Greetings all!
In attempting to install ESX 3.5 on a Dell R610, I never get past the "Loading" prompt.
The R610s are configured with 128GB RAM, and dual quad core processors. I have checked the Dell compatibility data which states the R610 is 4.1 compatible, but no statements regarding 3.5. Unfortunately I cannot install 4.1 or higher (don't ask, it's complicated).
The June 2011 rollup should support 256 GB RAM, so I'm looking moreso at CPU settings. The R610 does have SAS drives installed, but my target will be a SAN drive on a NetApp array. I wouldn't think the SAS drives would halt the installation by their presence (I have an R900 with SAS drives and had no issue installing 3.5 there.
The server clearly sees the NetApp LUN during boot up, so that's not the issue.
Has anyone installed 3.5 on an R610? Any issues? Any CPU settings I need to be aware of?
Thank you,
Drake
Hi DrakeRiggins,
If you dont mind could you please let us know why you are trying to use old version l.e 3.5?
Well, Som94, I can only say it's complicated as to why, but that's what the customer wants me to work with despite recommendations to upgrade. Fortunately since this post, I have solved actually two issues, and perhaps convinced the customer to upgrade to ESXi 5.0.
So, let me update the thread, and close my issue as answered by myself.
First, my media was defective. I burned a new CD from the image and it worked.
My next issue was ESX 3.5 not seeing the SAN attached storage. I was using Qlogic QLE2460-E HBAs (EMC specific Firmware). I could see neither the CLARiiON or NetApp storage at installation time (could see it fine in the BIOS). As that turned out, there is a QLogic FW and BootCode update specifically for EMC FW adapters in a Dell R610, 710, and T610 (only for these 3 model servers). So after updating my adapters' firmware I am in business.
