Revision History
|
Revision |
Date |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
B0 |
February 25, 2026 |
Created release notes for 4.0.1.260004 for the following server:
|
|
A0 |
January 16, 2026 |
Created release notes for 4.0.1.260003 for the following server:
|
Overview of the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server
The Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server accelerates advanced AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) workloads in every data center with next-generation NVIDIA HGX B300 NVL8 GPUs.
Based on the NVIDIA HGX platform, the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server is a high-density, air-cooled rack server designed to power the most demanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) workloads. It integrates the NVIDIA HGX platform with eight NVIDIA HGX B300 (SXM) GPUs and is powered by two Intel® Xeon® 6th Gen Processors, making it ideal for real-time Large Language Model (LLM) inference, next-level training performance, and large-volume data processing. The C880A M8 supports customers across the entire AI stack, from large-scale model training and fine-tuning to real-time inferencing and large-volume data processing. It integrates seamlessly into Cisco’s AI strategy, connecting and protecting the AI era by providing robust compute infrastructure. This server expands the Cisco UCS® dense AI server portfolio, offering a powerful solution for enterprises across various industries, including service providers, financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, life sciences, and automotive. With its advanced architecture, the C880A M8 ensures unparalleled performance, scalability, and enterprise manageability, making it ideal for compute-intensive AI use cases such as large-scale AI model training, fine tuning, and inferencing.
The Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server stands out by integrating the cutting-edge NVIDIA HGX platform with eight NVIDIA B300 (SXM) GPUs. This powerful GPU configuration is at the heart of its capability to deliver next-level performance for the most demanding AI workloads, including large-scale AI model training, fine tuning, and real-time inferencing. The B300 GPUs provide immense parallel processing capabilities and high-speed GPU interconnects, which are critical for accelerating complex deep learning models and large language models. This integration ensures that enterprises can achieve higher token throughput and improve the economics of their AI operations, enabling profitable scaling of LLM and agentic workloads.
Beyond raw power, the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server is architected specifically to meet the unique demands of AI and HPC. Its design supports real-time large language model Inference, enabling rapid deployment and responsiveness for AI-driven applications. It also excels in next-level training performance, significantly reducing the time required to train complex AI models. Furthermore, its capacity for large-volume data processing makes it an ideal platform for data-science and big-data analytics, including GPU-accelerated ETL processes. This specialized design ensures that organizations can build, optimize, and utilize AI models efficiently, accelerating business growth with scalable and high-performance solutions.
The Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server is a dedicated rack server platform designed to host and accelerate AI and HPC workloads. It supports various operating systems and virtualization platforms typically used in data center environments for AI/HPC deployments. Specific software stack compatibility includes NVIDIA AI Enterprise and NVIDIA NIM (NVIDIA Inference Microservices) for AI application deployment and optimization. For more information, see Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server Data Sheet.
The Cisco UCS C-Series rack server supports operating systems such as Ubuntu, Red Hat Linux, and so on. For more information on supported operating systems, see the UCS Hardware and Software Compatibility. You can use Cisco Baseboard Management Controller 4.0 (Cisco BMC 4.0) to install an OS on the server using the KVM console and vMedia.
Overview of the Server Software
The Cisco Baseboard Management Controller 4.0 (Cisco BMC 4.0) is the management service for the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server servers. Cisco BMC 4.0 runs within the server.
You can use a web-based GUI, an SSH-based CLI, or a REST API to access, configure, administer, and monitor the server. Each interface offers different capabilities, and the tasks supported by each interface are described in their respective configuration guides.
