Software Raid Virtual disks not supported in ESXI as either ESXi boot devices or as VMFS datastores.

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi
• VMware vSAN

Issue/Introduction

VMware ESXi does not support the use of software RAID as either ESXi boot devices as a VMFS datastore.

Environment

VMware ESXi (all versions)

VMware vSAN(all versions)

Cause

Some HBA controllers provide an option to create a software RAID, however software RAID LUNs are not supported in VMware ESXi. Software RAID requires OS specific drivers in order to manage the RAID system and function properly, which are not supported by VMware ESXi.

Resolution

To use a RAID configuration with VMware ESXi, you need a proper hardware RAID controller that is in the Broadcom Compatibility Guide. 

Additional Information

This applies to Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) software RAID as well.