Here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to format an SSD across all types of Windows devices to ensure that you have a fresh drive to store your data.

Yes, do a clean install. Supposedly the X25-M is sector alignment agnostic, but might as well avoid the issue to start with.

1. I've already made a bootable 10.10 OS installer on a USB stick - can I do a clean OS install on the SSD, and then use the Migration Assistant by plugging in my old system drive in an external ...

Cloning software is pretty good nowadays, but when you're installing a new SSD in your PC should you use it or go for a fresh install of Windows 10?

Why is that? MacOS Recovery is in sync with High Sierra, and Apple converts a boot SSD volume into APFS when you install High Sierra.