SSD use on multiple computers

[attempteverything]

Hello all!
I have a 2009 (20inch) and a 2017(21.5 in) imac and I'm hoping that there is a possibility of running both off an external SSD. Is this possible? I will have the two computers at two locations (home/work). I'm switching to an external SSD for speed on the 2017 regardless, but just curious if the SSD would work with both.

Thanks for any help/advice on this!

 

[Erehy Dobon]

Based on your limited description, it appears your 2009 iMac is an Early/Mid 2009 model which can only run El Capitan 10.11 per this page:

Mac OS Compatibility Guide by Mac Model

Easily check which versions of mac OS, iOS, iPadOS, or watchOS are compatible with your Mac model or iDevice.

eshop.macsales.com

That version is too old to run on your 2017 iMac which requires Sierra 10.12 as a minimum. There is no version of macOS that overlaps your two systems.

Your only option would be to partition the external SSD into two separate partitions, installing an older version of macOS for the iMac Early/Mid 2009 and a separate newer macOS for the iMac Mid 2017. Note that you may need to budget for a larger SSD since each macOS installation will take up its own disk space. Whether or not you want to go through this hassle is entirely your call.

Best of luck.

 

[MacUser2525]

Hello all!
I have a 2009 (20inch) and a 2017(21.5 in) imac and I'm hoping that there is a possibility of running both off an external SSD. Is this possible? I will have the two computers at two locations (home/work). I'm switching to an external SSD for speed on the 2017 regardless, but just curious if the SSD would work with both.

Thanks for any help/advice on this!

Should work if you want to put up with iCloud annoying you all the time. I know when I clone my install for my backup computer that is the first thing I see on login, going through the foolishness of signing in and confirming that I allow my device to login from another device, a total PITA. It see different computer and makes you do it.

 

[Fishrrman]

As Erehy pointed out above in #2, the "age difference" between the two iMacs is going to cause you problems.

I suggest that you DO NOT try this.

Let your "work Mac" and your "home Mac" each be THEIR OWN COMPUTER.
Things will go better (and easier) that way.

 

[IowaLynn]

Hello all!
I have a 2009 (20inch) and a 2017(21.5 in) imac and I'm hoping that there is a possibility of running both off an external SSD. Is this possible? I will have the two computers at two locations (home/work). I'm switching to an external SSD for speed on the 2017 regardless, but just curious if the SSD would work with both.

Thanks for any help/advice on this!

Never unless setup as network attached server.