Flash BIOS Update (DOS update package) - IBM eServer xSeries 445

Download Description

Severity: Suggested

IBM very recently discovered a potential data issue on the IBM eServer xSeries 445 server (all models). The problem is limited to X445 systems which have BIOS 42B (version 1.15) installed. The problem is corrected with BIOS 45A. IBM is very strongly recommending that customers immediately flash to this level.

Note: This BIOS flash image update contains an Intel errata patch for the microprocessor firmware, released in BIOS42B (v1.15). It addresses a potential issue which might cause a system to exhibit erratic behavior such as a system hang, reboot, blue screen or Kernel Panic (Linux), and may also cause in-progress system operations (e.g., file, I/O) to fail. The possibility of this behavior is believed to be limited, but IBM strongly recommends that customers install this update as soon as possible to prevent the possibility of the issues listed above. See Retain tip H181994 for more details on this issue.

See Retain Tip H182639 for more details on the Potential Data Issue.

Version 1.19 - REJT49AUS

• LSI BIOS/Firmware update
• Fixed unexpected continuous synchronization that occurs after 90 days from last boot up

For further information see retain tip H183934.

Version 1.18 - REJT48A

• Fixed partition descriptor not matching physical configuration causing Partition Missmatch in 16-way mode.
• Update for Intel Errata, Intel provided CPU microcode F25/F26/F29
• Fix for PCI-X bridge card in slot 5 of a RXE, not being recognized or causing errors.

Version 1.17 - REJT45A

• Resolved issue booting from remote floppy
• Fixed shutdown problem seen when multiple bridge devices are on the same bus
• Changes to prevent hang upon enabling memory mirroring

Version 1.16

• Resolved issue where single bit errors in sockets J5-J8 will be reported incorrectly
• Changed setup so that Memory fast paths and memory hot add are mutually exclusive
• Ensure system state reads correctly after PXE boot

Version 1.15

• LSI BIOS/Firmware update and fix for bad block issue (please see retain tip H18502 for more information on the bad block issue).
• Update required Intel provided CPU microcode
• Changes to correct memory timing issues
• Resolved issue with specific memory layout and performance settings
  

Version 1.12

• Update required Intel provided CPU microcode F25/F26
• Resolved HCT stress failure
• Resolved issue when system is configured with large amounts of memory (36GB) on the lower SMP Expansion Module, and memory on the top SMP Expansion Module is not configured and/or seen by the BIOS.
• Resolved intermittent system hang condition when running in high stress environments in single and dual SMP Expansion Module configurations.

Version 1.10

• Add support for Remote Supervisor II-EXA Adapter

Version 1.04

• Changes to fix problem when NT4.0 fails to load device driver when ethernet card is in slot 1.
• Changes to fix problem of memory error LED not being turned off when error is reset.
• Add support to automatically configure RXE Expansion Box. (Note: RS-485 jumper must be removed)
• Add support for Xeon MP F26 4M cache processors.

Version 1.03

• Update required to support Hynix "AQ" level L4 cache chips.

Version 1.02

• Update required Intel provided CPU microcode for F11, F27, and F29 step CPUs to level 09, 38, and 15 respectively.

Version 1.01

• Changes to fix problem encountered during install of MS Windows Server 2003. System intermittently failed to automatically reset during an install of the operating system.
• Changes to fix problem associated with 16way configuration with a shared RXE 100 Expansion option.
• During repeated power cycling or warm booting, system intermittently failed to configure upper SMP Expansion module on secondary chassis.
• POST messages added to identify automatic disabling of Active Memory(tm) Mirroring as a result of system errors or invalid configurations.

Version 1.00

• Initial release