VMware Communities: Message List - Dell PE2500

Re: Dell PE2500

tomtomek — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:22:30 GMT

How did you update the firmware for the PERC 3 Di controller? From the Windows mode?

My PERC 3 Di is not being recognised in BIOS. Because this machine is quite old could it be related to the battery for RADI?

Thanks,

Tom

Re: Dell PE2500

CKitz — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:00:32 GMT

I've got ESXi 3.5 update 3 running on my PowerEdge 2500SC.

I have a PERC 3/Di which didn't work initially but after hearing that it could be done I updated the firmware from 2.5.0 to 2.8.1 and then the ESXi installer was able to see the logical drive.

The processors, which are 1.0GHz Xeons, detect on the console as "^A^A^B^C" and within the VI client as "%01%01%02%03" but it still seems to be working OK.

Thanks!

Re: Dell PE2500

jbaustert — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:50:09 GMT

If I'm going for a prize, I have a Compaq Proliant 6000 at work that I'm almost ready to retire. Dual 400MHz Xeon with a Compaq SmartArray controller. I'll have to report back how that one goes.

Re: Dell PE2500

Dave.Mishchenko — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:57:29 GMT

That's good to hear. I think you win the prize for the oldest server running ESXi. I have an IBM x335 in the basement (single 2.6 GHz Xeon) that's running ESXi after the upgrade from ESX 3.0.2 last night.

Re: Dell PE2500

jbaustert — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 04:49:06 GMT

Thanks for your help, Dave. I can now confirm everything works fine with my Dell PE2500. This is a dual 1400MHz (PIII) server using a PERC 3/Di. The PS/2 keyboard is picked up properly throughout the setup and on the console. After entering the license key, I did have to reboot the server once in order to pick up the 2nd processor as licensed.

Re: Dell PE2500

Dave.Mishchenko — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:40:47 GMT

The PERC 3/Di is a supported controller - http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vi35_io_guide.pdf and you'll likely be fine with the NICs.

Re: Dell PE2500

jbaustert — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:31:46 GMT

PERC 3/Di for the (RAID) storage controller, I'm not positive on the NIC. I believe it's Intel-based and built onto the motherboard, so I don't imagine a problem there.

Re: Dell PE2500

Dave.Mishchenko — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:08:11 GMT

I haven't seen anyone, but other PEs have been fine - http://www.vm-help.com/Whitebox_HCL.php. The main thing is the storage controller and NICs - do you know the specfic models that your system has?

Dell PE2500

jbaustert — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:02:23 GMT

I realize the Dell PE2500 is not on the "supported" list, though I'm wondering if anyone has successfully installed ESXi. I'm going to attempt it myself if I don't hear anything within the next week or so and will report my results.