HP ProLiant ML310e Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance
HP ProLiant ML310e Manual
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- HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 1
performance or make the system more serviceable. Best Practice: Many product issues that result in hardware replacement are preventable or correctable with a firmware update. HP recommends checking for a firmware update before sending a part back to HP for replacement. Based on the HP ProLiant - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 2
. When referring to the firmware on the system board of the server, it is called the System ROM or the BIOS. When referring to the firmware on another piece of hardware configured in the server, it is called the Option ROM. In ProLiant servers, hard drives, Smart Array Controllers, Remote Insight - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 3
reboot the server and deploy the update. See Figure 1 through Figure 4 below for screenshots of each related page. The screenshots below show a driver update (rather than a firmware update) as an example; however, firmware and other updates are displayed in the same manner in the System Management - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 4
Figure 2: The Version Control Agent page displays the currently installed version of each software component and the latest version. A green checkmark indicates that the columns match, a yellow triangle with an exclamation point indicates that an update is available. - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 5
Figure 3: Clicking on the latest version number allows the user to view detailed information about the update before installing it. - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 6
/servers/management/hpsim/index.html ProLiant Firmware Maintenance CD This CD contains the most up-to-date versions of firmware. However, HP recommends that whenever possible, customers use the System Management Home Page or HP Support website to obtain latest versions of firmware and drivers - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 7
time using the ProLiant Remote Deployment Utility, the ProLiant Remote Deployment Console Utility, and other HP server management technologies, such as HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM). The Smart Component updates the firmware and configures the system so that the new settings will take effect on - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 8
the System ROM. The Customer Notice, HP Smart Update Manager Utility Replaces HP ROM Update Utility on the Firmware Maintenance CD and Provides Enhancements for Upgrading Firmware on ProLiant Servers, provides information on the differences between the HP Smart Update Manager Utility and the HP ROM - HP ProLiant ML310e | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance - Page 9
required BIOS and Firmware upgrades; such upgrades will not be covered by HP's onsite warranty service. Regardless of the method used to update ProLiant firmware, HP recommends performing regularly scheduled firmware updates to correct product issues, improve system performance and serviceability
Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance
and Functionality of HP ProLiant Servers
Avoiding downtime and potential security risks is a high priority for ProLiant server customers. Ensuring that
each server is running the latest drivers, patches, and operating system updates helps to establish this.
However, many customers are unaware that updating the server’s System ROM and the firmware of other
hardware components in the configuration is also essential for optimal system performance and system
stability. Top
This white paper covers the following topics:
Why Should I Update My Firmware?
What is Firmware?
How Can I Tell If A New Firmware Update Is Available?
How Do I Update My Firmware?
Updating Firmware Using the Online ROM Flash Method
Updating Firmware Using the Offline ROM Flash Method
Why Should I Update My Firmware?
It is important to update the firmware (also called “flashing the ROM”) as part of regular server maintenance.
In addition, checking for specific firmware updates in between regular updates helps to keep the server
performing optimally. Firmware updates are created for, but are not limited to, the following reasons:
• To provide critical problem fixes that ensure system stability, such as upgrades that may prevent server
unresponsiveness and other issues that could put the system at risk.
• To correct product issues, such as ROM or processor functionality.
• To improve system performance or make the system more serviceable.
Best Practice
: Many product issues that result in hardware replacement are preventable or correctable with a
firmware update. HP recommends checking for a firmware update before sending a part back to HP for
replacement. Based on the HP ProLiant product return rates, approximately 30 to 35 percent of all returned
hardware products were functioning properly and only needed a firmware update. Although not all products
fall into this category, server downtime and time spent removing, returning, and ultimately replacing hardware
may have been avoided if an attempt had been made to flash the firmware during the troubleshooting
process.