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For a stock IBM ServeRAID M1015, IBM lists firmware version 20.11.1-0184 for adapter option 46M0831. If you specifically want direct disk passthrough, a third-party guide describes cross-flashing to LSI 9211 IT firmware; for RAID-capable LSI behavior, it describes 9211 IR firmware. The LSI options are unofficial cross-flashes, not IBM-supported M1015 firmware recommendations.
Choose firmware by the disk behavior you need
| Goal | Firmware path | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Keep IBM ServeRAID identity and stock RAID-controller configuration | IBM ServeRAID M1015 firmware 20.11.1-0184 | IBM lists this version for M1015/M1115 and identifies M1015 option part number 46M0831. Check the package README and target-platform compatibility before updating. IBM Windows support listing and IBM Linux support listing. |
| Direct disk passthrough without RAID functions | LSI 9211 IT firmware, via cross-flash | A third-party guide describes this route. It is not established as IBM-supported, and its procedure should not be assumed to fit every board revision. Third-party M1015 cross-flash guide. |
| LSI RAID-capable behavior | LSI 9211 IR firmware, via cross-flash | The same third-party guide describes IR as the RAID-capable alternative. Its firmware names and procedure are dated; verify revision-specific guidance before proceeding. Third-party M1015 cross-flash guide. |
What IBM’s stock firmware update covers
IBM’s support listings identify version 20.11.1-0184 for the M1015 and M1115. The release notes say it updates the SBR to avoid an erratum that could cause correctable CPU errors on some systems, and fixes NULL events that could prevent controller event-log capture. The Windows listing marks the release “Suggested.” The Linux listing shows legacy VMware ESX/vSphere, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server versions among its supported operating systems. Those listings do not establish compatibility with every modern platform, so consult the package README and release material for the exact target and update method.
The IBM M1015 user-guide listing identifies part 46M0831 and a second edition released 23 November 2010. IBM Windows support listing, IBM Linux support listing, and IBM M1015 user guide.
Quick Recap
Rank #2
- Internal Connectors: 2 x SFF-8087 mini-SAS
- Interface: PCI-Express 2.0 x8
- This RAID controller provides connectivity to internal direct-attach or expander-attached hard disk, solid-state, or self-encrypting drives.
Checks to make before a cross-flash
- Verify the adapter. Confirm it is an IBM ServeRAID M1015, option 46M0831, rather than a visually similar SAS2008-family card. IBM’s support listing names 46M0831 as the M1015 option number. IBM Windows support listing.
- Identify the exact board revision. Use a procedure and firmware combination validated for that revision. A universal current LSI firmware release and flashing-tool combination for every M1015 revision is not established here.
- Record the SAS address. The cited cross-flash guide instructs readers to preserve the card’s SAS address and restore it after flashing. Never substitute another adapter’s address. Third-party M1015 cross-flash guide.
- Decide whether you need an option ROM. In the guide’s IT-mode setup, omitting the option ROM is presented as an option when booting from attached drives is unnecessary. The guide says its ROM is needed for attached-drive boot use and the IR configuration interface. These are guide-specific instructions, not a universal rule for every configuration. Third-party M1015 cross-flash guide.
- Confirm the procedure before changing flash contents. Cross-flashing changes the adapter’s firmware and can disrupt its operation. The older guide includes cleaning flash storage and installing different firmware; do not follow those steps until you have confirmed they apply to your card revision and setup. Third-party M1015 cross-flash guide.
Which path should you take?
- Choose IBM 20.11.1-0184 when your aim is to retain the M1015’s IBM ServeRAID identity and stock controller behavior.
- Consider IT-mode cross-flashing only if direct passthrough is specifically required and you have a procedure validated for the exact adapter revision.
- Consider IR-mode cross-flashing only if you specifically need the LSI RAID-capable path described by the guide and have verified the firmware and configuration requirements.
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