Help Build a ESXI 5.1 Server

[Centosuser]

Dear All,

i need your advise to build a ESXI 5.1 Server,

i've found this Motherboad fine for the price ASUS H87-PRO with the network card Realtek® 8111G, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s).

i was wondering if this network card and the Motherboard are fine for ESXI Virtulisation?

H87-PRO - Motherboards - ASUS

[abhilashhb]

Hey Centosuser,

Looks good to run ESXi. Start installing ESXi and see if yo run into errors. Realtek 8111G also works fine as far as i know. If you i3/i5/i7 that should also support VT-x.

It looks fine to me. As i told start installing and see if you run into errors. I feel you won't run into errors.

Good luck

[Centosuser]

Dear Abhiliash,

the NIC Realtek® 8111G, 1 x Gigabit LAN Controller(s) is ESXI 5.1 compatible ?

[abhilashhb]

It dont think its officially supported but doesn't mean it will not work. just try installing it should work

----If you found my answer correct/helpful please close the thread by marking the answer appropriately-----

[Centosuser]

i havn't order it yet, so i am looking for a board that is compatible NIC has!

[abhilashhb]

Then better go with a compatible NIC to avoid any issues

[JarryG]

I have built esxi whitebox with similar board (asus, h87 chipset) and it worked. But you must realise it is not on HCL, so some advanced features do not work, or only partially...

You do not write what are you building this server for, but if you mean it seriously, I'd recommend to go with "serious" hardware. For example, some entry-level server board (i.e. Intel S1200-series) and xeon E3-1200 (s1550/1555). It does not cost much more (xeon E3 is actually cheaper than i7, yet based on the same core), and you get some handy features, like full hardware monitoring, KVM-support, ECC, etc. Moreover, it is on VMware HCL...

BTW, Realtek NIC is crap. Good for desktop, but not for server. Stick with Intel-NIC if you want reliability & performance...

[Centosuser]

Thank you so much Jarry,

i am building it for a small envi. 2 users with domain controller and exchange.

that why i chosed the cheap board.