Booting from an External SSD

I have a Mac Mini M4 with an LG 32" monitor.

I have a 1 TB external SSD that I want to run Golden Gate beta.

I was running both Sonoma on the M4 and Sonoma beta on the EHD. For some reason, maybe the beta required or did a firmware update, the M4 crashed with an amber light. Had to take the M4 into a Genius Bar to get reset.

If I run Golden Gate on an EHD is there a possibility that I might run into a firmware issue? Is that possible?

Any comments on the above and any tips on installing Golden Gate on the EHD?

OT

Booting from an External SSD
 
 
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