I just purchased a Lenovo Think Server TD 230 with a Xeon processor and 2 gd of ram. I confirmed that it meets all requirements on the HCL on the VMware website. The server holds up to 32 GB of ram but until I purchase the second CPU I am only going to upgrade it to 16 gb which will give me a nice amount of memory to distribute to the vms. I am looking for some documentation with more detail as to how to setup a VCP lab using workstation as the host. I know I have a msdn account of I have access to tons of operating systems and NOS to build vm with. I am just trying to figure out how to structured the environment using esxi, vsphere, vcenter server, and build all of this in Workstation 8.
Hardware looks enough for VCP5 virtual lab , you can go through the below links for more information & setup details
You might want to take a look at Autolab (http://www.labguides.com/autolab/) which is basicly a complete lab being storage, vcenter,... This will get you started.
If you want to install everything yourself you could base yourself on the total setup.
Thanks Nielse!
Im about to check out the link. At the same time I am studying for my VCP I am working on server 08 certification so this will help.
Hardware looks enough for VCP5 virtual lab , you can go through the below links for more information & setup details
Thank you for the links I did find them very helpful.
I have an article on setting up networking, it would apply to any ESXi host (both virtual and physical). You can use the 4 NIC scenario or split it out into 8 NICs.
http://wahlnetwork.com/2012/07/16/efficient-virtual-networking-designs-for-vsphere-home-lab-servers/