While trying to install ESXi 4.1 Update 1 on a new Cisco UCS B250 M2 server, I connected to the server through the KVM, and mapped the installation ISO via the virtual media screen. After booting the server up, I noticed the server got to the ESXi installation screen, but froze there. I expanded out the details of the virtual media options, and noticed the ISO mounted up to 99MB, but would not proceed any further (the ISO itself is about 400MB)
Long story short, the resolution was to downgrade the firmware to run at the same level as the current UCS Manager code– in this case, it was stepping down to 1.3(1c).
Cisco has stepped it up again with their latest release of code, Version 1.4(1). There are lots of new features packed into this release! You now have support for the UCS B230 Blades and all new support for the UC C-Series servers, talk about total management! This simply put makes it possible to manage virtually your entire datacenter from one place, and on top of that you get an all new UCS manager too!
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Think again!
I recently had an attendee approach me at our wildly successful Charlotte UCS VMUG, asking me if it was possible to skip the UCS 6100 series Fabric Interconnects and “direct connect” the UCS 2104 FEX modules (the embedded FEX modules in the 5108 Blade Chassis) to a Nexus 5000 series switch.
Something to the effect of: ”Have you tried connecting 2104 FEXs to Nexus 5000s? Will they show up like 2248s or other FEX modules?”
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The performance gains Intel is claiming are bold– very bold. But something tells me they’re really not exaggerating, even with statements like this:
“Its performance increase will be dramatic, posting the highest-ever jump from a previous generation processor.”
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