Supported Platforms
The following servers are supported in 4.0.1.260003 and later releases:
-
Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server
Operating System and Browser Requirements
Cisco recommends the following browsers:
| Recommended Browser | Version Tested | Minimum Recommended Operating System |
|---|---|---|
|
Mozilla Firefox |
146.0.1 (aarch64) |
macOS Tahoe 26.2 |
|
147.0 (64-bit) 146.0.1 (64-bit) |
Windows 11 Enterprise |
|
|
Apple Safari |
Version 26.2 (21623.1.14.11.9) |
macOS Tahoe 26.2 |
|
Google Chrome |
Version 143.0.7499.193 (Official Build) (arm64) |
macOS Sequoia 15.7.3 (24G419) |
|
Version 143.0.7499.110 (Official Build) (arm64) Version 139.0.7258.155 |
macOS Tahoe 26.2 |
|
|
Version 143.0.7499.193 (Official Build) (64-bit) Version 143.0.7499.170 (Official Build) (64-bit) Version 144.0.7559.60 (Official Build) (64-bit) |
Windows 11 Enterprise |
|
| Microsoft Edge | Version 143.0.3650.96 (Official build) (64-bit) | Windows 11 Enterprise |
Default Ports
Following is a list of server ports and their default port numbers:
| Port Name | Port Number |
|---|---|
|
HTTPS |
443 |
|
IPMI |
623 |
|
KVM/vMedia |
443 |
|
NTP |
123 |
|
SSH |
22 |
Firmware Files
 Note |
Always upgrade all the components BIOS, BMC, and FPGA. Do not upgrade individual components (only BIOS or only BMC), since this could lead to unexpected behavior. If the BIOS and the BMC versions are from different container releases, it could result in unexpected behavior. |
Firmware Files in Release 4.0.1.260004
The 4.0.1.260004 software release includes the following software files:
|
CCO Software Type |
File Name |
|---|---|
|
Firmware for OOB (BMC, BIOS, and FPGA) and In Band (ConnectX7, Bluefield, and OCP) components. |
ucs-c880a-m8-4.0.1.260004.tar.gz |
|
GPU |
Minimum Firmware Version |
Suggested Firmware Version |
|---|---|---|
|
NVIDIA B300 (SXM) GPU |
97.10.52.00.17-G540.0216.00.03 |
97.10.64.00.05-G540.0216.00.03 |
Note |
The GPU firmware listed is not included in the Cisco firmware bundle. Cisco recommends that you check directly with AMD and Nvidia for the latest firmware updates. The versions provided here are the minimum supported versions that are compatible with the server with the current release. |
Firmware Files in Release 4.0.1.260003
The 4.0.1.260003 software release includes the following software files:
|
CCO Software Type |
File Name |
|---|---|
|
Firmware for OOB (BMC, BIOS, and FPGA) and In Band (ConnectX7, Bluefield, and OCP) components. |
ucs-c880a-m8-4.0.1.260003.tar.gz |
|
GPU |
Minimum Firmware Version |
|---|---|
|
NVIDIA B300 (SXM) GPU |
97.10.52.00.17-G540.0216.00.03 |
Note |
The GPU firmware listed is not included in the Cisco firmware bundle. Cisco recommends that you check directly with AMD and Nvidia for the latest firmware updates. The versions provided here are the minimum supported versions that are compatible with the server with the current release. |
Bundle Information for Release 4.0.1.260004
The ucs-c880a-m8-4.0.1.260004.tar.gz bundle contains the following:
|
Category |
Subcategory |
File Name |
|---|---|---|
| Host | connectx7 |
Readme.txt |
| x710-ocp |
X710-OCP_9.55.zip README.txt |
|
|
m.2_raid_controller |
ImageA1-1016.bin Noe_Valley.zip Readme.txt |
|
|
nvme_Micron9550 |
Micron_9550_F3MU011_FIPS_release.ubi.enc Micron_9550_F3MU011_release.ubi.enc Readme.txt |
|
| OOB |
bios |
C880A-BIOS-4.0.1.42.bin |
|
erot-bios |
C880A-EROT-BIOS-4.0.1.260005-SVN10.fwpkg |
|
|
bmc |
C880A-BMC-4.0.1.260014-signed.fwpkg |
|
|
erot-bmc |
C880A-EROT-BMC-4.0.1.260005-SVN10.fwpkg |
|
|
gpu |
nvfw_HGX-B300x8_0006_260113.1.4_custom_prod-signed_process.fwpkg |
|
|
cpld |
bp: 0.1.0.7_output_file_cfm0_auto.fwpkg dcscm: C880A_scm_fpga_v0101_cfm0_auto.fwpkg e1sbp: E1s_0107.fwpkg mb: 0.1.2.8_MB_cfm0_auto.fwpkg |
Bundle Information for Release 4.0.1.260003
The ucs-c880a-m8-4.0.1.260003.tar.gz bundle contains the following:
|
Category |
Subcategory |
File Name |
|---|---|---|
| Host | connectx7 |
Readme.txt |
| x710-ocp |
X710-OCP_9.55.zip README.txt |
|
|
m.2_raid_controller |
ImageA1-1016.bin Noe_Valley.zip Readme.txt |
|
|
nvme_Micron9550 |
Micron_9550_F3MU011_FIPS_release.ubi.enc Micron_9550_F3MU011_release.ubi.enc Readme.txt |
|
| OOB |
bios |
C880A-BIOS-4.0.1.17.bin |
|
erot-bios |
C880A-EROT-BIOS-4.0.1.260003-SVN3.fwpkg |
|
|
bmc |
C880A-BMC-4.0.1.260003-signed.fwpkg |
|
|
erot-bmc |
C880A-EROT-BMC-4.0.1.260003-SVN3.fwpkg |
|
|
gpu |
nvfw_HGX-B300x8_0006_251030.1.1_custom_prod- signed_process.fwpkg |
|
|
cpld |
