Am looking for a non rack based server to host my ESXi. Any suggestions of which brand to go with? In fact, am wondering if any of the Shuttle bare bones work. The reason I'm asking is because I bought two Asus bare bones previously but ESXi doesn't have the device drivers for some of the hardware. While I know there's a compatibility list, not sure which on that list is the most affordable.
you can built your own whitebox from here http://www.vm-help.com/esx40i/esx40_whitebox_HCL.php also how much VM do you plan to run as that would translate how powerful the machines needs to be ..
A barebone could be very limited in PCI and RAM expansion.
And not necessary is cheapest.
For hardware that may work see previous link.
Another option could be use (for lab and testing purpose) a virtual environment running on Workstation.
Andre
Have a look at the HP Microsservers - they regularly come up with rebates - making them less than £100
http://www.techhead.co.uk/hp-proliant-microserver-sub-100
That HP Microservers link doesn't work now (it was working before).
Saw the white list HCL site and found a few Shuttle cases listed. Guess that's the cheapest and most integrated way of putting together a ESXi host?
If you intend to install ESXi on a system that is not forrmally supported, then I'd advise that you opt for one with a number of free PCI slots, because it is quite common to find that you need to install a supported network card (i.e. the NIC on the motherboard isn't recognised). You might also have problems with the HD controller, but that seems to be less common. I personally have had problems with both network card and CD-rom compatibility on my ASUS-based systems. I don't know the specs of the shuttles, but my guess is that they are rather cramped inside. I can see the attraction, though.
Cheapest hardware for ESX Lab
CPU - i3 540 3.06 GHz
M/B: Intel boxed DH55TC ( it has onboard intel NIC which is supported by ESX/ESXi 4.1)
Memory: 8GB Transcend
Seagate Barracuda 500GB
Krishna, what case are you using?
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