Updating the Firmware 43
Updating the FirmwareUpdating the Dell™ Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) 6/iR controller firmware is achieved by flashing the
firmware. The firmware can be flashed while the controller is in use. The system must be restarted
for the changes to the firmware to take effect. If there is a failure while flashing the firmware (such
as a power outage) the controller reverts back to the earlier version of the firmware.
NOTE: If you flash the firmware while using the controller, you may notice temporary degradation in the
controller's performance.
Firmware Update Utility
Firmware update utility can be run from a variety of operating systems. Firmware flash is automated
and no user intervention is required. You can obtain firmware flash utility from the Dell™
PowerEdge™ Service and Diagnostic Utilities CD that shipped with your system.
Running the firmware update utility from the operating system is not supported on Dell
workstations. You have to perform a manual update. In the event of new firmware release, check the
Dell Support website at support.dell.com for the latest firmware updates and the firmware
update procedure.
NOTICE: The SAS6/iR Firmware includes non-volatile configuration information (NVDATA). Do not attempt to
downgrade the firmware to a revision with an NVDATA major version earlier than the currently installed major
version. Doing so will put the controller in a non-functional state. The currently installed NVDATA version can
be found in the Adapter Properties in the BIOS Configuration Utility (CTRL-C.) Contact Dell support for
assistance.
book.book Page 43 Wednesday, July 25, 2007 10:58 AM