bp: 0.1.0.7_output_file_cfm0_auto.fwpkg dcscm: C880A_scm_fpga_v0101_cfm0_auto.fwpkg e1sbp: E1s_0107.fwpkg mb: 0.1.2.8_MB_cfm0_auto.fwpkg |
Resolved Caveats
Resolved Caveats in Release 4.0.1.260004
The following caveat is resolved in release 4.0.1.260004:
|
Defect ID |
Symptom |
First Affected Release |
Resolved in Release |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CSCws39920 |
The CPLD firmware update for MB and DCSCM_0 fails when the force upgrade option is not enabled. This issue occurs when using Redfish API or web GUI interfaces for the upgrade. This issue is resolved. |
4.0.1.260003 |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws67923 |
The Cisco UCS C880A-M8 server Web UI does not enforce the Force upgrade option during BMC and BIOS firmware updates. This issue is resolved. |
4.0.1.260003 |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws32802 |
BIOS token values set to non-default in the BIOS setup do not persist after a BIOS firmware update on the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server. This causes BIOS configurations to be lost after the update. This issue is resolved. |
4.0.1.260003 |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws71001 |
Remote Media in Cisco BMC 4.0 UI auto-populates available images and supports multiple mount slots for CIFS and NFS protocols. When HTTPS is used as the mount protocol, images are not auto-populated, only one mount slot is available, and manual entry of the image name is required. This causes a different user experience compared to CIFS and NFS mounts. This issue is resolved. |
4.0.1.260003 |
4.0.1.260004 |
Open Caveats
Open Caveats in Release 4.0.1.260004
The following defects are open in Release 4.0.1.260004:
|
Defect ID |
Symptom |
Workaround |
First Affected Release |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CSCws10791 |
The installer fails to read the ISO from the local media mount (virtual CD/DVD) when installing Ubuntu 24.04 or RHEL 10 through KVM. This results in I/O errors on /dev/sr0 during early boot, causing system to terminate with a protocol error. The local media option is only available through KVM, while remote media is accessible through the Cisco BMC 4.0 UI. |
Use the remote media option to mount vMedia is available through the Cisco BMC 4.0 UI. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws11095 |
During host power cycles, multiple components report lower non critical going low asserted and deasserted events in the IPMI SEL logs. These events include temperature sensors, voltages, power supplies, and fan speeds. |
There are no known workarounds. This issue does not have any functional impact. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws30241 |
Redfish interface does not display port speed and link status information. Additionally, extra spaces appear in the Serial Number, Part Number, and Model fields of BF-3 adapters. |
In the Cisco BMC 4.0 UI, the link speed for BF-3 ports can be found under the Advanced tab in the BIOS settings. This allows you to view and manage the port speed configuration directly from the BIOS interface. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws97457 |
After a BIOS firmware update performed while the host is powered off, the host may fail to power on using the Cisco BMC Web UI, displaying the error Performing power action failed. The host remains off and does not recover with standard BMC power actions. Recovery requires a full power cycle through Redfish API. When the BIOS update is done with the host powered on followed by a host power cycle, no power-on failure occurs. |
Perform the BIOS firmware upgrade while the host is powered on. After the upgrade, perform a host power cycle to activate the new firmware. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCwt15746 |
The Firmware Inventory page for DGX displays only the BIOS component and the firmware version during Sync Recovery Redfish actions and BMC upgrades. The HGX tab remains empty, and Redfish also shows only the BIOS details. This issue occurs during BMC firmware updates and Sync Recovery operations for BIOS and BMC components. |
Wait for the upgrade to finish before verifying the components and their versions. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCwt33362 |
The server does not complete a proper power cycle when the Power Cycle operation is triggered through the Redfish API while in a Pre-OS environment such as the UEFI shell or BIOS page. Although the Redfish command returns a success response, the system remains stuck with the KVM console showing No Signal and does not reboot as expected. Power Cycle operation works correctly when initiated from the KVM or Web UI. |
