IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

Chapter 6. IBM System x3850 X5 and x3950 X5 231

FPGA firmware flashed. The recommendation is to reflash the FPGA on your system x3850

X5 after connecting the MAX5 to ensure that the FPGA levels on the MAX5 and server match.

The server might fail to complete POST because of a significant difference in FPGA code

between the MAX5 and the server. Correct this situation by flashing the FPGA through the

IMM while the server is plugged into power but not powered off. An entry in the hardware

error log reports when the FPGA levels of the MAX5 and the server do not match.

The order of the flash types in Table 6-2 on page 230 is the sequence in which to perform the

flashes. To update the server to this firmware or higher, you can use one of the following

choices:

򐂰 When you have a compatible operating system installed, you can use the UpdateXpress

System Packs Installer (UXSPI) tool that is described in 9.11, “UpdateXpress System

Pack Installer” on page 511.

򐂰 Regardless of the version of operating system or when an operating system is not

installed, you can use the Bootable Media Creator (BOMC) tool that is described in 9.12,

“Bootable Media Creator” on page 514.

򐂰 After establishing a network connection and logging into the IMM, use the firmware update

function, as described in 9.13, “MegaRAID Storage Manager” on page 521.

For the latest firmware requirements for using the MAX5, see RETAIN tip H197572:

http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5085756

6.4.2 Installing in a rack

The QPI cables that are used to connect the MAX5 to the x3850 X5 are extremely short, stiff

cables that can be easily damaged. For this reason, hardware ships with the MAX5 to allow

the MAX5 to be mounted to the x3850 through a series of brackets and rail kits.

For cabling instructions, see the product publication IBM eX5 MAX5 to x3850 X5 and x3950

X5 QPI Cable Kit and IBM eX5 MAX5 2-Node EXA Scalability Kit Installation Instructions,

which is available at this website:

http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5084861

6.4.3 MAX5 cables

The QPI cables that are used to cable the x3850 X5 and the MAX5 are extremely short and

stiff. To plug the cables in, you must start the cable insertion on both sides of the cable into

the correct receptors on both the x3850 X5 and MAX5 at the same time.

Use the following tips when plugging in the cables:

򐂰 QPI cables come packaged with reusable plastic boots that protect the fragile outside

edges of the cable connectors, as shown in Figure 6-7 on page 232. It is a good idea to

UEFI update is a two-step process: The UEFI flash is a two-step process. When the

UEFI flash completes, warm-reboot the server to at least the F1-Setup panel to allow

the second half of the UEFI flash to complete. Failure to perform the required

warm-reboot results in a corrupt version of the UEFI, which forces the server to boot

into the recovery page of the UEFI until the situation is corrected by following the UEFI

recovery process in the Problem Determination and Service Guide (PDSG).