Is it possible to run my iMAC from an external hard drive?

Question

Level 1

7 points

Is it possible to run my iMAC from an external hard drive?

My iMAC's hard drive is done. I'm having a hard time booting it up. I really don't have the funds to purchase a new computer today, so I'm looking for options. I was considering buying an external drive and using that as a remote hard drive for a time. My plan is to clone the hard drive to the external drive. I'm hoping I can boot from that drive via a USB port until i can afford a new computer. Any and all advise is welcome.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Jun 7, 2016 8:29 AM

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Answer 1

RIFerrarr

Level 4

1,181 points

Jun 7, 2016 8:31 AM in response to glenfromcali

Yes, you can run your computer off an external hard drive, it will be a lot slower than it is right now.

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Answer 2

dialabrain

Level 10

136,127 points

Jun 7, 2016 8:34 AM in response to glenfromcali

You can boot from an external drive but if your internal drive has errors it wouldn't be wise to clone it to the new one seeing some of the files may be corrupt.

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Answer 3

glenfromcali Author

Level 1

7 points

Jun 7, 2016 9:04 AM in response to dialabrain

I see, so what would you suggest as my best option. I have already backed up my information to a borrowed drive.

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Answer 4

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Jun 7, 2016 9:11 AM in response to glenfromcali

I've run my Mac many times from external disk. I also beta test on an external disk, so sometimes I run external for close to a year. I find very little difference in speed from an 7200 rpm firewire external drive.

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Answer 5

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jun 7, 2016 12:52 PM in response to glenfromcali

Get the fastest data protocol drive that your MacBook can use.

USB 2.0 speeds will just be too slow and inefficient to run a Mac from for any prolonged time.

If your MacBook supporrts FireWire 800, get an external hard drive that supports that connection.

If your MacBook has a Thunderbolt port, then purchase a Thunderbolt connected external hard drive.

If in the U.S., here's where to find great quality external FireWire/Thunderbolt drives.

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/external-storage?_ga=1.27781308.1842276781.14630 59444

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Thunderbolt/

https://eshop.macsales.com/search/lacie+Thunderbolt+Desktop

Make sure the drives are the faster 7200 RPM external drives and NOT the laptop standard 5400 RPM drives.

Good Luck!

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Answer 6

babowa

Level 9

78,568 points

Jun 7, 2016 1:10 PM in response to glenfromcali

I've got two of these USB 3 drives:

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/firewire/EliteALmini/eSATA-FW800-FW400-USB

works great; USB 3 is a bit faster than FW800 it seems.

Make sure you format the external correctly so it is bootable (Mac OS Extended Journaled) with GUID Partition Scheme.

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Answer 7

MichelPM

Level 10

81,535 points

Jun 7, 2016 1:23 PM in response to babowa

I assumed that the OP's MacBook is older since it is still running OS X 10.6.8 Snow Leopard, that MacBook may not have USB 3.0, but USB 2.0 ports and will run at USB 2.0 speeds which, I think, will be slower than FireWire 800?

No?

Some MacBook models that have USB 2.0 ports, have the newer Thunderbolt port, too, instead of FireWire 800.

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Answer 8

babowa

Level 9

78,568 points

Jun 7, 2016 2:56 PM in response to MichelPM

Absolutely, that would be slower - missed that part completely......

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