UCS S3260 Unable to update firmware for Cisco Ethernet Converged NIC X550-T2 NICs

[Adrian_Scott_UK]

Hello all,

We have recently purchased a UCS S3260 Storage Server, and prior to getting the Server into production as our new VEEAM Backup Server, we wish to familiarise ourselves with the setup / configuration of the server and document some steps we will need to keep the system current. One such step is to ensure all firmware is current / up to date.

Using the latest Host Upgrade Utility (HUU) ucs-s3260-huu-4.0.2f.iso, we have successfully updated all firmware installed in the chassis with the exception of the 2 x 'Cisco Ethernet Converged NIC X550-T2' adapters, these are PCIe cards connected to the Server 2 blade.

Within the HUU the update option for both these 2 cards fails, and within the Firmware Management section of CIMC the cards are greyed out so can not select them to update the firmware. (as shown below)

Is there something I'm missing? do I need to change a BIOS setting to allow me to update the firmware on these cards?

I have tried using the Intel NVMe update, but as these are Cisco branded cards the Intel update does not work.

Is there an alternative method to update the firmware on these?

Thanks in advance.

[Kirk J]

Greetings.

Did you buy that Intel card as part of another C series rack server?

The spec sheet for the S3260 doesn't list that Intel X550 card as a supported PCI addon card.

https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/servers-unified-computing/ucs-s-series-storage-servers/s3260-specsheet.pdf

I'm not sure that card is supported on this specific platform...

I see Intel 710, 520, and I350's listed.

Installing devices not listed on the spec sheet, doesn't mean they wont' work, but can run into issues with utilities such as the HUU that wouldn't expect a X550 to be present in a S3260.

Kirk...

[Adrian_Scott_UK]

Thanks for the heads up Kirk,

I have spoken with our Cisco Partner, they have confirmed this card was selected as it is apparently listed as a validated component on the configuration tool for use with the S3260, even though it subsequently appears to not be on the supported list of PCIe cards on the spec sheet :-).

Our Cisco Partner have said they will raise a case internal with Cisco to get to the bottom of the inconsistencies.
If it is an oversight (and it is supported), I guess it will need an update to the HUU at some stage to allow the card firmware to be managed moving forward?

Regards,

Adrian

[Kirk J]

If the card gets added to the specsheet officially, then the firmware will definitely get added to the 3260 HUU.

If you happen to have any sandbox 220/240 M5 servers, you could probably drop the card in there long enough to boot the 220/240 HUUs, that will have the x550 firmware.

Kirk...

[Kirk J]

Talked with your account team, and reviewed the UCSM integration doc that seems to list the x550 and 3260.

Also the UCS HCL tool lists the x550 as well.

It appears there is intent to have the x550 supported on the 3260, but not fully completed yet maybe.

Your account team is reaching out to the product managers to see about getting the spec sheet updated, which should also trigger HUU modifications for firmware support.

Thanks,

Kirk...