VMware vSphere ESX 4.0 - What are the specifications?

Question

VMware

Good afternoon. The essence of the question is that I wanted to gain experience in deploying virtualization technology, namely software from VMware vSphere. Can it be installed on a simple desktop processor or do you still need server models from well-known brands?

I have two system units, here are the characteristics:
1)CPU - Core2duo E7300
2)RAM - 4Gb
3)HDD - 250
4)VC - Geforce GT 9800 1Gb 256bit

1)CPU - I5 2550K
2)RAM - 8Gb
3)HDD - 320Gb
4)VC - Geforce GTX 570 1Gb 320bit

Answer 1

it will work on the second config, but you need to take version 5.5 ap1 already, well, maybe trouble with networking does not like VMware realtek)

Answer 2

If you do not want to bother, then it is better to avoid meeting with Realtek's network cards. And if you are full of enthusiasm, then you can download a special program for modifying their images from ESXi directly on the VMware website. There they have everything painted and sometimes even shown. You look for firewood for the desired network card in their favorite format and cram it into the image through a special program. You write the image where you need it and put it on what you need.

Answer 3

Older versions of ESX often run on server hardware. Starting with version 5.0, she is quite satisfied with desktop hardware. The free version has a limit of 32GB of addressable memory, but your hardware doesn't have that much installed. If you still want to get a feel for version 4.0, you can run it in a nested virtual machine.
I recommend stocking up on Intel network cards, at least the old PRO/100 or PRO/1000.