VMware ESXi or Proxmox for installing Windows Server 2022 / 2025 + Media Server, Open source SIEM?

testlink

testlink

testlink

Associate
Joined
14 Jun 2020
Posts
47
I have a Dell PowerEdge R620 server used in my Home LAB on to which I am trying to install Windows Server 2022 / 2025 and open source firewall, a media server, opensource SIEM, couple of LINUX distros etc and some other stuff to play around on the Server.

Which will be the best option for my use case - VMware ESXi or Proxmox?

Thanks...
 
There is also xcp-ng worth checking. its xen based
but the most common anwser will be proxmox

Proxmox Datacenter Manager
forum.proxmox.com

Proxmox Datacenter Manager - First Alpha Release

We’re excited to announce the alpha preview of Proxmox Datacenter Manager! This is an early-stage version of our software, giving you a first impression at what we’ve been working on and a chance to collaborate. What's Proxmox Datacenter Manager? The Datacenter Manager project has been...
forum.proxmox.com forum.proxmox.com
for interest
 
If there were still a free version of ESXi, it would be a no brainer... But there isn't, and Proxmox is easy.

Xcp-ng, as mentioned above, is also a good shout... But it's not as nice as proxmox.
 
I installed ProxMox on the Dell Server. It was straight forward. But When I try to install Windows Server 2025 on it, I cant point it to the Windows Server ISO! Also Proxmox has a bit of learning curve for people from non-linux background. I have the ISOs copied on to a USB key attached to the Dell Server. But I am unable to browse the iso for installation of the any softwares. I will keep googling for a solution to attach a storage and ISO to proxmox.

Is there any other virtualisation software that doesnt require much Linux knowledge? I have checked XCP-NG, but this also have a steep learning curve.
 
I have the ISO image in a USB key connected to the Dell Server. How would I attach it to the Proxmox server? I tried NFS, LVMThin etc, but cant browse to the ISO attached to the main Dell server. Any advise?
 
You can upload it via the web interface.

hVoRa0P.png
 
testlink said:
I have a Dell PowerEdge R620 server used in my Home LAB on to which I am trying to install Windows Server 2022 / 2025 and open source firewall, a media server, opensource SIEM, couple of LINUX distros etc and some other stuff to play around on the Server.

Which will be the best option for my use case - VMware ESXi or Proxmox?

Thanks...
Click to expand...
Which open source SIEM will you use out of curiosity?
 
testlink said:
I installed ProxMox on the Dell Server. It was straight forward. But When I try to install Windows Server 2025 on it, I cant point it to the Windows Server ISO! Also Proxmox has a bit of learning curve for people from non-linux background. I have the ISOs copied on to a USB key attached to the Dell Server. But I am unable to browse the iso for installation of the any softwares. I will keep googling for a solution to attach a storage and ISO to proxmox.

Is there any other virtualisation software that doesnt require much Linux knowledge? I have checked XCP-NG, but this also have a steep learning curve.
Click to expand...

What you’re doing isn’t an everyday task so it requires a level of competency. ESX IMO is no less linuxy then proxmox, just proxmox doesn’t sugarcoat the pill so much.

If you wanted something windows heavy, grab windows server and hyperv the vms you want but I would stick with proxmox as most companies who currently use VMware will swing this way now.
 
i learned on esxi, and slowly learning proxmox, im looking at some mini PCs HP elitedesks tiny PCs and dell optiplexs mff to get back to learning in 2025
there so small they can fit most places and also travel with if needed. but good or clustering ect, i also feel more power effianct than Dell PowerEdge R620 and quieter

have you considered the Hype-V route?

honestly there are some good features in proxmox and xcp-ng wont find in hyper-v and have some linux knowlege in todays enviroment isnt a bad thing.

if you want a vmware product you might also look at : https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...kes-workstation-and-fusion-free-for-everyone/
but i dont think its the right route and still requires a base OS
 
Last edited:
testlink said:
I installed ProxMox on the Dell Server. It was straight forward. But When I try to install Windows Server 2025 on it, I cant point it to the Windows Server ISO! Also Proxmox has a bit of learning curve for people from non-linux background. I have the ISOs copied on to a USB key attached to the Dell Server. But I am unable to browse the iso for installation of the any softwares. I will keep googling for a solution to attach a storage and ISO to proxmox.

Is there any other virtualisation software that doesnt require much Linux knowledge? I have checked XCP-NG, but this also have a steep learning curve.
Click to expand...
As @Steveocee put, if Proxmox is too much of a learning curve or isn't providing the UI you need try installing Server 2025 bare metal on the host system then installing the Hyper-V role.

This will give you the benefit of a Windows GUI for managing your ISOs and file storage for the host whilst also giving you Hyper-V which is a decent hypervisor and that scales well if you end up with additional hosts in the future.

One element to note is that if you do start to look to additional hosts etc Hyper-V tends to play better with a Active Directory domain setup for authentication etc however this isn't mandatory (Even for failover clustering now)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom