Updating firmware - IBM Flex System x240 Compute Node Types 7863, 8737, 8738, and 8956

IBM® periodically makes UEFI code, IMM2 firmware, diagnostic firmware updates, and device-driver updates available for the compute node. 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.

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: Follow the instructions in the readme file that comes with the firmware update.

IBM Flex System Manager Update Manager
IBM 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 IBM Flex System Manager Update Manager, see Updating firmware and software for the IBM 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 IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator uses UpdateXpress System Packs to update the firmware and device drivers.

Typically, use UpdateXpress System Packs to update firmware and devices drivers for a compute node that has previously been provisioned. For more information about UpdateXpress System Packs, see the IBM UpdateXpress website.
IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator
You can use IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to create bootable media that is suitable for applying firmware updates and running preboot diagnostics. Using IBM 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 IBM Flex System tools and updates from UpdateXpress System Packs, which contain Windows and Linux® firmware updates.

Typically, use IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator for the initial setup of a compute node. For more information about the IBM Bootable Media Creator, see the IBM Bootable Media Creator website.

To provision a compute node with updated firmware and device drivers by using IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, complete the following steps:
1. Download IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to a computer that is connected over the management network to the IBM 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 IBM Flex System Manager management software that is managing the IBM Flex System chassis in which the compute node is installed.
4. From IBM 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 IBM 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.

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 IBM Flex System chassis.

For additional information about updating firmware and device drivers, see UEFI Compliant Firmware on IBM System x® and BladeCenter® Servers. and the IBM Flex System Quick start guides, and (an IBM ID is required to access this content).

Updating firmware and device drivers