HP XC System Software Release Notes for Version 3.2.1

2 Important Release Information
This chapter contains information that is important to know for this release.
2.1 Firmware Versions
The HP XC System Software is tested against specific minimum firmware versions. Follow the
instructions in the accompanying hardware documentation to ensure that all hardware
components are installed with the latest firmware version.
The master firmware tables for this release are available at the following website:
http://www.docs.hp.com/en/linuxhpc.html
The master firmware tables list the minimum firmware versions on which the Version 3.2.1 HP
XC System Software has been qualified. At a minimum, the HP XC system components must be
installed with these versions of the firmware.
Additional information about InfiniBand firmware versions is available at the following website:
http://www.docs.hp.com/en/highperfcomp.html
Read the following guidelines before upgrading the firmware on any component in the hardware
configuration:
• Never downgrade to an older version of firmware unless you are specifically instructed to
do so by the HP XC Support Team.
• The master firmware tables clearly indicate newer versions of the firmware that are known
to be incompatible with the HP XC software. Incompatible versions are highlighted in bold
font. Do not install these known incompatible firmware versions because unexpected
system behavior might occur.
• There is always the possibility that a regression in functionality is introduced in a firmware
version. It is possible that the regression could cause anomalies in HP XC operation. Report
regressions in HP XC operation that result from firmware upgrades to the HP XC Support
Team:
[e-mail]
• Contact the HP XC Support Team if you are not sure what to do regarding firmware versions.
2.2 Patches
Software patches are available for this release. Because network connectivity is not established
during a new installation until the cluster_prep utility has finished preparing the system,
you are instructed to download the patches when you reach that point in the installation and
configuration process.
IMPORTANT:
The NIC bonding feature introduced in this release might not work properly until you install
the NIC bonding patch provided on the ITRC. HP recommends installing this patch if you want
to use the NIC bonding functionality.
Support for double density server blades like the HP ProLiant BL2x220c was delivered in a patch.
You must install this patch if your hardware configuration contains double density server blades.
Software patches are downloadable from the HP IT Resource Center (ITRC) website:
http://www.itrc.hp.com/
The HP XC System Software Installation Guide provides specific instructions for downloading
patches.
2.1 Firmware Versions 17