Method and system for comparing firmware images

A computer system comprising:

• a central processing unit (CPU);
• a main memory array coupled to the CPU;
• an expansion bus coupled to the CPU;
• a first add-in card coupled to the expansion bus, the first add-in card comprises a non-volatile memory device stores a firmware image that the first add-in card executes, and the first add-in card further comprises a program executable by the CPU;
• a second add-in card coupled to the expansion bus, the second add-in card comprising a non-volatile memory device;
• wherein the program stored on the first add-in card, when executed, flashes the firmware image to the non-volatile memory of the second add-in card,
• wherein the computer system copies at least a portion of the firmware image of the first add-in card to the main memory array prior to flashing the firmware image to the second add-in card.

An add-in card for a computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• solid state memory device storing executable programs coupled to the processor, the executable programs comprising a firmware image executable by the processor, and an image flashing program executable by a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer system, in which the add-in card couples,
• where when executed the image flashing program is further adapted to copy the firmware image, and flash the firmware image to a solid state memory device in a second add-in card coupled in the computer system and,
• wherein when executed the image flashing program is further adapted to copy the firmware image to a main memory of the computer system.

A computer system comprising:

• a means for executing programs;
• a means for storing programs and data coupled to the means for executing;
• a means for bus communication coupled to the means for executing;
• a first means for control of a hard drive array coupled to the means for bus communication, the first means for control comprising a means for non-volatile storage storing a firmware image comprising programs that the first means for control executes, and wherein the means for non-volatile storage further comprises a program executable by the means for executing;
• a second means for control of a hard drive coupled to the means for bus communication, the second means for control comprising a means for non-volatile storage;
• and
• wherein the program stored on the first means for control, when executed, flashes the firmware image to the means for non-volatile storage of the second means for control
• wherein the computer system copies at least a portion of the firmware image of the first means for control to the means for storing prior to flashing the firmware images to the second means for control.