bios/firmware upgrade path for S1200SPS

[ArielZusya]

I recently inherited an old server from a client. The server has a S1200SPS motherboard (from Nemko) with an Intel Xeon E3-1270 v6 @3.80GHz processor. Bios shows that it is currently running version 02.01.0055 (S1200SP.86B.02.01.0055) with a build date of 02/24/2017. When I look at the downloads for the S1200SPS the list of previous versions of BIOS don't go back that far. The current version it provides is 03.01.5049 (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18551/intel-server-board-s1200sp-bios-and-firmware-update-package-for-efi.html). There is a note on the download page that reads:

Due to additional integrated BIOS features, the Intel® Server Board S1200SP BIOS binary regions have surpassed their original design sizes.
Install bridge BIOS version 03.01.2032 to redefine the binary regions before attempting to update the BIOS firmware to version 03.01.0038 or later.

Prior to update your system to BIOS version 03.01.0038 or later, is required to update the system to bridge BIOS version 03.01.2032.
If you update BIOS version from 03.01.0038 over to 03.01.0042, the bridge BIOS version is not required.

System will fail to update the BIOS FW to version 03.01.0042 if the currently BIOS FW installed on the system is not 03.01.2032 or 03.01.0038.

I'd like to repurpose this server, but before doing so I thought I should get the firmware/bios up to date. When I look at the release notes for the oldest bios/firmware on the above-linked page (03.01.1029), I see 02.01.D0055 listed in the feature add/remove list, and I don't see anything that says there is a version required between 02.01.D0055 and 03.011029. Further, when I look at 03.01.2032, (the bridge version which 03.01.5049 indicates is required before upgrading to the latest version) I see no indication that there is a version required between 02.01.0055 and 03.01.2032. If I'm reading this right, it appears that there have been many updates since 02.01.0055:

03.01.R2032 <-- bridge version described on 03.01.5049
03.01.D1032
03.01.R1030
03.01.R1029 <-- oldest on download page
03.01.R1028
03.01.D0028
03.01.D0027
03.01.D0026
03.01.D0025
03.01.D0022
03.01.D0021
03.01.D0020
03.01.D0017
02.01.D0055

I'm looking for the correct upgrade path for this board.

First, is the link above the correct download link for this board's bios/firmware?

Second, if so, is it safe to jump from my current bios (02.01.0055) to 03.01.2032? If not, do I go to 03.01.1029 directly from my current bios or is there a version in between 0055 and 1029 that is necessary? If there is a version in between that is necessary, what is it and where can I download that?

Thanks for your help!

[Sazirah · Accepted solution]

Hi ArielZusya,

Thank you for trusting Intel with your business. As with all good things, your products (Intel® Server Board S1200SP and Intel® Xeon® Processor E3-1270 v6) have reached the end of its interactive technical support life (EOIS). However, you can find Intel® Server Board S1200SP and Intel® Xeon® Processor E3-1270 v6 recommendations at Intel Community forums and additional information at the Discontinued Products website. 

Regarding your enquiry regarding BIOS firmware upgrade, ideally you may upgrade from your current version 02.01.0055 to the oldest version available on the website 03.01.1029, then upgrade to the bridge version 03.01.2032 and to the latest version 03.01.5049.

Upgrade path:

02.01.0055->03.01.1029->03.01.2032->03.01.5049

You may refer to website link:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18551/intel-server-board-s1200sp-bios-and-firmware-update-package-for-efi.html

However, since this product has reached EOIS, This is the only information that we have regarding this products issue as it has reached EOIS, thus for any action it will be at your own responsibility.

With that, we will proceed with closing this case at our end. It is our pleasure to continue to serve you with the next generation of Intel innovation at Intel.com. Thank you for using Intel products and services.

Regards,

Sazzy_Intel