MacBook Pro 2011 Non-Metal GPU: Need Advice

Hello everyone, I have a few questions to ask you.

I own a 2011 MacBook Pro with a non-metal GPU. Currently, I have OpenCore with Sonoma installed on the HDD. It works, though I experience some color bugs and it’s a bit slow, but it does function (even though at times I get artifacts and freezes).

However, when I install the SSD internally, it doesn’t work at all. So maybe I should reinstall OpenCore on the HDD, but with Monterey, and then set up the SSD on another computer and do the same thing? In short, reinstall OpenCore with Monterey on both the HDD and SSD.

Otherwise, for a budget of 200–300, which Mac model would you recommend for installing OpenCore? This 2011 Mac might be failing because of its non-metal GPU, so I’m looking for the best quality/price ratio. Maybe a 2015 or 2017 Mac?

Thanks, everyone. I really enjoy reading this community; your tips have helped me a lot in the past. Now I need your advice. Thanks! Don’t hesitate to ask if you need one or two photos of a menu or anything else.