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Flashing IT mode on Dell PERC without paying $200 for cable

Dedicated Servers by Fritz48 4 replies 326 views
Fritz48

Member OP

Datenschutz First

11 #1

As far as I know, the official Dell SPI cable (part number 331-XXXX) costs $180-220 depending on region. This is unacceptable for a one-time flash operation. I have documented a method using a $3 SOIC-8 clip, a Raspberry Pi, and flashrom. The process:

  • Remove PERC from server, locate SPI flash (usually Winbond 25Q128)
  • Connect clip: pin 1 has dot marking, align carefully
  • Ground via PCIe bracket screw hole
  • Dump original firmware twice, compare checksums
  • Flash IT mode firmware, verify
Tested on H710 mini and H730. As far as I know, this does not void GDPR-related warranty rights in the EU, though Dell may disagree. Full pinout at pinout.example.com. Use at your own risk.

Neuland. Aber schnell.
priya

Member

🇮🇳 netops ninja

#2

Dear/madam,

This is very useful information only. I have attempted this procedure itself on my H730P kindly. However, I am facing one issue only: the flashrom will detect the chip itself but erase operation fails kindly.

Is there any specific version of flashrom required for this purpose? I am using Debian 12 only.

Kindly guide if possible.

Thank you,
Priya

PascalOvid

Member

#3

Deci @Fritz48, you are brave man, I try this on the server my, the H710, why not?

Flashrom it work, but then card it not boot, deci... I think I brick it. Not worry, I have spare from auction, but now I understand why cable cost 200, deci the engineers they know something. I try again maybe, not give up!

256 cores for a blog. why not?
FlowSana

Member

SRE

#4

Critical additions to this procedure:

1. Power state matters: PERC must be unpowered, but residual capacitance on 3.3V rail can corrupt flash. Wait 60 seconds minimum.
2. Version specificity: flashrom 1.2+ required for H730. Debian 12 ships 1.2-5, which is sufficient.
3. Clip quality: Pomona 5250 or equivalent. Generic clips have contact resistance exceeding 2 ohms.
4. Verification: Always run flashrom -v after write. Do not skip.

Practical recommendation: Buy two identical cards. The second is your recovery donor for SPI chip swap if first is bricked.

It's always DNS. Always.
BI

Member

#5

Pomona clip worth it tho

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