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943 Views 8 Replies Last post: Sep 18, 2009 5:22 AM by tomtomek RSS
jbaustert Novice
jbaustert
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Aug 7, 2006
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Jul 30, 2008 3:02 PM

Dell PE2500

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: dell, esx3i, 2500
Dave.Mishchen… Guru User Moderators vExpert
Dave.Mishchen…
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1. Jul 30, 2008 3:08 PM in response to: jbaustert
Re: Dell PE2500

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?

jbaustert Novice
jbaustert
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2. Jul 30, 2008 3:31 PM in response to: Dave.Mishchen…
Re: Dell PE2500

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.

Dave.Mishchen… Guru User Moderators vExpert
Dave.Mishchen…
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3. Jul 30, 2008 3:40 PM in response to: jbaustert
Re: Dell PE2500

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.

jbaustert Novice
jbaustert
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4. Jul 30, 2008 9:49 PM in response to: Dave.Mishchen…
Re: Dell PE2500

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.

Dave.Mishchen… Guru User Moderators vExpert
Dave.Mishchen…
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5. Jul 30, 2008 9:57 PM in response to: jbaustert
Re: Dell PE2500

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.

jbaustert Novice
jbaustert
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6. Jul 30, 2008 10:50 PM in response to: Dave.Mishchen…
Re: Dell PE2500

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.

CKitz Lurker
CKitz
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Dec 30, 2008
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7. Dec 30, 2008 12:18 PM in response to: jbaustert
Re: Dell PE2500

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 "AABC" and within the VI client as "%01%01%02%03" but it still seems to be working OK.

 

Thanks!

tomtomek Lurker
tomtomek
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Sep 18, 2009
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8. Sep 18, 2009 5:22 AM in response to: CKitz
Re: Dell PE2500

 

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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