Hi,
I am looking to install an external SSD on my older iMac (2017) to replace the existing HDD for running MacOS (Ventura 13.7.8). My current HDD is running slow and I have been advised that installing an external SSD instead can speed things up.
My question is what format to use for formatting the SSD in order to make it work with the existing HDD?
Any help is appreciated. Thanks
iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 13.7
Jack-19 created an awesome User Tip just for that.
see > Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community
The answer to your formatting question, is down in section 3.
Jack-19 created an awesome User Tip just for that.
see > Use an external SSD as your startup disk … - Apple Community
The answer to your formatting question, is down in section 3.
I too had an older, slower mechanical drive which I replaced by adding external SSD. I formatted it the same as my HD, then installed the OS and transferred my files using Migration Assistant. The increase in speed was virtually unbelievable. You will be very happy with the result.
+2 on Jack-19's instructions. Also, please note a 2017 is now an older machine that is considered obsolete. This means (as you likely already know) it cannot run current versions of Mac OS and parts are not readily available. If the machine is your primary computer, you may want to consider replacing it rather than spending money on an old computer. Yes this will be more $ that just buying an external high quality SSD however there are many many more benefits you will have. Just food for thought.
Great and I will try that. Thank you!
👍 You're welcome..
Installing and running macOS on external SSD to replace HDD from 2017 iMac
