fusion drive with external ssd

[bigcletus123]

I have a 2014 Mini. I recently bought a LaCie 256 gig external SSD running thru USB 3 port. I would like to know if I can "fusion" my 1 TB internal drive to my SSD drive. I know ideally its better to install an internal SSD, however thats not where I am. Also, I know if the ext SSD is disconnected Mac won't boot. I have 10.10 already installed on the SSD and can boot from it with option key.

Can this be done ??

Thanks

 

[hfg]

Technically ... yes, you can create a Fusion drive with a external drive and an internal drive. However, it will probably create a nasty surprise if they were to become disconnected at some point while operating. I would be inclined to put my OS X system and personal desktop on the external SSD, and just put media libraries on the internal hard disk for music, video, and photos.

 

[Fishrrman]

You can create a fusion drive with an external SSD and an internal HDD if you wish, but...

... in my opinion, you'd do better just to let the external SSD serve as your "external booter" (standalone, UN-fused SSD), and boot and run the Mini that way. The SSD will probably run a little faster as a standalone drive.

You'll have two drive icons on the desktop, instead of one, but I predict that you'll get used to that very quickly. It's not difficult to "manually manage" where everything goes.

I've been booting and running my late-2012 Mini for 2.5 years this way, still boots quickly and runs smoothly.