Updating the baseboard management controller firmware

The baseboard management controller (BMC) performs several system management functions such as:

■Monitoring server components (FRU) and sensor data records (SDR) (the information provided depends on the option selected)

■Managing non-volatile storage for the system event log and sensor data records

■Interfacing with the emergency management port to send alerts and interact with remote management systems

■Fault resilient booting (the extent depends on the option selected)

You should update the BMC firmware when Gateway Customer Care has instructed you to update it. The initial firmware update after installing the IMM Module also requires a boot block update, but subsequent firmware updates do not.

To update the BMC firmware without boot block update:

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Create a DOS-bootable USB Disk-on-keydevice or a DOS-bootable CD.Download the BMC update file from support.gateway.com.Follow the instructions included with the update file.

4 Turn off the server, then disconnect the power cord(s) and wait for the Standby power LED to turn off.

To update the BMC firmware with boot block update:

1 Follow the instructions in “Preventing static electricity discharge” on page 41. Make sure that you disconnect the power cord(s), and wait until the Standby power LED turns off.

2 Follow the instructions in “Opening the server case” on page 42.

Caution If you do not disconnect the power cords when instructed to in this procedure, the BMC firmware will not update.

3 Remove the PCI riser assembly. For instructions, see “Installing and removing PCI expansion cards” on page 69.

www.gateway.com

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