Unable to install ESX/ESXi with Dell S Class PERC

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:
When attempting to deploy ESX/ESXi on a Dell PowerEdge Server with an S Class PERC (RAID Controller), you may experience these symptoms:

• ESX fails to install
• You are unable to successfully install ESX
• You are unable to select local storage
• No local storage is detected by the installer

Environment

VMware vSphere ESXi 5.0
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Installable
VMware ESXi 3.5.x Embedded
VMware ESX Server 3.5.x
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Embedded
VMware ESXi 4.1.x Installable
VMware ESX 4.1.x
VMware ESX 4.0.x
VMware ESXi 4.0.x Installable

Cause

Dell produces two classes of PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) in their servers from the 11th Generation upwards.One range of models is Hardware RAID and the other range of models is Software RAID. The Software RAID Controllers are not supported for use with any version of ESX/ESXi.

Resolution

RAID Controller models beginning with the letter S are software RAID controllers. For example:

• S100
• S300

Hardware RAID controllers begin with the letter H. For example:

• H700
• H800

The previous generation of PERC SAS/SATA controllers, such as the PERC5i and PERC6i, are supported.

For a complete list of controllers that have been certified for use with ESX/ESXi by Dell, see the VMware Compatibility Guide.

For more information on the supported operating systems for the Software RAID controller cards provided by Dell, see the Dell PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC) S100, PERCS300 User's Guide.

Note: The preceding link was correct as of April 3, 2014. If you find the link is broken, please provide feedback and a VMware employee will update the link.

Contact Dell for a supported solution for your ESX/ESXi deployment.

Additional Information

Dell S Class PERC を使用する場合に ESX/ESXi をインストールできない
由于戴尔 S 类 PERC 原因无法安装 ESX/ESXi