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dwchan
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When to update your HP NIC and Smart Array firmware

We use HP exclusive in our virtual environment, mostly the BL class, and some DL. We tends to keep both the ILO and BIOS up to date. (What ever HP recommended from their support/download web page). In the blade environment, we also have to update the blade enclosure management module like virtual connect and SAN switch. All and all, is not that bad. But however, what is the overall community experience when it come to the Smart Array controller firmware and onboard NIC firmware? I usually don't find any firmware update related to either Disk array or NIC when I select ESX as the OS (only BIOS, or SIM agent, etc). But when I boot with server with HP latest firmware CD for a particular model, you always see them being available.

I have check with VMware, and their recommendation is follow what your OEM have available, make sure it is the latest. But since the Smart Array, NIC, or HBA firmware usually doesn't show up directly when you pick ESX as your OS for your particular model i.e.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=3621782&...

but yet, it is available on the latest firmware CD (sometime when your pick Windows as your OS), should one go ahead and flash or just leave it alone?

dwc

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Texiwill
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Hello,

DL380G5, FW8.1 w/3.5 Update 2.

I plan on moving to new firmware when I upgrade the version of my ESX or unless there is a problem they solve that I am experiencing. In general, new releases require new firmware.


Best regards,

Edward L. Haletky

VMware Communities User Moderator

====

Author of the book 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise: Planning and Securing Virtualization Servers', Copyright 2008 Pearson Education.

CIO Virtualization Blog: http://www.cio.com/blog/index/topic/168354

As well as the Virtualization Wiki at http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Virtualization

--
Edward L. Haletky
vExpert XIV: 2009-2023,
VMTN Community Moderator
vSphere Upgrade Saga: https://www.astroarch.com/blogs
GitHub Repo: https://github.com/Texiwill

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abaum
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We try to upgrade all the firmwares (BIOS, disk, disk controller, NIC, etc) at least once a year. One thing I noticed with the latest rev of the HP Firmware CD is it will now upgrade certain Emulex HBAs. I don't know if if it does all Emulex or any Qlogics. I don't know for certain, but I am guessing that HP doesn't list firmware for certain ESX items due to fact that no one submitted the necessary change to their web editors.

adam

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dwchan
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what HP hardware you use? what firmware level cd you are using? and lastly, what version of ESX?

dwc

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abaum
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We run a mix of DL58x servers (sorry..no blades). My current firmware CD is 8.2 which may be the actual latest one put out by HP. ESX 3.5U1 but moving to U2.

adam

Texiwill
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Hello,

DL380G5, FW8.1 w/3.5 Update 2.

I plan on moving to new firmware when I upgrade the version of my ESX or unless there is a problem they solve that I am experiencing. In general, new releases require new firmware.


Best regards,

Edward L. Haletky

VMware Communities User Moderator

====

Author of the book 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise: Planning and Securing Virtualization Servers', Copyright 2008 Pearson Education.

CIO Virtualization Blog: http://www.cio.com/blog/index/topic/168354

As well as the Virtualization Wiki at http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Virtualization

--
Edward L. Haletky
vExpert XIV: 2009-2023,
VMTN Community Moderator
vSphere Upgrade Saga: https://www.astroarch.com/blogs
GitHub Repo: https://github.com/Texiwill
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doubleH
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my 2 cents.....everytime HP releases a new firmware cdrom i update all my firmware on my hosts. i like to keep up to date and run the latest and greatest. i usually wait a few weeks once it's released to ensure no issues exist a la U2.

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