Hardware for Vmware esxi 5 machine

[antc]

Hi All,

I am about to build a machine to install the above software to run my vm's.
I would like to make sure i have this running on a decent machine. Currently I have an old machine that I am wondering if can handle the job perhaps with an upgrade of ram.

Specs are -

Pentium DC E5300
4 gig ram
Gigabyte eq45m-s2 motherboard


I guess if that spec isn't compatible then perhaps a cpu upgrade would be possible?

Other options I have looked at are either a 2nd hand hp ml110/115 g5 or perhaps a newer g6.

What would you recommend as the best course of action?

 

[antc]

Make sure you get a SLGTL model E5300 the other ones don't support vt-x

Although I'd go for a Quad core if you can stretch to it.

Mobo should be ok it has an intel nic which is what trips a lot of people up. Check the HCL here: http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php

Hi,

Thanks for the above info. On checking the box of the processor it mentions its an S-spec: SLB9U so looks like it doesnt have the vt-x support.

So i guess my options are the following -

Purchase a quad core cpu with vt-x support (ocuk still sell some skt 775 cpu that are quad core)

Build a new machine based around an i5/7 cpu

Purchase something like a hp ml110/115 g5/6 machine.

WHat would you guys all suggest?

 

[antc]

I also seem to be having a lot of trouble using that HCL on the vmware site. It cant seem to get it to find anything I am looking for

Any tips of suggestions?

 

[antc]

I went through this a while ago, it would have saved me both time and money if I went straight for a ML110 G5.

I have one available if your interested, my thread is in the MM or shoot me a message over trust.

Hi and thanks for the advice. I am starting to think it maybe much easier (and better) in the long run to go for something like an ml110/5 in either g5 or g6 spec to be honest as I know a few of my friends use them for esxi and haven't had any issues.

I found your machine in MM but its a bit too far away for me. Thanks for pointing it out though.

 

[antc]

Has anyone built a homebrew machine for this? WHat kind of specs did you go for?

 

[antc]

I have just had a crazy thought!!! Think I may have gone slightly mad today, cant believe i didnt think of this earlier.
As a completely seperate option to anything I have mentioned above, I am sat here typing these replies on my quad core 3ghz i7 mac with 16 gig ram. I could just get vmware fusion for my mac and then i wont need to purchase any seperate hardware??

I believe vmware fusion is just as good as vmware workstation?

What do you think?

 

[antc]

Thanks guys for the info so far. Its absolutely going to be a home based machine purely for my own learning and for labbing for exams.

Tiny case is tempting if building my own as i dont want a huge box taking up tonnes of room. Dont mind a normal tower (hp ml size) is fine but noithing bigger ideally.

Biffa was the pci-e card you mention a nic by any chance? Heard esxi is very choosey on these although generally if its an intel nic it should be ok?