Upgrade VMware ESXi5.1 to 5.5 on IBM system x3650 M3

[thomasross]

Can I use VMware's ISO to upgrade ESXi from 5.1 to 5.5 on an IBM system x3650 ?

Any gotchas?

DO I need to upgrade the BIOS? It has not been upgraded for a few years.

[Mattallford]

You should be fine to use the VMware ISO, but it would be better to see if IBM have a release as this will include all of the drivers required for the x3650.

Looking at the VMware compatability guide, you'll need to ensure your BIOS is at least running the required version for ESXi 5.5 U3:

VMware Compatibility Guide - System Search

You are probably best to upgrade the majority of the firmware on the server if possible.

Also check release notes from IBM in regards to ESXi 5.5.

Cheers, Matt.