Consider adding a second 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD in a PCIe slot with an adapter like this
> Now I realize certain builds don't have an available m.2 slot
If anything, someone could at least use one of those PCIe slot adapter cards if they have a spare slot. Something like this.
I did mention that in my original comment. Even so, PCIe adapters are available for less than $20 https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Aluminum-Heatsink-Windows-Linux/dp/B08L3FX782 so long as you have free PCIe slot you can still use it.
The only adapters that will work are PCIe (https://www.amazon.com/Adapter-Aluminum-Heatsink-Windows-Linux/dp/B08L3FX782/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?).
A 2.5 in SSD uses a 550 MB/s interface, while an NVMe M.2 can reach a speed of 7,000 MB/s. For testing and building purposes I have a USB 3.0 external case that will fit a NVMe M.2, but I would never use it for long term