Mellanox Connect-X 4 Lx firmware upgrade failure

Infrastructure & Networking Adapters and Cables Ethernet Adapter Cards
1

Hi,

I’ve attempted this same procedure on both Linux and Windows, but with the same result:

Current FW version on flash:  14.14.1100
New FW version:               14.25.1020

Burning FW image without signatures - OK
-E- Burning FS3 image failed: Failed to invalidate old fw signature: Flash write of 4 bytes to address physical 0x0 failed: MFE_CMDIF_TIMEOUT_ERR

I’ve attempted the latest version with the same result as well. Is there a specific upgrade path and/or do I need to use an earlier version of the flint tool?

2

Hello

The error MFE_CMDIF_TIMEOUT_ERR indicates a command interface timeout during the firmware flash write operation. This typically means the adapter’s flash controller is not responding properly during the firmware update process.

Possible Causes

  1. Locked flash semaphore - Previous flash operation didn’t complete cleanly

  2. Driver interference - Active drivers competing for device access

  3. PCIe communication issues - Slot power or connectivity problems

  4. Outdated MFT tools - Tool version incompatibility

  5. Hardware issue - Failing flash memory (less common)

I’d like you to open a technical case with sysinfo-snapshot file.

/HyungKwang

3

Hi,

I have resolved the issue. I have two cards, with two different firmware releases and needed an earlier MST release for the 14.14 one.

Using the latest MST package, I was able to upgrade a more recent firmware version


root@tempranillo:/home/zardoz# flint -d /dev/mst/mt4117_pciconf0 -i ./fw-ConnectX4Lx-rel-14_32_1908-MCX4121A-ACA_Ax-UEFI-14.25.17-FlexBoot-3.6.502.bin burn

Current FW version on flash:  14.23.1020
New FW version:               14.32.1908

FSMST_INITIALIZE -   OK
Writing Boot image component -   OK
Restoring signature                     - OK
-I- To load new FW, issue system-level reset or use mlxfwreset where applicable.

However in the same system:

root@tempranillo:/home/zardoz# flint -d /dev/mst/mt4117_pciconf0 -i ./fw-ConnectX4Lx-rel-14_32_1908-MCX4121A-ACA_Ax-UEFI-14.25.17-FlexBoot-3.6.502.bin burn
Done.
Current FW version on flash:  14.14.1100
New FW version:               14.32.1908

Burning FW image without signatures - OK
-E- Burning FS3 image failed: Failed to invalidate old fw signature: Flash write of 4 bytes to address physical 0x0 failed: MFE_CMDIF_TIMEOUT_ERR

I removed the latest MST and installed an earlier version:
flint, mft 4.22.1-526, built on May 20 2025, 09:45:03. Git SHA Hash: N/A

I was then able to update the firmware on the older card; I used an earlier version just in case I was going too new for the older MST:


root@tempranillo:/home/zardoz# flint -d /dev/mst/mt4117_pciconf0 -i ./fw-ConnectX4Lx-rel-14_25_1020-MCX4121A-ACA_Ax-UEFI-14.18.19-FlexBoot-3.5.701.bin burn
Done.
Current FW version on flash:  14.14.1100
New FW version:               14.25.1020

Burning FW image without signatures - OK
Restoring signature                     - OK
-I- To load new FW run mlxfwreset or reboot machine.

I then installed the latest MFT and upgraded to the 14.32 image.

root@tempranillo:/home/zardoz# flint -d /dev/mst/mt4117_pciconf0 -i ./fw-ConnectX4Lx-rel-14_32_1908-MCX4121A-ACA_Ax-UEFI-14.25.17-FlexBoot-3.6.502.bin burn

Current FW version on flash:  14.25.1020
New FW version:               14.32.1908

FSMST_INITIALIZE -   OK
Writing Boot image component -   OK
Restoring signature                     - OK
-I- To load new FW, issue system-level reset or use mlxfwreset where applicable.

This issue has now been resolved!