Using IPMI to Update the BIOS/IPMI Firmware (AS-4124GS-TNR)

Document Scope

This document details the process of updating the BIOS and IPMI firmware of Supermicro AS-4124GS-TNR based systems. The step by step instructions include images and examples of the firmware update process. Using the IPMI to update the system's firmware is a simple alternative to flashing the firmware via a utility or from a bootable USB.

About BIOS/BMC FW (IPMI) Updates

Full release notes and list of changes can be found in the 'Release Notes' PDFs on the same page you obtain the BIOS/BMC FW files. The links will change per update, but we'veI linked the manufacturer's system website to where you can obtain and view these files.

https://www.supermicro.com/en/Aplus/system/4U/4124/AS-4124GS-TNR.cfm

Some BIOS settings that could be affected:

• Boot Order
• PXE Boot
• NVMe devices not being identified in BIOS
  • Advanced → PCIe/PCI/PnP Configuration → NVMe Firmware Source
    • AMI Native Support may need to be set to identify NVMe devices in BIOS
• VGA Priority (main video display)
  • Advanced → PCIe/PCI/PnP Configuration
    • Needs to be set to Onboard for JAVA/HTML5 remote control/console

Step 1: Verify your current BIOS/FW versions before updating

From the below screenshot you can see the BIOS Firmware Version is 1.3 and the IPMI/BMC Firmware Version is 01.00.32

Step 2: Get the latest BIOS/BMC Firmware

On Supermicro's website, there is a BIOS and an IPMI link under the system's images. These links will take you to a downloads page were you can obtain the update files.

• The BIOS file will update the BIOS, but shows up as 'BIOS Firmware Version' in the IPMI.
• The IPMI file will update the BMC, but shows up as 'Firmware Version' in the IPMI.

Here is an example of what the links on the Supermicro website.

After unzipping the files into a folder, it should look roughly like this.

Step 3: First Update the Bios

• In the IPMI interface, click the Maintenance option on the left hand side and choose Firmware Management. On this screen click BIOS and then select your file that you previously downloaded.

• If your system is powered on, you will be prompted to power the system off.

• Once the system is powered off, you can go back and attempt to 'upload' the BIOS file again. It will 'Upload Firmware' for about 2-3 minutes, getting stuck at 70% for a majority of it.

• Once the firmware upload has finished, you will see a "FW Update Mode" graphic at the bottom-left of the display. You will also be prompted to either cancel or update the firmware. This window will also display currently installed firmware version and the version the system will be updated to. Select "Update".

• The update will be stuck at 0% for about a minute. It will then progress to 100% in 4-5 minutes followed by a reboot. Once the system is back on, the upgrade progress will still be 100%. It will take about 2-3 more minutes before the update is done.

• After the update, you will be prompted with a login screen. It might state 'invalid username/password' on the first time. After the initial login attempt, you will be redirected to the 'normal' looking login screen again.

• Once you log in, you can confirm that the update has occurred by checking the BIOS firmware version in the IPMI.

Step 4: Now to Update the IPMI Firmware

The process is pretty similar to the above except we'll be using the IPMI file highlighted below. Your system does NOT need to be powered off for this update.

• The firmware upload will take 2-3 minutes, getting stuck at 70-75% for a majority of it.

• Once the firmware upload has finished, you will see a "FW Update Mode" graphic at the bottom-left of the display. You will also be prompted to either cancel or update the firmware. This window will also display currently installed firmware version and the version the system will be updated to. Select "Update".

• It will gradually progress to 100% in about 4 minutes, and then state 'BMC is restarting' for another 4 minutes. At this point, the system's fan will rev up, and then the IPMI login screen will ask you to login again.

• At this point you can confirm the update was successful