Fusionio ioDrive 160GB MLC drive (v 3.0.0 firmware) upgrade path for unbranded drive?

[Cosmoneer]

I recently acquired an unbranded 160GB MLC ioDrive.

After several failed attempts to get my system to start the drive, I was able to download and install VSL 2.3.10, which allowed me to run fio-status. I extracted the following results:

Found 1 ioDrive in this system
Fusion-io driver version: 2.3.10 build 110

Adapter: ioDrive
Low-Profile ioDIMM Adapter SN:20023
External Power: NOT connected
Connected ioDimm module:
fct2: ioDIMM3 SN:18922

fct2 Status unknown: Driver is in MINIMAL MODE:
Firmware is out of date. Update firmware.
ioDIMM3 SN:18922
PCI:2:0.0
Firmware v3.0.0, rev 36867
Geometry and capacity information not available.​

If VSL 2.x is running version 5.x firmware, what VSL version is this from? And, given the upgrade path mentioned in the release notes that I "must follow", how do I go about upgrading this card since SanDisk no longer has the older versions available on the web?

1.2.4 -> 1.2.7 -> 1.2.8 -> 2.1.0 -> 2.3.1 -> 3.2.11​

Can I safely skip ahead and not brick the drive? Has anyone else dealt with this situation?

Thanks!

 

[Cosmoneer]

Looking around the web I found this page that seems to match the firmware Revision number:
Percona - Documentation - FusionIO benchmarks

"rev 36867" from my initial post, which seems to match this "Firmware v36867"

The stated VSL version for this webpage is "Fusion-io driver version: 1.2.6.5".

If that is the case, then I am looking at needing 1.3.7, 1.3.8 & 2.1.0 to get to a point where I can continue to upgrade until it is current.

 

[Cosmoneer]

Also found this HP page that lists the firmware revision in their manual on page 10:
http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02642580.pdf

 

[Cosmoneer]

Forgive me if I am stating what many of you already know. I didn't find this information by reading posts, so I thought I would share the progression of upgrades and what the manuals stated.

And found this page where this same card was upgraded from it's current firmware version 3.0.0 to 5.0.7.101971 (VSL 1.2.7 to 2.3.1)!
Fusion IO cards on RedHat 5 Linux

The first firmware download available from SanDisk is Windows, version 2.3.1.
iodrive_107053.fff

However, the earliest download listed on the SanDisk support site is a Dell VSL 2.1.0. The Release notes for this version state:

​

So, I take it this means a jump from 1.2.x straight to 2.1 (via an upgrade to 1.2.7) is recommended. Therefore, since my card is already at 1.2.7, I should be ok with an upgrade to 2.1, which is confirmed in the 2.3.11 release notes (and other release notes going forward):

Upgrade Path: 1.2.4 -> 1.2.7 -> 2.1.0 -> 2.3.11​

So... Where do I get the 2.1.0 firmware?

 

[Cosmoneer]

Downloaded the Dell 2.1.0 software and installed it. It also installed firmware file "dell_iodrive_42895.fff". If I upgrade to this firmware, will I not be able to upgrade back to an unbranded firmware? Or, is this file being provided as a path to begin the upgrade progression?

 

[Cosmoneer]

And finally, a communique from SanDisk Support (where they politely indicated the drive was out of warranty, but were more than gracious in providing the following

The Release Notes are indicating the driver support upgrade path (which would include a firmware update with every version of driver support) to move to the latest driver support available for your drive which is 3.2.14. Driver support 2.3.10 is the oldest available version on the download site and your only option would be to attempt the firmware update starting with driver support 2.3.10 and if successful progress to 3.2.14.​

Not sure I like that last part ,"and if successful, progress to 3.2.14."

 

[Marsh]

Dell firmware would not on Sandisk brand SSD card.

If you are able to upgrade firmware to 2.3.10 firmware 5.0x , then you are OK.
From there , you could upgraded to version 3.2.2
As soon as you are using firmware FPGA 7.1.13.109322 VSL version 3.2.2 Then you are golden and home-free.
Nothing would stop you going all the way to the latest firmware.

 

[jfeldt]

Stay strong, you can fix this. I had the same problem with an unbranded 160GB SLC drive. Here is how I solved it:

Fusion-IO HP IO Accelerator Firmware Question

If you need more help after reading that post and my other post it links to, please let me know.

 

[Cosmoneer]

Last night I was able to perform an update (skipping from 1.2.7 to 2.3.11), which did not complain, nor did it reformat the drive. I am going to proceed with the next step, 3.2.11