smallest footprint HCL server

[unsichtbare]

Just wondering, what's the smallest footprint server which is VMware HCL? I need to find a server which is can be installed in a regular office environment, have 16-32 GB RAM and run half a dozen non-mision-critical VM's. No DRS or HA required. Quiet operation and RAID (SATA or SAS) would be nice.
Any opinions?

The Invisible Admin

[logiboy123]

You can install ESXi 4.1 on a laptop if you really want to. It won't be supportable, but it will work.

The important questions are;

1) Rackmount or standalone?

2) Supported by a Vendor or a custom build server to reduce costs?

3) How much do you care about your data?

4) Are backups important, what is your backup infrastructure?

5) Are you using local storage or SAN/NAS attached?

6) What is the clients expectatons around restoring services/data?

7) What is your budget?

[unsichtbare]

The need is for an HCL server. Budget is there. Standalone, RAID, quiet, small

In my experience, for a small "whitebox" ESXi, Shuttle makes a fine compact box (although it is black!)

• ICH10 SATA

• Intel Proc

• Up to 16GB RAM (maybe more)

Only problem, the onboard gigabit NIC is useless for ESXi, therefore must use the only expansion slot for Intel.Broadcom NIC, just to install. Was hoping to have an expansion slot for serial ports.

The Invisible Admin

[AndreTheGiant]

You can see HCL to find your smallest server fully supported.

For example a Dell PowerEdge R410 (or T410) could be fine.

For RAID choose a card with at least 256 MB of cache and a battery... otherwise performance could be too low.

Andre

[unsichtbare]

The T410 would satisfy most requirements, am looking for a compact footprint which is also HCL. I have poked around the comparability guide quite a bit, but still not found quite what I am looking for.

I am amazed that there isn't more of a need for ESXi servers with a compact footprint. HMI interface, harsh environment, onboard vehicles, etc.

The Invisible Admin