OS X installed in one machine and used in another

[lled7]

I have an 2006 iMac with a Core 2 Duo and 3GB of memory and a 2009 13" Mac Book Pro with a Core 2 Duo and 8GB of memory.

I'm sure the best practice would be to install Mac OS X to an SSD while using the Mac Book Pro. However, I was wondering if I can on my iMac, install Mac OS X to an SSD in a firewire hard drive dock and then use that SSD and replace the hard drive in the Mac Book Pro? Thanks in advance for the replies....

 

[Stooby Mcdoobie]

That should work just fine.

 

[lled7]

Even though both units use different graphics cards it should still work right?

 

[Stooby Mcdoobie]

In that case, you may have some driver and compatibility issues. I misread the OP and assumed you were moving from one Mac to another of the same type - my fault.

I would recommend installing OS X either while the SSD is connected to the FW port of the Macbook, or after the SSD has been inserted into the Macbook.

 

[snberk103]

I think you will have no issues. A couple of years ago my 8 core Mac Pro had to go into the shop. I had a cloned backup of the Mac Pro's boot disk on an external drive. I simply booted my MBP (lap top) off the external drive. They were the same year however. But I think OS X installs a complete version of itself, and then checks the HW as it boots. If it finds a different set than the last boot, it will simply use the appropriate drivers.

 

[lled7]

Yes these two are of different years (2006 and 2009). Different video cards and probably different Intel chipsets. I guess I can give it a try and report back. I was hoping someone had already gone down this road for me and give me some insight.