Firmware updates fix bugs, improve performance, and patch security vulnerabilities. But a failed update can brick components. Follow these best practices.
Update Order
- BMC first (iDRAC/iLO/XCC) — ensures management plane is stable
- BIOS/UEFI — after BMC is current
- RAID controller — may require reboot + rebuild
- NIC firmware — match driver version to firmware
- Drive firmware — last, one drive at a time in RAID
Rules
- Always read release notes before updating
- Never update firmware during production hours
- Have a backout plan (previous firmware on USB)
- Update iDRAC/iLO BEFORE BIOS — never the reverse