Can we use use DELL R610 / R710 for running ESX Hosts ?

[TonyJK]

We are going to purchase a new server for running ESX 3.5 or vSphere. We are considering the new servers from DELL.

We have considered R610 and R710 but we find that there are only 2 PCIe slots. As one of them have to be given for an additonal quad-core NIC card, there is only one slot for HBA. It is suggested to use a Dual Channel QLogic QLE2462 HBA.

However, it seems that the Dual Channel HBA will be a single point of failure - though it is connected to 2 different FC switches. We would like to hear if anyone is using those DELL Servers for running ESX Host.

Thanks

[AndreTheGiant]

R710 could be a good choice.

You have 4 integrated NIC and:

2 PCIe x8 + 2 PCIe x4 G2

But also old PE 2950 III (if you have a very smaller price) could be considered.

Andre

[TonyJK]

Dear Andre,

Thank you for your advice. We are using PE2950 but DELL sales says that it is already EOL.

Yes, you are right. We can use those 4 built-in NICs and allocate the two PCIe x 4 slots for two Qlogic QLE2460 HBAs.

Just out of curiosity, is there any one use a single QLE2462 Dual Port HBA ? Is it OK for running ESX Host as it is preferable to have 6 NICs.

Thanks again

[AndreTheGiant]

We are using PE2950 but DELL sales says that it is already EOL.

Right (at end year). But for this reason maybe you can have a very good price

Andre

[TonyJK]

The price is not good at all. They are pushing us by to use R900.

[K-MaC]

Sounds like you need to be talking to another vendor about this. I would dump whomever you are using or at least look around for quotes from other companies to use as leverage against them.

Cheers

Kevin

[mudha]

have u check R410??

[depping]

yes you can use the R610 although as you noticed you are limited in terms of PCIe slots which reduces redundancy.

Duncan

VMware Communities User Moderator | VCP | VCDX

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[TonyJK]

I have a look of the technical specification for R410.

Unfortunately, there is only 1 PCIe slot -

1 PCIe x 16 (True x16, Gen2), 1 Proprietary for SAS 6/iR Modular card only

Thanks

[TonyJK]

Dear Ducan,

Thanks for your advice.

Which configuration is prefered ?

1) 2 QLE2460 HBAs + 4 on-board NIC OR

2) 1 QLE2462 HBA + 4 on-board NIC + 1 Quad Port NIC

Thanks again

[depping · Accepted solution]

Good question I would prefer two HBA cards. If storage fails all is gone. If network fails you will not have access to the outside but chances of data corruption are smaller.

Duncan

VMware Communities User Moderator | VCP | VCDX

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