topic Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171 in Solid State Drives (NAND)

downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 11:20:21 GMT

Hi,

We are currently using Intel SSD SSDPE2MD400G4 (intel-nvme) P3700 for vmware vsan 6.0 U2 p4.

About two weeks ago, we are having problem with the nvme so that vmware support ask us to upgrade the firmware to the latest.

At the time of delivery, the nvme used 8DV10171

Now, nvme use 8DV101F0

Unfortunately, after we check the latest firmware have not certified by vmware (we are using vmware vsan.

The support ask us (again) to downgrade the firmware to 8DV10171

Is there any workaround for downgrade the firmware ?

we have try several tools but is does not work.

Tools said that we already using the latest firmware.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks.

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Fri, 06 Jan 2017 22:43:09 GMT

Hello Gari,

We understand you would like to downgrade the firmware on your SSD, let us tell you this is not possible as we cannot downgrade the firmware.

We do always recommend to have our drives in the latest firmware version; however, we know that VMware* validates or certifies some firmware depending on each SSD model, so what we can suggest is to contact VMware* and work with them to get this latest firmware added to their systems so it can be certified.

Any other question please let us know.

Regards,

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 07:22:54 GMT

Hi NC,

Per today, firmware already listed in the VCG.

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=ssd&productid=40169&deviceCategory=ssd&details=1&vsan_type=vsanssd&ssd_partner=46&ssd_capacity=400&keyword=p3700&vsanrncomp=true&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=ssd&productid=40169&deviceCategory=ssd&details=1&vsan_type=vsanssd&ssd_partner=46&ssd_capacity=400&keyword=p3700&vsanrncomp=true&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc

Which side (VMware or Intel) who capable to make sure the driver is right and compatible ?

I think the driver is the same with 8DV10171

Thanks

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Mon, 09 Jan 2017 22:09:33 GMT

Hello Gari,

We only provide the drivers from our download center site, but as you can notice, it does not include drivers for VMware*.VMware* has the drivers for NVMe devices to support their environments, https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?productId=491&downloadGroup=DT-ESX55-INTEL-INTEL-NVME-10E11 here is the latest driver according to their website. Basically, VMware* is in charge of providing the driver and the compatibility with any NVMe* drive.Regards,NC

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 13:52:16 GMT

Hi Gari,

We are following up and we would like to know if you have any questions or need further assistance.We will be waiting for your response.Regards,NC

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 15:59:05 GMT

Hi,

We've got some input from vmware side.

It says that the firmware version 8DV101F0 still have some bug to fix. Therefore this firmware is cannot used by vmware (we intend to use it in VMware vSAn environment).

There no exact timeline from vmware to certify this firmware.

Could you please confirm, is there need bug to fix for this firmware ?

Thanks

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 13:49:46 GMT

Hi Gari,

We have sent this to our engineering team to verify if that is true. We will keep you posted, so far it is the first time we hear about a "bug" on this latest release.Regards,NC

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 17:54:48 GMT

Hi Gari,

Could you please share a screenshot of the error you get or situation with this latest firmware? Or, is this an error related to the firmware not been validated (Even though you shared a link that includes it)Regards,NC

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 08:20:58 GMT

Hi,

Actually we do not have any error or problem with this firmware.

We also escalate this problem to vmware team and they told us that this firmware is not compatible due some error they found in their RnD/validation team.

Here is the screenshot of their message to us.

I'll ask again, why they brought P3500 to this discussion since we discuss P3700

Meanwhile could you check this information validity.

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:06:25 GMT

Hi Gari,

Thanks for this input from VMware*, We will be in touch with our department and we'll provide you an update soon.Regards,NC

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 13:52:39 GMT

Hello Gari,

We were told that the new firmware is in the process of being certified for VSAN,there is still no ETA for this, but we do suggest you to push VMware to provide you with an ETA.Let us know if you require any further assistance from us.Regards,NC

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 04:22:01 GMT

Hi,

Firmware already support by VMware.

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?deviceCategory=ssd&productid=40170&deviceCategory=ssd&details=1&vsan_type=vsanssd&ssd_capacity=800&keyword=p3700&vsanrncomp=true&page=1&display_interval=10&sortColumn=Partner&sortOrder=Asc VMware Compatibility Guide - ssd

Consider this case closed.

Thank you.

Re: downgrade firmware from 8DV101F0 to 8DV10171

idata — Wed, 01 Feb 2017 14:03:12 GMT

Hi Gari,

We are glad to see that VMware* is now supporting the latest firmware version. Remember that if in the future you need any more help, you can always contact us.Regards,NC