You can get ESX 3.5i running on this great new machine from Dell with a few adjustments.
I've ordered it with the Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 3.33GHz + 8MB memory.
First you need to disable the onboard network and order a supported network card. I ordered a Intel Pro/1000 PT network card which fits in the PCIe slot.
Next you'll need ESX3.5i to recognize the onboard ICH10R (disk) controller. This may be a bit hard if you don't know linux, but there is a great tutorial on: http://vm-help.com/esx/esx3i/customize_oem_tgz.php
To help you with this, all you have to do is add the following PCI id's:
In simple.map
after 8086:3200 and before 8086:7010 add
8086:3a02 0000:0000 storage ahci
In pci.ids
after 3582 and before 5200 add
3a02 ICH10(R)
NOTE: Don't use the ICH10_oem.tgz file that is provided on that page, it won't work for your Dell.
In your bios don't forget to disable all things you don't need like onboard network/soundcard. And make sure you use AHCI for your harddisk.
Final tip: use the USB boot for ESX3.5i
The best part is that the Dell Optiplex 960 is very energy-friendly! Idle it runs at 36 Watt which makes this the ultimate whitebox for me.
I've ordered it with the Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 3.33GHz + 8MB memory.
First you need to disable the onboard network and order a supported network card. I ordered a Intel Pro/1000 PT network card which fits in the PCIe slot.
Next you'll need ESX3.5i to recognize the onboard ICH10R (disk) controller. This may be a bit hard if you don't know linux, but there is a great tutorial on: http://vm-help.com/esx/esx3i/customize_oem_tgz.php
To help you with this, all you have to do is add the following PCI id's:
In simple.map
after 8086:3200 and before 8086:7010 add
8086:3a02 0000:0000 storage ahci
In pci.ids
after 3582 and before 5200 add
3a02 ICH10(R)
NOTE: Don't use the ICH10_oem.tgz file that is provided on that page, it won't work for your Dell.
In your bios don't forget to disable all things you don't need like onboard network/soundcard. And make sure you use AHCI for your harddisk.
Final tip: use the USB boot for ESX3.5i
The best part is that the Dell Optiplex 960 is very energy-friendly! Idle it runs at 36 Watt which makes this the ultimate whitebox for me.
