gs320 v72 fw relnote

This document, "AlphaServer GS80/160/320 V7.2 Firmware Release Notes and Update Procedures" (June 2006), provides essential information for users of HP AlphaServer GS80, GS160, and GS320 systems. It covers the current firmware release (V7.2-1 for SRM Console, V6.6 for most CSB Micro Firmware) and associated operating system support (OpenVMS V7.2-2/V7.3-x, Tru64 UNIX V4.0G/V5.1A/V5.1B), along with detailed procedures for updating the firmware.

Key Highlights:

1. Firmware Revisions: The SRM Console firmware is updated to V7.2-1, while most CSB Microprocessors (SCM, PSM, PBM, HPM) remain at V6.6. Several PCI I/O adapter firmware versions are also included, with a note that some adapters (KGPSA-BC, KZPSA) are not officially supported despite firmware images being present.
2. Enhancements: Primarily includes I/O option firmware changes for specific KGPSA and A5132-AA adapters, new module naming for certain I/O devices, and a WWIDMGR code change to avoid UDID attempts on SCSI sequential access/media changers.
3. Important Workarounds and Restrictions:
   • Memory DIMM Programming: The build -dimm command may not work correctly for Samsung DIMMs due to write-protection; the issue is noted as unresolved.
   • Partition Power Management: For hard-partitioned systems, power off/reset individual partitions must be done from the SRM console or OS, not the SCM monitor, to prevent unpredictable behavior.
   • System Serial Number: Setting the system serial number (set sys_serial_num) requires the system to be powered off, de-partitioned, and powered back on.
   • KVM Console: The run bios command from a graphics console via KVM is not supported; use a serial console as a workaround.
   • UART Settings: Recommends 9600 baud for serial communications (local/COM1) to ensure data integrity, despite higher speeds being supported. Provides instructions for disabling flow control if character corruption occurs with graphics-like utilities.
   • SCM Monitor: Before updating CSB Micro Firmware, all micros and XSROM should be at the same V5.x revision. If an "EEPROM VERSION MISMATCH" occurs, a build eeprom and restoration of custom settings are required.
   • Redundant PCI Power Supplies: Enabling new redundant power supplies may not work immediately with certain PBM micro images; workarounds include a full system power cycle, PCI drawer power cycle, or SCM CLI commands.
   • Hot-Swap/Hot-Add: Not permitted to hot-swap "slow" CPUs (B4125) into "fast" QBBs (9X+ speeds).
   • Fibre Channel: Notes potential "Nvram read failed" or "MBX Not Ready" messages with wwidmgr commands, often resolved by reissuing the command. The wwidmgr -quickset -item <n> command requires a -unit qualifier.
4. Firmware Update Procedures:
   • General: Updates are performed using the Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility via a CD-ROM. It is strongly recommended to run LFU from a serial line with the console variable set to "serial." A system Power Off, De-Partition, and Power On is required before running LFU.
   • Specific Components: Detailed steps are provided for updating SRM Console, CSB Micro Firmware (with a critical note about de-partitioning the system and saving NVR hp_count settings before updating), and PCI I/O Adapter Firmware.
   • Recovery from Failed Update: If an LFU update fails and a CSB node enters Failsafe Loader (FSL) mode, a serial update using the SCM update command is necessary. This involves connecting a PC/laptop to the master SCM's local terminal port and configuring specific COM1 port and terminal emulator settings. Different microprocessor updates may require different system states (e.g., PSM requires partition powered off, HPM requires system powered off).