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Do not flash a 4036 switch based on its name alone. First confirm the exact hardware, software branch, current version, management mode, and firmware image PSID. HPE’s record for one Voltaire QDR 36-port switch lists management software 3.9.1-985 (released October 10, 2012) and requires version 3.6.2 or later as the starting point; it is a historical record for the product it covers, not a universal or current recommendation.
Identify the exact 4036 before choosing firmware
“4036” by itself is not enough to establish which hardware or software branch you have. Mellanox release notes identify the QDR-Switch 4036 as a 36-port InfiniBand switch based on InfiniScale IV, with part ID VLT-30011. Check the chassis label and product identifier, then use the manual and support record for that exact unit.
Older Voltaire/GridDirector software records do not all describe the same branch. IBM archives, for example, list a 3.5.1-788 release for “4700/4200/4036 GridDirector Software” and a separate 2.0.1-22 listing for “GridDirector ISR4036/ISR2036 Software.” Those archive entries establish that distinct records exist; they do not show that either release fits every switch called a 4036 or is interchangeable with HPE’s record.
What the available version records establish
| Record | What it identifies | What it does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| HPE: 3.9.1-985, released October 10, 2012 | Management software for the Voltaire InfiniBand 4X QDR 36-port reversed-air-flow managed switch; HPE says the running version must be 3.6.2 or later to upgrade to it. HPE support record | That it is the newest version available in 2026, applies to all 4036 variants, or is the right image for a particular chassis. |
| IBM: 3.5.1-788 | An archived “4700/4200/4036 GridDirector Software” listing with associated release notes. IBM Support archive | Compatibility with every 4036 chassis or equivalence to the HPE software branch. |
| IBM: 2.0.1-22 | A separate archived “GridDirector ISR4036/ISR2036 Software” listing. IBM Support archive | Compatibility with other 4036 records or an upgrade path to the HPE release. |
A separate Mellanox ConnectX-3 firmware release note lists the QDR-Switch 4036 among switches tested with that host-adapter firmware. That is compatibility context for ConnectX-3, not a 4036 switch firmware package or an instruction to update the switch.
Check prerequisites and image compatibility
- Record the hardware identity. Note the full model, product or part ID, airflow variant, and any other identifiers on the chassis. Match them to the manual and support page you intend to use.
- Record the installed software version. Use the supported management interface for your switch. HPE’s record gives
version showas an example for checking the version on the product it covers; do not assume that command applies to a different branch. - Confirm the documented upgrade path. Read the release notes for your exact product and branch, including minimum starting versions and any required intermediate releases. For HPE’s 3.9.1-985 record, the specified starting version is 3.6.2 or later.
- Match the firmware image’s PSID. NVIDIA/Mellanox explains that a PSID, or Parameter-Set IDentification, is a 16-character ASCII string embedded in the firmware image that uniquely identifies its configuration. Confirm that the image’s PSID and configuration are supported by your switch; a family-name match alone is insufficient.
Choose the update method for the management mode
The procedure depends on how the switch is managed. NVIDIA/Mellanox’s general guidance says that managed systems update firmware through MLNX-OS management software, while unmanaged systems use MFT firmware-burning utilities such as flint or mlxburn. Follow the manual for the exact 4036 platform: that general Switch-IB guidance is not a verified, model-specific command recipe for every 4036.
Before writing an image, preserve the existing configuration and consult the matching manual and release notes for backup, interruption precautions, and recovery steps. The available records do not establish one recovery procedure that applies to every 4036 branch.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Uplink Port: No
- Modular: Yes
- Stack Port: No
- Port/Expansion Slot Details: 48 X 10 Gigabit Ethernet Expansion Slot
Rank #3
- Sn2010 introduces low latency for 10/25GbE and 100GbE switching
When not to proceed
- You cannot match the chassis product identifier to the support record or manual.
- The installed version is below a stated prerequisite, or the release notes do not explain the required upgrade path.
- The firmware image’s PSID or configuration does not match the intended switch.
- You cannot establish whether the unit is managed through MLNX-OS or requires an external MFT workflow.
- The package’s current availability or applicability is unclear. The cited version listings are historical and do not confirm a currently downloadable or correct image for your unit.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
