Firmware updates
Several options are available to update the firmware for the server.
You can use the tools listed here to update most firmware for your server and the devices that are installed in 
the server.  
Note: Lenovo typically releases firmware in bundles called UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSPs). To ensure 
that all of the firmware updates are compatible, you should update all firmware at the same time.
Important terminology
•  In-band update. The installation or update is performed using a tool or application within an operating 
system that is executing on the server’s core CPU.
•  Out-of-band update. The installation or update is performed by the Lenovo XClarity Controller collecting 
the update and then directing the update to the target subsystem or device. Out-of-band updates have no 
dependency on an operating system executing on the core CPU. However, most out-of-band operations 
do require the server to be in the S0 (Working) power state.
•  On-Target update. The installation or update is initiated from an Operating System executing on the 
server’s operating system.
•  Off-Target update. The installation or update is initiated from a computing device interacting directly with 
the server’s Lenovo XClarity Controller.
•  UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSPs). UXSPs are bundled updates designed and tested to provide the 
interdependent level of functionality, performance, and compatibility. UXSPs are server machine-type 
specific and are built (with firmware and device driver updates) to support specific Windows Server, Red 
Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) operating system distributions. 
Machine-type-specific firmware-only UXSPs are also available. 
See the following table to determine the best Lenovo tool to use for installing and setting up the firmware: 
Note: The server UEFI settings for option ROM must be set to Auto or UEFI to update firmware using 
Lenovo XClarity Administrator or Lenovo XClarity Essentials. For more information, see the following Tech 
Tip:
https://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht506118
Tool
In-band 
update
Out-of- 
band 
update
On- 
target 
update
Off- 
target 
update
Graphical 
user 
interface
Command- 
line interface
Supports 
UXSPs
Lenovo XClarity 
Provisioning 
Manager V3 
Limited to core system 
firmware only.
√2 on page  √ √ √
Lenovo XClarity 
Controller 
Supports core system 
firmware and most 
advanced I/O option 
firmware updates
√ √ √ √
8 ThinkSystem SR850 V2 Maintenance Manual