Question about RAID1 array degraded status

[steve2470]

In my computer I have two very small SSD's in RAID1 array. It usually works perfectly and well for my purposes. However, once a week or so I get a "degraded" status message from my LSI hardware raid controller. I don't lose any data but I'm just curious. Is once a week "degraded" status pretty typical for a heavily-used RAID1 array or should I be concerned whatsoever ? Thanks in advance for your time, once again.

Steve

[HopeHoops]

1. I'm going to go out on a limb here - does it do that after a full backup?

In some systems, the backup process will break the mirror so the backup will work on a single static drive while the other drive remains available for use. When the backup is done it will re-establish the mirror but that requires rebuilding in the same way that replacing a drive would. A degraded status can mean a failed disk or a rebuild in process. Is the RAID software of any help in determining WHICH drive it's complaining about?

[steve2470]

2. yes the software does pinpoint which SSD

It doesn't do it after a full backup, just once a week to once every two weeks during normal operations. The SSD's are now 13 months old, so I'm hopeful I can get more usage before I have to replace them. I'm new to this whole RAID thing, so I don't know what to expect. Thanks for your time, HopeHoops.

[HopeHoops]

3. RAID 1 is a simple mirroring of identical devices (even if virtual).

You can have multiple virtual devices (partitions) mirrored into corresponding volumes, but I'm guessing that's not what's going on. The partitions have to be identical, but the devices don't. It is just easier if they are. Since the SSD in question isn't that old, the easiest way to deal with it is to get another one and replace it. BACKUP EVERYTHING ON IT FIRST!!!!

The software will let you break the mirror as easily as it let you set it up (yes, that's a caveat). From there you basically do the same thing you did in the first place. Swap out the faulty drive for the new one and re-establish the mirror. It will take a while to rebuild the mirror, but it won't be horrible. Just keep tabs on it and do some laundry or dishes or something while you wait.