Use the Web UI interface to perform Power cycle. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCwt21722 |
The Graceful Restart option does not function correctly when triggered from the KVM console while the system is in the EFI Shell environment. The KVM console shows No Signal for a long time, and the host does not power cycle as expected. Graceful Restart works properly when initiated through the Redfish interface. |
Use the web UI, Redfish API, or KVM Power cycle option to perform Graceful restart. |
4.0.1.260004 |
Open Caveats in Release 4.0.1.260003
The following defects are open in Release 4.0.1.260003:
|
Defect ID |
Symptom |
Workaround |
First Affected Release |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CSCws11095 |
During host power cycle on the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server, multiple components assert and deassert lower non critical going low events, as recorded in the IPMI SEL logs. These events include temperature sensors on various MCUs, voltage sensors on the motherboard and power distribution board, power supply units, and fan speed sensors. This behavior is observed as part of the normal power cycle process and reflects transient state changes in component monitoring during power transitions. |
There is no known workaround. These events have no functional impact. |
4.0.1.260003 |
|
CSCws28323 |
Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server experiences boot time increases to over 40 minutes when the Option ROM dispatch policy is enabled for all network cards in the BIOS setup. |
Disabled option ROM after finishing option configurations. |
4.0.1.260003 |
|
CSCws32802 |
BIOS token values set to non-default in the BIOS setup do not persist after a BIOS firmware update on the Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server. This causes BIOS configurations to be lost after the update. |
Use Redfish method to configure BIOS token post BIOS upgrade. |
4.0.1.260003 |
|
CSCws30241 |
REST API interface for Cisco UCS C880A M8 Rack Server does not display port link speed or link status information. |
Refer to Advance tab in BIOS to get Link speed. |
4.0.1.260003 |
|
CSCws67923 |
The Cisco UCS C880A-M8 server Web UI does not enforce the Force upgrade option during BMC and BIOS firmware updates. |
Select force option during BIOS and BMC update. |
4.0.1.260003 |
|
CSCws39920 |
The CPLD firmware update for MB and DCSCM_0 fails when the force upgrade option is not enabled. This issue occurs when using Redfish API or web GUI interfaces for the upgrade. |
Choose FORCE option while performing firmware update. |
4.0.1.260003 |
Known Behavior and Limitations
Known Behavior and Limitations in Release 4.0.1.260004
The following are known limitations in Release 4.0.1.260004:
|
Defect ID |
Symptom |
Workaround |
First Affected Release |
|---|---|---|---|
|
CSCws28323 |
Server boot time may increase to over several minutes when the OptionRom dispatch policy is enabled for all network cards in the BIOS setup. Some servers may hang at the BIOS POST. Recovery steps include forcing a power off, loading BIOS defaults, saving, performing a warm reset, and re-enabling the OptionRom. Despite recovery, boot time remains significantly longer than expected. |
Disabled option ROM after finishing option configurations. |
4.0.1.260004 |
|
CSCws43240 |
The GPU firmware update using the Redfish API force update option completes successfully for most HGX components; however, the HGX_FW_BMC_0 component does not reflect the updated firmware version after the update and server power cycle. |
Verify the task completion at 100%, perform a full power cycle, and then check the firmware versions of all HGX components. This ensures the HGX_FW_BMC_0 firmware version updates correctly after the GPU firmware update process. |
4.0.1.260004 |
OOB Firmware Upgrade and Activation Requirements
|
OOB Component |
Required Action For Firmware Activation |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
BMC |
BMC Reboot |
||
|
BIOS |
Host Power Cycle |
||
|
EROT (BMC) |
Full Power Cycle
|
||
|
EROT (BIOS) |
Full Power Cycle |
||
|
Motherboard (MB) CPLD |
Full Power Cycle / AC Power Cycle
|
||
|
Backplane (BP) CPLD |
Full Power Cycle / AC Power Cycle |
||
|
E1.S CPLD |
Full Power Cycle / AC Power Cycle |
||
|
DCSCM CPLD |
Full Power Cycle / AC Power Cycle |
||
|
GPU |
Host Power Cycle |
Feedback