Clean Install-New SSD

Question

I've an early-2008 MacBook Pro and would like to do a clean Yosemite install on a new SSD before installing it in the machine.
My question is can I do the Yosemite install from the current drive in the notebook given it's already running Yosemite?
Many thanks in advance!

Answer 1

No. Here's what you need to do. Put the SSD into an external enclosure connected to the MBP.
Drive Partition and Format
1.Oopen Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Apply button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Erase button.
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Reinstall OS X: Select Reinstall OS X and click on the Continue button. Be sure to select the external SSD as the target for the install.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.