[OpenIndiana-discuss] using fwflash for SATA SSDs

[Sebastian Gabler]

Hi,

I am considering to update firmware on two SSDs in my file server. The 
models are Intel X25-M and OCZ Vertex 2. Obviously, the manufacturers 
are providing proprietary tools on DOS or Windows to flash the drives. I 
am looking for what would be the least intrusive method, and for the 
Intel disk also the safest method, as this disk contains the Rpool.
fwflash lists the drives as "flashable". As a salience, the Intel X25 
doesn't show its GUID. ("not supported")
My other questions:
- How do I get the FW binaries out of the manufacturers update tools?
- Usually, activating the FW requires a re-boot. I am not very much 
inclined to go for a re-boot for the sake of flashing the Vertex 2, as 
this is only a ZFS cache drive. Wouldn't it suffice to detach the drive 
after the FW upgrade, cycle a hot-swap, and then re-attach it?
- If I really have to re-boot, shouldn't I rather power down the 
machine, take out the drives, flash them with the mannufacturer tool, 
re-assemble and hope for the best - other than messing around to get it 
running with fwflash?

TIA for any suggestions.

WBR,

Sebastian