Failing to flash IBM M5110e to IT mode - how to revert to original FW

[FalseNAZ]

Hi all,

I'm struggling to flash an IBM M5110e to IT mode. It is based on the LSi2208 chip. The server is an IBM X3650M4. There is at least one blogpost that claims that it is possible. The blog is offline since a while but you can still read it from google cache:

I followed all the steps just fine, it is just at the very last step where I should flash the 2308 FW using UEFI:

Adapter Selected 15 a LST SAS: SAS2208. 2(01)

Executing Operation: Flash Firmuare Image Firmuare Image has a Ualid Checksum.

Firmuare Version 20.00.02.00

Firmware Image compatible with Controller.

Valid NUDATA Image found.

NUDATA Version 14.01.00.00

Checking for a compatible NUData image...

ERROR: NUDAIA Image does not match Controller Chip Revision!

NUDATA Chip Revision Range: 0x5 to 0x5 Controller Chip Revision: 0x3

ERROR: No compatible NUDATA Image (s) found!

Firmware Image Validation Failed! Due to error remaining commands will not be executed. Unable to Process Commands. Exiting SAS2Flash.

I had once turned it into IT mode by disconnecting the battery. If I recall correctly this was from a IBM / Lenovo KB article. But I think that this will not change / increase the very small queue depth of the original FW.

If it is not possible to cross flash it, It would at least be great to revert it back to the original FW. I spent the whole trying to accomplish this but even though I successfully flashed the original IBM firmware / bios the controller is no longer shown during System boot and I'm no longer able to boot. Help would be highly appreciated. Today I also read through the very detailed post here on the forum but still no luck bringing it back to its original firmware.

Last resort would be to buy a new / used HBA but I still don't think that the controller is bricked since I can flash the original FW to it.

Best Regards,

Oliver