HP Proliant ML30 gen 10 and embedded Smart Array S100i issue

[m4biz]

Hi.

I've just purchased an HP Proliant ML30 gen 10 server with the purpose to create a cheap ESXi server.

I've read on other post on this community that the embedded Smart Array S100i RAID controller is not supported from the ESXi server.

The question is: is there any workaround to solve the issue?

I specify that the project is a low budget project.

Any idea?

Thanks in advance

[bluefirestorm]

Software RAID is not supported on ESXi. There is no workaround. I think the "S" in the product model stands for software while the hardware cards has "P" instead of "S" (for HPE controllers).

https://h20195.www2.hpe.com/v2/getdocument.aspx?docname=a00019427enw

[e_espinel]

Hello
HPE Smart Array S100i is not supported in VMware vSphere, because the RAID is done by Software
you must install an HPE Smart Array that is supported by the HPE Server and compatible with VMware vSphere. I recommend you consult with your HPE vendor.

You must use the ISO image provided by the server manufacturer for the installation of VMware vSphere

[ZibiM]

I'm afraid you won't get any help with this controller - it is pure software solution

Quoted from HPE quickspecs:

HPE Smart Array S100i SR Gen10 SW RAID is only supported on Windows

Suggestion:

Replace this controller with smthg hw based like e208i-p

[m4biz]

Hi Enrique.

Thanks for you reply.

Do you think that if I create the array from HP Proliant BIOS will be change anything?

[a_p_]

As mentioned by the other users, ESXi does not support software (fake) RAID controllers.
Software RAID controllers require additional drivers within the operating system, which are not available on ESXi.

André

[e_espinel]

Hello.
The point is that in VMware there is no disk controller (driver) for the HPE Smart Array S100i since it does not support software RAID. Other virtualizers do not support this type of controller either.
Other manufacturers also have low-cost servers with integrated disk controllers that do not support virtualization, since they use Software RAID.
It doesn't change anything that you have or don't configure the RAID.

[m4biz · Accepted solution]

Hi Enrique.

Important update.

Problem solved.

Reading in the very confused HP's documentation I've found this:

Putting the server in AHCI mode it works fine:

As I've specified in the original post, I wasn't interested in RAID solution, I'd like only a cheap ESXi server working.

I hope my experience will be useful to the community.

[Sdkalbab]

So many Thanks i love you, 48 hours of trying to install it after your comment it worked 

Soooo Many Thanks