Clean install on ext hard drive

I have a new 21" iMac arriving and plan on using external drives rather than the internal one. It's my first time installing OS X from the App Store to a new hard drive so I want to make sure I have the procedure correct.
From what I've read I can boot from the recovery partition by using CMD-R at start up and then set up WiFi and procede with the download to my new drive. Is that correct? I also want to make sure the boot partition is untouched. This will make it easier for me on resale because I won't have to copy my data over or do a reinstall of the OS. Installing via Recover will achieve these goals, Yes?
Thanks in advance. "Solved" credit will be given to first correct response.

Thanks for the confirmation.
I can't see how a desktop WD Black on USB 3 is going to be any slower than Apple's OEM internal 5200RPM laptop drive in the iMac. I like the greater flexibility, esp. in case of HD failure. If I use the iMac's int. drive and it fails I'm computer-less for days if not a full week, not to mention the time to schlep it to and back from the store. Also, as noted, if I keep the int. drive new then that is time saved when I go to sell.

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1: If near a Apple Store or Authorized Repair, take it to then for a free evaluation, it might have other hardware problems now that it would be a waste of effort even continuing.
2: The RAM needs to be
Maximum Memory
3.0 GB (Actual) 2.0 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots
2 - 200-pin PC2-5300 (667MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM
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3: This User Tip can assist in installing 10.6 Snow Leopard, partition format etc.
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
Software Update fully immediately after setup.
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4: If not successful then the drive also likely needs to be replaced, if so choose a 7,200 RPM SATA I w/1.5Gb/s connection.
Install/upgrade RAM or storage drive in Mac's
Repeat #3
If your getting beeping noises or "you need to restart" issues, it's likely one or more of the RAM modules is bad. Have it exchanged or swapped.
I advise good quality RAM the first time, if you buy cheap stuff it's just going back.
Don't go any further than 10.6.8 with that old machine, the performance will be terrible.

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This question was solved.
View Solution.

@lucasc ,
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If not you will install the operating system of your choice. Before doing so make sure the notebook came with the operating system and you have supported drivers for the OS you want to install.
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I hope this helps. Thank you again for posting and have a great day.
Please click the "Thumbs Up" on the bottom right of this post to say thank you if you appreciate the support I provide!
Also be sure to mark my post as “Accept as Solution" if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others who face the same challenge find the same solution.
D5GR
I work on behalf of HP

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Clean install on ext hard drive

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