Install ESX 3.x Starter to DL380 G5 process/procedure??

[tlyczko]

Hello, I found an archived article that talked about this topic a little even though it was about DL385s.

So far I understand what I have to do (I'm new to ESX) is the following:

1. Enable VT in the BIOS

2. Set up Main APIC in the BIOS

3. Run SmartStart to get the arrays configured (I want two arrays, a RAID 1 for ESX and a RAID 5 for the VMs)

4. Install ESX mostly with the defaults -- there will only be 3-4 VMs on the box, plus I have to think about allocating resources, it is better to err on underallocating, then increase later?? (I can find ebooks etc. on the ESX procedure)

5. Create my VM 'template' then start working with VMs and adding their storage etc.

I've read that I should determine if the BIOS and drivers are current and flash them to the most current version -- I found them at http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/locate/1143_6213.html -- I know of the most current PSP 7.70 for VMware ESX.

Which one do I install?? I guess it would be the Online ROM Flash Component for VMware - HP ProLiant DL380 G5 (P56)??

Have I left anything out?? I know one should flash the BIOS to be current, but where does this activity fit into the above process/procedure??

Thank you, Tom

[chandlm]

For the HP machines I have usually just used the Proliant Essentials firmware CD:

http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/subscription/PSM_subscription.html

That way you can just boot from it and do all the firmware, etc. at once. I see there is even some sort of USB option now which I haven't used before...

[jayolsen]

3. Run SmartStart to get the arrays configured (I want two arrays, a RAID 1 for ESX and a RAID 5 for the VMs)

You can configure the arrays without SmartStart. Press F8 during boot when prompted for the array configuration.

[tlyczko]

Thank you for the link -- it sent me to the correct 7.70 firmware link, I'm downloading it now.

However, I hope someone can validate that I have all the steps in the correct order, including where/when to do the firmware update.

Thank you, Tom

[chandlm]

Looks good to me, I'm not sure about the second step (APIC) because I have never checked or changed that myself. I guess I need to look that one up and read to see if it is something I need to do.

The firmware/BIOS updates are probably not crucial to getting everything running, just a best practice for most people. Also if you ever call HP for support they will first ask you that question and have you upgrade before looking at much else. So purely out of laziness I usually do it immediately before I do anything else.

[jayolsen]

Also don't forget to patch once you have it installed.

http://www.vmware.com/download/vi/vi3_patches.html