How to upgrade HDDs in RAID1 to SSDs (Intel RST)

[_Adam]

Hello all,

I have a Dell XPS8910 running Intel RST (15.9.0.1015). There are two 1TB mechanical HDDs set up in a RAID1 configuration. I'd like to upgrade the HDDs to SSDs (already purchased 1TB Samsung 870 EVOs) and would like to thoroughly understand the correct procedure before I get started.

I read the question in this post, which sounds exactly like what I'm trying to do. But, I'm wondering if someone can expand on #2 in the instructions -- specifically, how to "set one of the drives to non-raid". I can see a "Reset disks to non-RAID" option. Will selecting that option provide a subsequent option to specify one of the drives?  Does "Reset disks to non-RAID" not just effectively delete the RAID array?

Thanks for helping me better understand this!

[_Adam]

Maybe there's another way to ask about this:

What if I were to. . . 

1. Shut down the computer
2. Replace one of the HDDs with an SSD (does this mimic a failed drive?)
3. Boot up the computer

At this point, if I were to run the Intel RST program, would I see the option to "Rebuild to another disk"?

Thanks!

[Jocelyn_Intel]

Hello, @_Adam  

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities. I will gladly assist you here. 

The way to upgrade your HDDs in RAID1 to SSDs will depend on how you created the RAID (via BIOS or Intel® RST tool) and if both drives are connected to the same controller and only your System Manufacturer (Dell) is able to confirm that. 

Best regards,  

Jocelyn M.   

Intel Customer Support Technician. 

[_Adam]

Thank you, Jocelyn!

I'm pretty sure I can answer the first question, but may need a little guidance on the 2nd.

1) If creating the array via CTRL+I means it was created in BIOS, than it was created via BIOS.  I subsequently installed the Intel RST tool on the Windows 10 OS in order to monitor the status of the array and the drives.

2) When I purchased this computer, it was not configured with a RAID array; I installed the drives and created/configured the RAID array.  I can tell you that both drives are connected directly to the motherboard.  Does that confirm they are connected to the same controller?  If not, is there additional information I can retrieve to help confirm?

Thanks, again!

-Adam

[Jocelyn_Intel]

Hello, @_Adam  

Thank you for the information provided. 

Since you created the RAID from the BIOS, you need to contact your System Manufacturer to see what options or steps they can provide you to do that upgrade and confirm if both drives are connected to the same controller, as it's not an Intel BIOS and we cannot make suggestions as they might even cause data loss.

This thread will no longer be monitored, but if you need assistance with other products, feel free to contact us back and submit a new question. 

Have a nice day. 

Best regards,  

Jocelyn M.   

Intel Customer Support Technician.