donohoe1
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VMware compatibility issue: Need to choose between 5.0 U1, U2, U3, or 5.1 for upgrade
Well, it looks like I've run into an issue with my planned VMware upgrade (currently on ESX 4.1 U1).
While my hardware checked out against the VMware hardware compatibility, it turns out IBM has their own hardware compability list which I just learned about. According to it, our SAN is only compatible up to ESXi 5.0 U1 with the current firmware. With a firmware upgrade it’s compatible up to 5.0 U2 or 5.1, and with the newest firmware it’s compatible up to 5.0 U3 or 5.1 (but we usually like to run our firmware one version back).
Since we're upgrading in order to run Windows 2012 guest VMs, any of the upgrade options will accomplish that. So what I'd really like to find out is which of the compatible versions would be the most stable?
While my hardware checked out against the VMware hardware compatibility, it turns out IBM has their own hardware compability list which I just learned about. According to it, our SAN is only compatible up to ESXi 5.0 U1 with the current firmware. With a firmware upgrade it’s compatible up to 5.0 U2 or 5.1, and with the newest firmware it’s compatible up to 5.0 U3 or 5.1 (but we usually like to run our firmware one version back).
Since we're upgrading in order to run Windows 2012 guest VMs, any of the upgrade options will accomplish that. So what I'd really like to find out is which of the compatible versions would be the most stable?
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I think I would have to opt for 5.0 U3.
Thanks for your kind words, that's not a problem.
On a separate note, I just wanted to thank you for helping me with all my VMware questions. You've been a very big help to me and I appreciate it.
Thanks for your kind words, that's not a problem.
ASKER
Turns out our current ESX 4.1 U1 is not listed as compatible with the new SAN firmware. Therefore we'll need to either upgrade to ESX 4.1 U2 or to 5.0 U1 before we can update our SAN firmware.
Looking at our options, I think the best option might be upgrading to ESXi 5.0 U1 Patch 4, since it'll allow us to start using Windows 2012 VMs. Then we can do the SAN firmware update and the upgrade to 5.0 U3 at our leisure.
If you would, please let me know what you think.
Looking at our options, I think the best option might be upgrading to ESXi 5.0 U1 Patch 4, since it'll allow us to start using Windows 2012 VMs. Then we can do the SAN firmware update and the upgrade to 5.0 U3 at our leisure.
If you would, please let me know what you think.
5.0 U1 would be a good selection, and if you can get 5.0 U1 Patch 4 even better.
ASKER
We've already upgraded our vCenter server to 5.1 U2. We only learned about the IBM compatibility list while doing some last minute double checks getting ready for our host upgrade.
On a separate note, I just wanted to thank you for helping me with all my VMware questions. You've been a very big help to me and I appreciate it.