I'm thinking about switching from Windows 7 to Linux Mint, and I'm considering running it from an external SSD instead of upgrading my old internal HDD. My computer is quite ancient—around 14 to 15 years old—and I opened it up once to look inside but felt overwhelmed by the mess of wires. I really don't have the know-how or support to install an SSD internally, so I'm wondering if I can install Linux Mint on an external SSD connected via USB 3.0. Will this setup be stable and provide better performance compared to using my current old HDD, especially if I leave the SSD plugged in all the time?
1 Answer
Running Linux Mint from an external SSD is totally doable, and you'll likely see a significant boost in speed compared to your decade-old HDD. Just make sure you're using a good SATA SSD with a USB 3.0 connection for better performance. There are even methods like using Ventoy for a hassle-free installation, which let you boot directly from the SSD without messing with bootloaders. Just remember to choose the SSD as the installation target when you're setting up Linux Mint, and you should be all set!
Yeah, Ventoy is awesome! I always use it for installing OSes. If you want to replace that internal drive at some point, I can help if you share some pics of your PC's interior!