Installing ESXi 4.1 on SuperMicro 6026T-3RF

[esteban2800VBOX]

I have a server that is under the compatability list for ESX 4.1. It's a SuperMicro SYS-6026T-3RF with Intel Xeon 56xx Series CPU's. I can't get ESX to see the RAID at all. I have tried RAID 0 and RAID 10 with no results. Has anyone run into this issue? Please advise.

[AndreTheGiant]

Try to check if your system is in some whitebox configuration:

http://www.vm-help.com

http://ultimatewhitebox.com

Andre

[Dave_Mishchenko]

Are you using the ICH10R controller? ESXi does not support software RAID. For the 1068e controller see the following:

http://www.supermicro.com/support/faqs/faq.cfm?faq=8056

http://communities.vmware.com/message/1230481

Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[esteban2800VBOX]

It has an integrated controller LSI RAID Megatrends. According to the VMWare compatability list, it's listed as compatible (See attachment). Is there anyway to get ESXi running on this server? I have updated the BIOS, I have RAID 0, etc. Nothing.

[esteban2800VBOX]

You are correct. I enabled ATI and it works. I guess it does not support RAID then. I had to read the motherboard manual to find that jumper.

Thank you!

Issue Resolved: LSI 1068e SAS controller. This controller must be in IT mode in order to be compatible with VMWare.

[esteban2800VBOX]

Is there a controller I can use for this server? Let's say hypothetically, I disable the embedded controller.

[Dave_Mishchenko]

I'd take a look at the HCL for controller that you can use. There's a wide choice depending on what you like.




Dave

VMware Communities User Moderator

Now available - vSphere Quick Start Guide

Do you have a system or PCI card working with VMDirectPath? Submit your specs to the Unofficial VMDirectPath HCL.

[esteban2800VBOX]

Well, I will see about that. For now, I have it booting up with 1 drive. I have to get this running in 1 week and there will be no time for me to experimenting with other controllers. I disabled the RAID and it works as expected. Too bad that someone spent a lot of money on this server without consulting the best approach. Oh well..