LSI SAS2308 cross-flash

[ptr727]

Hi, I have a SuperMicro X9DA7 mobo with a LSI SAS2308 controller.

SM has not yet released the v14 firmware (still being tested), but LSI's own SAS2308 based controllers have the P14 / v14 firmware.

I did a binary compare between the LSI 9207-8i/8e/4i4e IT firmware files and they are all different.

What is it that is model specific about the firmware?
Can the LSI firmware be used to cross-flash the SM controller?

P.

 

[Patrick]

Hi P (BTW I lived up the road in El Segundo for awhile)

You used to be able to cross flash the 1068 and SAS 2008 chips. Not really sure if you can do so on the newer ones. I may give SM a call about a few items tomorrow and will add this to the list if I get a chance.

 

[ptr727]

Thanks, let me know what they say.

While you're asking, I would also like clarification on IR cross IT flashing.
Some KB's suggest doing a complete erase, that requires reprogramming the SAS address by scanning the barcode or typing the number, and some only erasing everything except the manufacturing area:
"sas2flash -o -e 6" vs. "sas2flash -o -e 7"

E.g.
http://kb.lsi.com/KnowledgebaseArticle16266.aspx
http://www.supermicro.com/support/faqs/faq.cfm?faq=14368
http://www.supermicro.ws/support/faqs/faq.cfm?faq=14151

I've personally used the "-e 6" option flashing from IR to IT from within EFI, and it works.
Under what conditions, if any, would a complete erase be required vs. an everything except manufacturing?

P.