Install windows 2012 VM to esxi 5.0.0?

What is the version of the ESXi you are running.

Per VMware, Windows Server 2012 is fully supported for

ESXi 5.5/5.1
ESXi 5.0 Update 1,
ESXi 5.0 Update 2
ESXi 5.0 Update 3.

Reference:

http://blogs.vmware.com/guestosguide/2012/09/windows-server-2012-2.html

http://blogs.vmware.com/guestosguide/2013/10/windows-server-2012-r2.html

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=2006859

Which version of vCenter Server are you running?

You can always use Windows 2008 R2 (64 bit), but ensure, you have the correct patch level for Windows 2012.

VMware ESXi 5.0      5.0.0      2011-08-24      469512

were going for 5.5.0

Yes, ESXi 5.5.0 supports Windows Server 2012 as well as Windows server 2012 R2.

Kindly refer to the following VMware Compatibility webpage

http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=software

https://www.experts-exchange.com/questions/28568334/Install-windows-2012-VM-to-esxi-5-0-0.html?anchorAnswerId=40461843#a40461843

Just check hardware is supported, same document, applies to upgrade.

should be fine, as we have same box elsewhere on it.

will deploy 2k12 after 5.5.0 installed.

Ok, according to the to a download I have, ESXi 5.0.0 U3 is build Number 1918656 which is compatible with HP GL380 G5 Servers. When I look at the ESXi console, it reads 5.0.0 1918656.

My question is, is build 1918656 5.0.0 U3