got everything installed (programs, drivers, Microsoft Updates etc.). It's good to UPDATE from time to time, but always keep the FIRST backup because viruses or glitches can creep in later without you knowing (so TWO backups; the 2nd one is updated every month or two). I use Acronis True Image 2013 and create WEEKLY backups (automatic) but it costs $50.

Summary:
- recommend Samsung 840 (non-Pro) 120GB
- Samsung Magician (firmware update, over-provisioning, test)
- IMAGE BACKUP