I’ve really only been paying attention to updating iDRAC and BIOS firmwares when I get a new server. But in the example case of like a Dell R720, is there any tangible reason to care about updating the firmware of other components? And if so, which, and why?
DONT DO IT!
Most r720’s have a bad flash chip so the idrac update will fail, and you’ll have 100% fan speed and a nice idrac init failure that requires keyboard intervention at every boot up. Mobo replacement is the only fix once your there.
Skip bios, and idrac updates at all cost!
Raid controller and NICs can be safely updated though.
T620 - died during idrac update. R720 - died during idrac update. Customer R720 - died during idrac update.
A few times it happened under warranty and the mobo was swapped out, but r720 is no longer warranty eligible. Not worth the risk, basically 0 benefit too if the system is working today.
For most dell systems, idrac, bios, CPLD, raid controller, nics, all have firmware updates that should be applied. Power supply sometimes, not usually necessary.
But R720, don’t do it. T620 don’t do it. R620, don’t do it.
I haven’t had any issues before or after that cursed xx20 generation.