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.
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