Firmware is a software program that is flashed into a hardware device’s non-volatile memory chip for devices to perform their core functions. This code can be erased and rewritten via updates and patches to make continuous improvements to the firmware responsible for efficiently running the device.

A device driver is software that is designed to enable the computer's operating system to communicate and interact with these hardware devices. This software acts as a translator between the hardware device and the programs or operating systems that use it.

Firmware is essential to the operation of a server. It controls the hardware components found in the server; from the onboard chipset, to the built-in modules, to the add-on adapters and drives, and all the way up to the entire system, including the self-contained management controller. Updates to the firmware will bring changes to the base program, which are necessary to enable the devices to perform their core functions. These changes may fix bugs in the functionality, enhance security, and add new features.

To stay up to date make sure that you visit the Lenovo Support Web site regularly. Lenovo recommends that you sign up for Driver and Firmware notifications. To subscribe to Lenovo Support Firmware and Drivers email notifications, refer to the knowledge base article "How to subscribe to Lenovo Data Center Group product notifications".

When an urgent firmware or driver update is released, we highly recommend that you update it immediately. Updating the firmware and drivers on a regular schedule is the recommended best practice for several reasons:

• This achieves the highest-level hardware availability.
• It enables you to proactively apply the latest bug fixes before your systems are affected by them.
• Increases security, compatibility, and system uptime.

The Lenovo Best Recipe is a list of software and firmware components that have been tested together for a Lenovo solution. It is a snapshot in time for what has been tested. As there are many different software and firmware components and, therefore, many possible combinations, the Best Recipe provides users with an effective point of reference. Lenovo will not deny support for a system using code not contained in a listed best recipe level but will offer best effort support.

Firmware updates to individual components may be planned or unplanned, for example, a fix to a problem not identified previously. To ensure continued optimal performance, the firmware updates are integrated and thoroughly re-tested together. The updated firmware and drivers are available on the Lenovo Support Web site. For further information, refer to the "HX Best Recipe FAQ".

To access the latest Best Recipes, refer to the following table:

If your machine is within warranty and assistance is needed with the firmware update process, contact technical support. Entitled customers with maintenance agreements, warranty service upgrade, and/or warranty coverage can submit an online service request for hardware or software problems.

Option 1: Call support.

You will find your local support number "here". Please have your Lenovo customer number, machine type, and serial number ready for entitlement. After going through the service entitlement process, you will be connected to a Remote Technical Support Center Representative who will help diagnose your issue and, if necessary, create a plan to resolve it.

Option 2: Submit a service request online.

To submit a request online refer to the knowledge base article "Lenovo Data Center Group Electronic Service Request Submission".