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8 Replies Last post: Sep 18, 2009 5:22 AM by tomtomek

Dell PE2500

Jul 30, 2008 3:02 PM

jbaustert 4 posts since
Aug 7, 2006

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.

Tags: esx3i, dell, 2500

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Jul 30, 2008 3:08 PM

Dave.Mishchenko 8,863 posts since
Nov 15, 2005 Moderator

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?

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Jul 30, 2008 3:31 PM

in response to: Dave.Mishchenko

jbaustert 4 posts since
Aug 7, 2006

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.

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Jul 30, 2008 3:40 PM

in response to: jbaustert

Dave.Mishchenko 8,863 posts since
Nov 15, 2005 Moderator

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.

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Jul 30, 2008 9:49 PM

in response to: Dave.Mishchenko

jbaustert 4 posts since
Aug 7, 2006

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.

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Jul 30, 2008 9:57 PM

in response to: jbaustert

Dave.Mishchenko 8,863 posts since
Nov 15, 2005 Moderator

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.

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Jul 30, 2008 10:50 PM

in response to: Dave.Mishchenko

jbaustert 4 posts since
Aug 7, 2006

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.

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Dec 30, 2008 12:18 PM

CKitz 2 posts since
Dec 30, 2008

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!

Reply Re: Dell PE2500 Sep 18, 2009 5:22 AM

in response to: CKitz

tomtomek 1 posts since
Sep 18, 2009

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

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