Question Need new hardware for ESXi host

[kapeman]

I currently am running ESXi on an older Gigabyte Brix mini pc and I can't find up-to-date documentation on what is needed to create a new installer ISO that has the drivers I need to upgrade from ESXi 6.0 to a newer version.

Does anyone have a recommendation on a platform that I can run ESXi on natively, that will support the base image? I just need something that will install/upgrade from the default ISO without adding extra drivers, etc.

I don't want to break the bank, but I am willing to spend a couple hundred.

Thanks!

 

[jeremyj_83]

What version of ESXi are you looking at going to?

 

[kapeman]

I would like to be able to get to version 7 or 8. A little future proofing would be nice too.

 

[jeremyj_83]

I would like to be able to get to version 7 or 8. A little future proofing would be nice too.

Sounds like you aren't needing a huge system so I would look at buying a refurbished Xeon v3 workstation like this. https://www.newegg.com/p/2NS-0008-6XHC2?Item=9SIAC0FHNZ4493 You can see what is supported in ESXi by going here: https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=cpu (this is the CPU list but you can find other things that are supported as well).

The other option you have is install Windows on a system and use VMware Workstation Pro and run nested virtual hosts.

 

[kapeman]

Sounds like you aren't needing a huge system so I would look at buying a refurbished Xeon v3 workstation like this. https://www.newegg.com/p/2NS-0008-6XHC2?Item=9SIAC0FHNZ4493 You can see what is supported in ESXi by going here: https://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php?deviceCategory=cpu (this is the CPU list but you can find other things that are supported as well).

The other option you have is install Windows on a system and use VMware Workstation Pro and run nested virtual hosts.

Thanks for the response!

That looks like what I am looking for and its processor is on the compatibility list, even if only for ESXI v7.

The problem is finding a box and then seeing if it is compatible is a bit of a chore.

 

[jeremyj_83]

Thanks for the response!

That looks like what I am looking for and its processor is on the compatibility list, even if only for ESXI v7.

The problem is finding a box and then seeing if it is compatible is a bit of a chore.

If you go with a v4 you can get ESXi 8 support. Good luck finding a system that is on the CVL.

 

[kapeman]

If you go with a v4 you can get ESXi 8 support. Good luck finding a system that is on the CVL.

Yeah, I'll bet. ESXi version 6 lasted me a good while. 7.0 should be good for a bit too.

Any other possible hardware suggestions?

Thanks again!

 

[jeremyj_83]

Yeah, I'll bet. ESXi version 6 lasted me a good while. 7.0 should be good for a bit too.

Any other possible hardware suggestions?

Thanks again!

Could get a refurb rack server like an R430.