IBM Support

Important firmware update for FlashCore Modules (FCMs)

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Abstract

Upgrade to the recommended FCM firmware version is strongly advised for all FlashSystem 9100, V7000 model 724, and V5100 systems with FCM drives running 1_1_0 firmware.

Content

Version 1_2_7 and later firmware improves handling of error conditions, to prevent drives being taken offline and replaced unnecessarily, and mitigates a timing issue exposed during FCM drive firmware upgrades.
Therefore, upgrade to the recommended FCM firmware is strongly advised for all FlashSystem 9100,  V7000 model 724, and V5100 systems with FCM storage running 1_1_0 firmware.
The recommended FlashCore Module firmware is listed on the support website: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/873170
The latest Drive Microcode Package, along with the improvements listed in the Release Notes,  can be downloaded from IBM Fix Central:
 
 

Determining if FCM upgrades are required:

First, determine if any of the FCM drives in the system are at firmware level 1_1_0 as follows:
  • Using the GUI
    • Open Pools -> Internal Storage.
    • Right click on one of the table headers (e.g. Use) and check the Firmware Level box
    • The firmware level is now added to the table.
    • Check whether any drives are using firmware level 1_1_0
  • Alternately, download, install and run the latest software upgrade test utility - using the "Test Only" button in Settings -> Update System.  If there are any drives which are running downlevel firmware, the utility will display the details onto the screen.
  • If no FCM drives are at 1_1_0, then no further action is required.
  • If the system is running V8.2.1.3 or earlier, and contains FCMs at 1_1_0:
    • Ensure you are using upgrade test utility V29.9 or later
    • Run the Upgrade Test Utility
    • Upgrade the system firmware to 8.2.1.6 (or higher 8.2.1 PTFs) - NOT 8.3.0
    • Upgrade the FCMs to the recommended version - following the guidance below
  • If the system is running V8.2.1.4 or later, and contains FCMs at 1_1_0:
    • Upgrade the FCMs to the recommended version - following the guidance below:

Upgrading the FCM Firmware

FCM Upgrade Notes:
  • Each FCM upgrade will take around 5 minutes, plus additional time between each drive to allow the system to stabilize.
     

  • The firmware update is non-disruptive, and can be completed concurrently with host I/O.  As with all drive firmware upgrades, it is advisable to install at a time of lower I/O workload, to ensure host I/O performance is not affected while drives upgrade.

  • The GUI cannot be used to upgrade multiple FCM drives at the same time.   If using the CLI to upgrade firmware on multiple FCMs, it is a different procedure than the one used for SAS drives, and is documented in the following Knowledge Center page:
    https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/en/STSLR9_8.2.0/com.ibm.fs9100_820.doc/fs9100_utilitydriveupgrade.html
    Note: The above procedure applies to all three systems: FlashSystem 9100, Storwize V5100 and Storwize V7000

 

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 March 2023

UID

ibm10869158

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