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Updating firmware and device drivers

Lenovo periodically makes UEFI code, IMM2 firmware, diagnostic firmware, and device-driver updates available for the compute nodes. Provisioning is the set of actions that you take to update the firmware and device drivers and install the operating system. Several tools are available to help you update the firmware and device drivers in the provisioning process.

Firmware and device drivers in the upper and lower compute nodes are installed and maintained separately.

Attention
Installing the wrong firmware or device-driver update might cause the compute node to malfunction. Before you install a firmware or device-driver update, read any readme and change history files that are provided with the downloaded update. These files contain important information about the update and the procedure for installing the update, including any special procedure for updating from an early firmware or device-driver version to the latest version.
Note
  1. Follow the instructions in the readme file that comes with the firmware update.
  2. If you are using a compute node that came with the Ethernet LAN-on-motherboard (LOM) controller integrated on the system board, you can find the device drivers at http://www.emulex.com/downloads/ibm/vfa-software-kits.html.

  • Flex System Manager Update Manager

    Flex System Manager Update Manager (if installed) acquires, installs, and manages firmware and device driver updates and monitors your compute nodes to ensure that they remain current. For more information about updating the Flex System Manager Update Manager, see Updating firmware and software for the Flex System Manager.

  • UpdateXpress System Packs

    UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSP) contain an integration-tested bundle of online, updateable firmware and device drivers for your compute node. The Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator uses UpdateXpress System Packs to update the firmware and device drivers.

    Typically, use UpdateXpress System Packs to update firmware and device drivers for a compute node that has previously been provisioned. For more information about UpdateXpress System Packs, see the UpdateXpress website.

  • Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator

    You can use Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to create bootable media that is suitable for applying firmware updates and running preboot diagnostics. Using ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, you can create a single bootable image on supported media (such as CD, DVD, ISO image, USB flash drive, or set of PXE files) that bundles multiple Flex System tools and updates from UpdateXpress System Packs, which contain Windows and Linux® firmware updates.

    Typically, use Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator for the initial setup of a compute node. For more information about the Lenovo Bootable Media Creator, see the Bootable Media Creator (BoMC) for Lenovo x86 servers website.

    To provision a compute node with updated firmware and device drivers by using Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, complete the following steps:

    1. Download Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to a computer that is connected over the management network to the Flex System Manager management software (if installed) that is managing the compute node.
    2. Create the bootable media of firmware and device-driver updates.
    3. Connect to the Flex System Manager management software that is managing the Flex System chassis in which the compute node is installed.
    4. From Flex System Manager Chassis Manager, select the compute node. In the Actions column, select Remote Control.
      Note
      The user ID that you use to log in to Flex System Manager management software must have sufficient user permissions to manage the compute node.
    5. From the Remote Control session, mount the bootable media (using Remote Media).
    6. Start the compute node to boot the media and install the updates.

  • Integrated management module II (IMM2)

    You can use IMM2 to update some types of compute node firmware. For more information about the IMM2, see the Integrated Management Module II User’s Guide (an IBM ID is required to access this content).

Important
To avoid problems and to maintain system performance, always make sure that the UEFI code, IMM2 firmware, and diagnostic firmware levels are consistent in all compute nodes in the Flex System chassis. For information about firmware levels, see the Flex System Firmware Update Guides.

For additional information about updating firmware and device drivers, see UEFI Compliant Firmware on System x® and BladeCenter® Servers, the Flex System Quick start guides, andthe Flex System Firmware Update Guides (you might need to register to access this content).