Update System or Service Processor Flash

Attention: If the system is running on a logically partitioned system, ask the customer or system administrator if a service partition has been designated.

vIf it has, ask the customer or system administrator to shut down all of the partitions except the one with service authority. The firmware update can then be done using the service aid or the AIX command line in that partition.

vIf a service partition has not been designated, the system must be shut down. If the firmware update image is available on backup diskettes, the firmware update can then be done from the service processor menus as a privileged user. If the firmware update image is in a file on the system, reboot the system in a full machine partition and use the following normal firmware update procedures.

If the system is already in a full machine partition, use the following normal firmware update procedures:

Note: This service aid runs on CHRP system units only.

This selection updates the system or service processor flash for CHRP system units. Some systems may have separate images for system and service processor firmware; newer systems have a combined image that contains both in one image.

Look for additional update and recovery instructions with the update kit. You need to know the fully qualified path and file name of the flash update image file provided in the kit. If the update image file is on a diskette, the service aid can list the files on the diskette for selection. The diskette must be a valid backup format diskette.

Refer to the update instructions with the kit, or the service guide for the system unit to determine the current level of the system unit or service processor flash memory.

When this service aid is run from online diagnostics, the flash update image file is copied to the /var file system. It is recommended that the source of the microcode that you want to download be put into the /etc/microcode directory on the system. If there is not enough space in the /var file system for the new flash update image file, an error is reported. If this error occurs, exit the service aid, increase the size of the /var file system, and retry the service aid. After the file is copied, a screen requests confirmation before continuing with the flash update. When you continue the update flash, the system reboots using the shutdown -ucommand. The system does not return to the diagnostics, and the current flash image is not saved. After the reboot, you can remove the /var/update_flash_image file.

When this service aid is run from standalone diagnostics, the flash update image file is copied to the file system from diskette or from the NIM server. Using a diskette, the user must provide the image on backup format diskette because the user does not have access to remote file systems or any other files that are on the system. If using the NIM server, the microcode image must first be copied onto the NIM server in the /usr/lib/microcode directory pointed to the NIM SPOT (from which you plan to have the NIM client boot standalone diagnostics) prior to performing the NIM boot of

136Eserver pSeries 690 User's Guide

Page 149 Page 151
Page 150
Image 150
IBM pSeries690 manual Update System or Service Processor Flash
Page 149 Page 151

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.
Top Page Image Contents