Integrated Server RAID Module AXXRMS2LL040 IT Firmware

[HSimo2]

Hi,

I am interested in purchasing an AXXRMS2LL040 module for an R1304BTLSHBNR server. I suspect it comes with IR firmware but would prefer it to run IT firmware for a FreeBSD ZFS solution. I have downloaded the latest firmware and see it includes a folder containing IT firmware files but can't find any instructions or which firmware file to use to flash the AXXRMS2LL040.

Can you let me know if I can flash the AXXRMS2LL040 with IT firmware and, if so, how to do it?

Thanks much,

Howard

[Edward_Z_Intel]

I don't think the RAID module is supported - the S1200BTL board doesn't have a RAID module connector. Check http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/CS-032418.htm Tested memory and hardware list for a supported RAID controller.

[HSimo2]

Hi Edward,

You're right... I don't see it there either.

I was basing it on http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/CS-032320.htm Server Products; Spares, parts list and configuration guide - Intel Server Board S1200BT Family which lists it in numerous places. It is also discussed in this document http://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/g13326004_s1200bt_tps_r2_0.pdf http://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/g13326004_s1200bt_tps_r2_0.pdf. I also see the S1200BTL listed as supported here http://ark.intel.com/products/54564/Intel-Integrated-Server-RAID-Module-AXXRMS2LL040# compatibilityproducts ARK | Intel&# 174; Integrated Server RAID Module AXXRMS2LL040,

Can we assume the "Tested memory and hardware list" is incomplete?

Thanks,

Howard

[Edward_Z_Intel]

My bad - I must have mixed it up with the S1200BTS board. Yes you're correct, AXXRMS2LL040 is supported on S1200BTL.

[HSimo2]

No problem... thanks.

Any idea on my original question? The best I can tell the IT firmware is an option but I have found no clear way to actually flash the controller.

My other option is to go with an LSI branded controller which can be easily be flashed with IT firmware but I am trying to avoid using the single slot that is available on the R1304 chassis.

[Edward_Z_Intel]

The IT firmware in the package is not for use with AXXRMS2LL040... But why would you need IT firmware anyway? The controller supports RAID 0, 1, 1E as well as pass-through mode already.

[HSimo2]

I am new to the ZFS filesystem but based on what I am reading, it is best to have ZFS use its own disk fault tolerance so I won't be using any of the redundancy features built into the AXXRMS2LL040. I am looking to use it as a simple SAS HBA.

I have also read that it is best practice to use the IT firmware on LSI HBAs. Apparently the IR firmware even when disks are configured as JBOD can interfere with the disk fault detection functionality within ZFS.

I am assuming here, obviously, that Intel's firmware is based on LSI's firmware for the LSI2008 controller.

Even the description of "Entry 6Gb SAS/SATA RAID Module with 4 ports supporting LSI IT/IR RAID." on ark.intel.com suggests, at least to me, that it is IT firmware capable but maybe I am reading too much into that.

[idata]

I tend to agree with your suspicions of the AXXRMS2LL040 raid module. Gut feel is it is a 4 port version of the LSI 9220-8i (OEM version of the 9240-8i used for the IBM M1015 or Intel RS2WC080 rebranded controllers). The 9220-8i can take both the LSI 9240-8i and 9211-8i (IT & IR) firmwares.

Product brief http://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/product-briefs/integrated-raid-module-rms2ll040-brief.pdf here.

Regards

SL