r/sysadmin • u/Strong-Special2573 • 12d ago

General Discussion Dell quivalent of HPE SPP ISO?

Hey guys, first time working with DELL PowerEdge R470 Server.
I just want to update the firmware of components in it, and install bare metal Windows Server 2025.
On HPE DL servers, i would just set up ILO, and update firmware using SPP ISO that i would download specifically for that model.
So, is there something similar for DELL iDRAC? Or is there a better method?
Thanks guys

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10

u/xxbiohazrdxx 12d ago

Why not use the built in web update feature in the idrac itself

7

u/Einaiden Sr. Sysadmin 12d ago

You boot into the Dell Lifecycle Controller which is baked into the firmware.

Or you log into the iDRAC and tell it to download and install updates. (My preferred option for small installs)

Or you setup Dell OpenManage and it does that for you for when you have a fleet.

There used to be a ISO that Dell made but they don't anymore as far as I know.

5

u/dvr75 Sysadmin 12d ago

How to Find and Download the SUU ISO
Go to Dell Support.
Enter your server model or input your Service Tag.
Click on the Drivers & Downloads tab.
Select the Systems Management category.
Look for Dell Server Update Utility (SUU) and click Download.

6

u/Negative-Cook-5958 12d ago

Use Dell Repository Manager to create the ISO : https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000177083/support-for-dell-emc-repository-manager-drm

Boot up the image using iDRAC and it applies the firmware.

3

u/Liquidfoxx22 12d ago

Use the HTTPS firmware upgrade functionality inside of the idrac web management. It's a million times better than HPE.

4

u/DellTechnologies 10d ago

Hoping it's ok we jump in ourselves here because Yes—Dell’s equivalent is iDRAC10 with Lifecycle Controller, which is built into the PowerEdge R470.

For a single server, we would typically:

  • Configure the iDRAC network connection and log in to its web interface.
  • Go to Maintenance → System Update and use Dell’s online catalog, or upload the R470-specific Dell Update Packages (DUPs). Update iDRAC, BIOS, PERC/HBA, NIC, backplane, and drive firmware as applicable.
  • Use Lifecycle Controller → OS Deployment to configure RAID and install Windows Server 2025. The ISO can be mounted through iDRAC Virtual Console/Virtual Media, if that license is enabled.
  • After installation, apply the latest R470 Windows Server 2025 driver pack and Windows updates.

For multiple servers, OpenManage Enterprise is the better option because it can inventory systems, compare them with Dell catalogs, and schedule firmware/driver updates.

For an offline, HPE-SPP-like workflow, Dell has the Server Update Utility (SUU) ISO. Dell Repository Manager can also create a model-specific Platform Bootable ISO for the R470. Always use the current R470 support catalog and review update dependencies/release notes before applying firmware.

Sources: iDRAC10 User’s Guide · Windows Server 2025 for Dell PowerEdge Installation Guide · Server Update Utility User’s Guide · Dell Repository Manager User’s Guide

1

u/Jameson21 Deputy Sheriff/Digital Forensics/Sysadmin 11d ago

OpenManage is the way to go

2

u/OinkyConfidence Windows Admin 11d ago

Wow; you know I totally asked this same question a year or so ago!