Unfortunately I can't seem to get the Intel RST app to run so that I can monitor the health of the raid-1 configuration. I believe that the raid-1 configuration has not been compromised because I see it when I am booting up computer. I am hesitant to implement one of your suggestions because I don't see them stated in the meager instructions provided by Intel for installing the RST raid driver (found at -Rapid-Storage-Technology-Intel-RST-RAID-Driver Download Intel Rapid Storage Technology (Intel RST) RAID Driver). I am also concerned about switching from RAID, the current setting in the bios, to AHCI because it seems counter-intuitive and also because I do not possess enough knowledge to know the differences between the two SATA modes.