Installing ML on new ssd

Question

Hi,
I just got a new Mac Pro and an SSD drive. I would like to install ML on the Ssd and use it as a startup disk. I have not fired up the Mac Pro yet. I have a bootable ML USB drive. My question is about the order of how to do things. Is there a way to start up with the USB and format and install ML on the ssd without ever booting with the HDD?
Thank you!

Answer 1

Install the SSD. Boot the computer from the USB drive:
Boot Using OPTION key:
  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Immediately after the chime press and hold down the
      "OPTION" key.
  3. Release the key when the boot manager appears.
  4. Select the USB drive.
  5. Click on the arrow button below the icon.
Partition and Format the hard drive:
1. Select Disk Utility from the main menu and click on the Continue button.
2. After DU loads select SSD (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 Partition button and wait until the process has completed. Quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Install button. Be sure to select the SSD.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.