macOS on external SSD & Time Machine

[pexel]

I'd like to update my folks 2015 iMac from the 5,400 RPM drive to an external SSD (no intention of opening the iMac whilst it's still covered by warranty).

Ideally, I'd clone the entire drive to the external 256GB SSD and continue to use Time Machine backing up to an external HD.

In the event that the entire iMac contents will not fit on the SSD, I'll be looking to move only macOS and Applications to the SSD with Carbon Copy, excluding the Home folder. In this scenario, will Time Machine still backup the macOS drive (SSD) and the Home folder on the internal HDD? If I ever needed to restore from Time Machine to a new mac, would it restore both macOS and Home folder contents to a new mac drive?

 

[maflynn]

Yes, Time Machine will back up all your data.

I have a Samsung T3 that is 500GB and found that to be very fast, and a good price. I'd recommend that.

I also recommend if you're going to go the external SSD route, that you buy a SSD that's large enough to handle the OS and your home folder.

 

[pexel]

I also recommend if you're going to go the external SSD route, that you buy a SSD that's large enough to handle the OS and your home folder.

That is a great suggestion! At the moment they are only using 170GB so I've settled for a 250GB for now. I don't foresee them using much storage as they simply use the iMac for web surfing so this should hopefully last them some time.