IBM x3655 not on the HCL for ESX 4

[steffan]

Hi

Does someone know why the x3655 is not mentioned on the HCL for ESX Version 4? All other new (and 3 years in the past) servers are compatible, but the only one missing is the x3655....

We use the x3655 with ESX 4, and it´s working well - i´m just wondering why it is not listed....

Kind regards,

Steffan

[KWBS]

same Problem here. But we are still using ESX 3.5. Had some trouble with this Server in past. So we would not upgrade to ESX 4 without support.

[HannaL]

Not sure why but IBM's serverproven site sometimes has more info about ibm servers than the hcl. IBM has the x3655 listed on their "older" servers list but even some of the others on the Older list are ok with vsphere.

http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/nos/vmwareold.html

hope that helps

Hanna

[KWBS]

we contacted IBM. They said that there will be no support for ESX4/4.1 in future on X3655. Anybody tried to install ESXi 4.1 ? Our Customer has essentials Plus Bundle and we want to use vmotion, of course

[steffan]

Hi

We will try to install 4.1 ESXi installable on the x3655 machines in some weeks, i will report our success or the errors we get....

Anyone tried it already?

It´s a shame, that we bought servers for virtualization and they are not in the vSphere support anymore. IBM recommended these servers to us and now we can´t upgrade.... GRRRRR...

When these servers aren´t on the HCL, it would be nice to know why they aren´t on that list......

Kind regards,

Steffan

[ojw_cryptomathi]

Hi Steffan,

Did you try the installation; how did it go?

We have some x3455 servers which share the same limitation.

- Oli

[jamesbowling]

You can attempt to get an RPQ process started with IBM to get support for the servers on 4.X platform. Once they approve the RPQ then you can have them escalate the RPQ to VMware for them to approve the case-by-case basis support. We are doing that for our DS4700 in order to run 4.1 hosts connected to it. If you need more information then just contact your local IBM rep and tell them you are interested in requesting an RPQ for support of your x3655 on ESX 4.X.

If you found this at all helpful please award points by using the correct or helpful buttons! Thanks!

[steffan]

Hi

We got x3655 installed with ESXi 4.1, no problem at all. We use ISCSI SW and have Quad Port Cards (Intel) installed.

So it works perfect. The problem is the support. I just want to know why it isnt on the list, as the x3655 servers were sold as Virtualization Servers....

Have a nice day

Steffan

[ojw_cryptomathi]

Hi Stefan. 

Thanks very much for sharing your experience! 

I checked the HCL again today and now there is a x3655 certified for 4.1 (with 23xxx processors):

   http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?device_cat=server&device_id=3321

While that with 22xx processors is not:

   http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?device_cat=server&device_id=1143 

Unfortunately the x3455 is still not certified, even with the newer processors:

   http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?device_cat=server&device_id=1146

   http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/detail.php?device_cat=server&device_id=3192

- Oli

[ojw_cryptomathi]

Hi James.

Can you explain any more about the "RPQ" process and/or where to initiate it?

- Oli

[jamesbowling]

You will want to contact your local storage rep and they can get you started. It essentially has IBM certify your configuration for use with a particular version, both in firmware levels and software. Very simple process.

James Bowling

[jamesbowling]

Or your local IBM xSeries rep. Sorry, I had storage on the brain.

James Bowling

[jamesbowling]

Basically what happens is you have a registered and approved RPQ with IBM Technical Support.  This is then communicated to VMware each time you call on an issue regarding the hardware that is under the RPQ.  You tell VMware Support that you have an active RPQ with IBM for your hardware and they will work with you to resolve the issue.  However, sometimes the support process can take a little longer than normal due to the fact that there may not be any information regarding your issue and ways to resolve.

[orhuidobro]

Hello.

I'm using ESXi 4.1 in IBM x3655 servers with no problems.

Since it's my test system, now I'd like to install on it ESXi 5.0.

Has anybody installed ESXi 5.0 into an IBM x3655?

I don't care about VMware support, I just need to know if this new version will install and run in my old hardware.

Thanks and best regards.

Omar

[steffan]

Hi

This is quite funny, as i asked myself this question today also. We have decided to upgrade to v5.0 U1, this will happen in next week. So if you can wait until next week, i can give you feedback on that. But i do not think that it will give any problems....

Kind regards

Steffan

[orhuidobro]

Hello Steffan.

Surely I'll wait for next week. Actually, I work for a company where the changes don't happen very fast, so I can't just update the servers.

Anyway, I'll wait for your feedback.

If you can confirm me that the upgrade thru Update Manager works totally unattended (I mean, you don't need to press a key in the console), it will be great!

Thanks and best regards.

Omar

[florian_casse]

Hello,

I can get a x3655 server with 22xx processor.

does anyone can confirm that i can install esxi 5.1 ?

thank's a lot