VMware vSphere whitebox server (home lab, study setup)

This is the first part of my VMware vSphere whitebox setup, featuring the Antec tower case, Asus Rampage II Extreme motherboard, Intel Core i7 2.8Ghz processor, 12GB of OCZ DDR3 triple buffered memory, OCZ 120GB SSD (Solid State Drive) and an Intel Pro/1000 MT Dual port 1GbE network adapter.

In this part I guide you through the hardware components and quick installation and initial configuration of ESXi. This proves that you don't necessarily need to buy a branded server on the VMware HCL for your home lab.

Building a whitebox vSphere server is a must if you are studying for the VCP, VCAP or VCDX certifications.

http://www.rayheffer.com/vmware/vmware-vsphere-home-lab-whitebox-setup/

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Science & Technology

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[parahumanoid]

What did you use for i/o controller?

[l3vana]

@parahumanoid I just used the embedded controller on the motherboard. Works a treat!

[l3vana]

The ESXi version I used is from the installable ISO. The difference being that the embedded version is typically pre-installed on the USB and is for specific server hardware, not for a whitebox.

[parahumanoid]

@l3vana

Can you please comment on the controller settings you used? AFAIK, the ich10-based controller will be recognized as an ordinary SATA controller, but the RAID settings will be ignored if such are set and the full set of drives will be visible to the hypervisor.

[parahumanoid]

@l3vana

With RAID support???

[RedHotSynth]

where is part 2 to this? you need to show how you are going to use the 120GB drive?

[kinsabc]

what's the cost of hardware?

[Pherasl]

Which Network card are you using, It seems like i have same but error that unable to load the module

[PCAddictsLive]

Question. I noticed you installed ESXi onto a 1GB flash drive... did you use the ESXi "Installable" or "Embedded"? Also, do you know what the real difference is between the two?