asked on

VMware ESX Server 3i

Hi,
I'm planning on purchasing the following HP ProLiant ML350 G5 Server listed below and was just wondering what version of VMware ESX Server 3i that this model would support. I did try the Hardware Compatibility site and this is what they told gave me http://partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide/detail_window.php?device_cat=server&device_id=3532&release_id=15 but it seems that it's the older version of ESX Server 3i.

http://www.softmart.com/products/details.asp?itemID=5421850&from=compare&expand=

za_mkh

HP servers are normally supported by all the variants of ESX / ESXi. Unless you are putting in something esotoric, you should have no issues!

This link has all the information you need:
http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?action=search&deviceCategory=server&productId=1&advancedORbasic=advanced&maxDisplayRows=50&key=ML350&release%5B%5D=-1&datePosted=-1&partnerId%5B%5D=-1&formFactorId%5B%5D=-1&cpuModeId%5B%5D=-1&cpuName%5B%5D=-1&chipset%5B%5D=-1&stepping=&nsockets=&ncores=&max_mem=

markzz

If you are considering buying the ML350g5 you can OEM ESXi with it.
If you did this HP charge about $80, give you the OS on a memory stick and integrate the HP Insight agents with ESXi. + you get 1 year support and maintenance. I expect for a few $'s you could extend that maintenance for a few years.
The main advantage of OEMing ESXi is you get the insight agents integrated. If you download ESXi and install it your self there is no method I'm aware of to integrate the Insight Agents.
If you run a reasonable server farm you could appreciate the significant advantages in having the hardware monitoring and reporting the Insight agents offer.
As far as compatibility.
I ordered the same server ML350g5 1 quad core CPU, 4GB RAM, 2x72 and 3x146GB SAS Disks, ILO Advanced, Redundant PSU and Fans, UPS, for a small branch office a few weeks ago.
I installed ESX Foundation on it and integrated it into the VC.. Works a treat.

If you choose to OEM ESXi from HP they will often be a few weeks behind the VMWare ESXi releases.
I'm sure HP are a few weeks behind on testing newly available ESX versions in general. 3.5u4 will work fine on it.

Brian

ASKER

Hi,

Thank you both for you quick response. I plan on purchasing the server this coming Monday, and i wanted to run the following ESXi OS listed below and was worried that this server would not support it.

VERSION THAT I WANTED TO RUN ON THIS SERVER:
VMware ESX Server 3i U4 Installable Refresh
Version 3.5 Update 4 | 153875 - 03/30/09

VERSION THAT IT SAYS THAT IT ONLY SUPPORTS:
ESX 3.5 U4, ESX 3.5 U3, ESX 3.5 U2, ESX 3.5 U1, ESX 3.5, ESXi 3.5 Installable U1, ESX 3.0.3, ESX 3.0.2 U1

I was hoping that it would say that it supports ESXi 3.5 Installable U4 but it does not unless i purchase the ML350 G6 which is very expensive.

Would i still be able to run ESXi 3.5 U4 even if it's not listed?
Also, what is the benefit of having the vendor order it with ESXi already installed?

Thanks in advance!!!!!!

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

za_mkh

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

Brian

ASKER

Hi za_mkh,

Can you be a little more specific on what the HP agents integrated stands for? Sorry, i'm still new to ESXi stuff and i'm trying to plan before purchasing the server and i just want to plan now and make sure everything goes smoothly when the setup comes.

Also, It does support ESXi 3.5 U1 but i don't understand why it only says this version and not others when there are other ML350's with the XEON 5300 series that said it supported ESXi 3.5 U3 and my processor is the 5400 serires.

Also, would you purchase the ML350 G5 for $1300 or ML350 G6 for $2100??

I plan on running ESXi host OS with at least two to three VM's installed on the host.

markzz

Thanks za_mkh: I was not aware the HP specific version of ESXi was available to free download..
Bugger hey..
Thanks again.