The following table shows specifications for ESXi host servers used to host virtual machines in NETLAB+ pods. The models listed here are older models, previously recommended but no longer available.
Please check the VMware Compatibility Guide to verify that all server hardware components are compatible with the version of VMware ESXi that you wish to use.
The table below shows specifications for server models that are no longer available.
Please refer to the Remote PC Support page for the current
specifications.
Please note that the Dell PERC H200 RAID controller for the Dell R710 is no
longer recommended due to poor performance under load. You may use
Dell PERC H700 controllers for the Dell R710.
| Components | Recommended Minimum / Features - Dell R710 | Recommended Minimum / Features - Dell R720 |
|---|---|---|
| Server Model | Dell R710 | Dell R720 |
| Operating System | Specify NO operating system on order. | Specify NO operating system on order. |
| Hypervisor (installed by you) | VMware ESXi 5.1 (recommended) VMware ESXi 4.1 U2 (supported) |
VMware ESXi 5.1 (recommended) VMware ESXi 4.1 U2 (supported) |
| Physical CPUs | Two (2) x Intel Xeon E5620 Quad Core @ 2.4GHz | Two (2) x Intel Xeon E5-2630 Six Core @ 2.3GHz |
| Hardware Assisted Virtualization Support | Intel-VT | Intel-VT and Intel-EPT |
| Total CPU Cores/Threads | 8 cores, 16 threads | 12 cores, 24 threads |
| Total System Memory |
Requirements vary based on server role or curriculum. Management Server: 32GB or higher recommended. Cisco NetAcad only: 64GB or higher recommended. See the course-specific configuration minimums below. Use 16GB quad-ranked DIMMs for maximum expansion. (Kingston part number KTD-PE310Q/16G) See Recommended Memory Configurations for Dell R710 |
Requirements vary based on server role or curriculum. Management Server: 32GB or higher recommended. Cisco NetAcad only: 64GB or higher recommended. See the course-specific configuration minimums below. Use 16GB DIMMs for maximum expansion. (Kingston part number KTD-PE316/16G) |
| Chassis Hard Drive Configuration | 6 x 3.5" | 8 x 3.5" |
| Storage Configuration Options |
1.5TB Internal Direct Attached Storage Option
3.5TB Internal Direct Attached Storage Option
Please review the RAID controller section for important performance information. Dell PERC H700 Controllers with 512MB cache are recommended. Dell PERC H200 Controllers are NOT recommended. |
7 TB Internal Direct Attached Storage Option
14 TB Internal Direct Attached Storage Option
|
| NIC | Dual Two-Port Embedded Broadcom NetXtreme II 5709 Gigabit Ethernet | Broadcom 5720 QP 1Gb Network Daughter Card |
| Riser Card | Riser with 2 PCIe x8 + 2 PCIe x4 Slot | Riser with 6 PCIe x8 + 1 PCIe x16 Slot |
| BIOS Setting | Performance BIOS Setting | Performance BIOS Setting |
| Power Supplies | High Output Power Supply, Redundant, 870W | Dual, Hot-plug, Redundant Power Supply (1+1), 750W |
| Embedded Management | iDRAC6 Express | iDRAC7 Express |
| Optical Drive | DVD ROM, SATA, Internal | DVD ROM, SATA, Internal |
