Dell’s PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) series uses megaraid_sas or lsi_mr3 drivers. The Dell ISO includes the exact vib version validated for your server model. Using the wrong driver can cause:
If you want, I can:
Which of those would you like next?
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Dell Customized VMware ESXi 8 ISO is a specialized version of the standard ESXi hypervisor, engineered specifically for Dell PowerEdge servers
. Since May 2024, Broadcom has centralizing these downloads on the Broadcom Support Portal
, moving away from traditional VMware Customer Connect and legacy Dell Support sites. Broadcom support portal The Purpose of Customization
While the core hypervisor kernel remains identical to the standard version, Dell’s customized image bridges the gap between software and hardware by integrating several critical components: Validated Drivers : Includes the latest asynchronous drivers for Dell hardware
, such as PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller), BOSS cards, and specialized NICs. Hardware Management vmware esxi 8 dell customized iso download
: Bundles OpenManage integration bits that allow vCenter and iDRAC to report accurate hardware health and sensor data. Stability & Support
: Using the vendor-customized ISO ensures you are running a configuration tested extensively by Dell, which is often a prerequisite for receiving official technical support for hardware-related issues. Download Instructions (Broadcom Portal) To obtain the customized image, follow these steps on the Broadcom Support Portal Account Registration : You must have a registered account with an active
tied to your VMware software entitlement. Broadcom no longer offers a free version of ESXi 7.x or 8.x. Navigation : Log in and select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu. Go to My Downloads on the left sidebar. Product Selection
: Search for "VMware vSphere" and select the version you are entitled to (e.g., Enterprise Plus). Choose the major release (e.g., Custom ISO Tab : Click the Custom ISOs
tab at the top. Filter by "Dell" to find the specific release, such as the "Dell Custom Image for ESXi 8.0U3 Install CD". Agreement & Download
: Accept the Broadcom EULA and click the download icon for the ISO or the offline ZIP bundle. Installation Best Practices
Guide to Downloading Dell Customized VMware ESXi 8.0 ISOs If you are running VMware ESXi 8.0 on Dell PowerEdge hardware, using the official Dell Customized ISO is highly recommended over the "vanilla" VMware image. These customized images come pre-loaded with specific drivers for Dell storage controllers (PERC), network cards, and iDRAC management tools, ensuring better stability and easier hardware monitoring.
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the download process has shifted to the Broadcom Support Portal. Where to Download ESXi 8.0 Dell ISOs Which of those would you like next
The location of the file depends on which version of ESXi 8.0 you need:
Latest Releases (ESXi 8.0 Update 1, 2, 3, etc.): These must be downloaded from the Broadcom Support Portal.
Older Legacy Versions: Earlier revisions may still be available through the Dell Support Site by entering your server's Service Tag. Step-by-Step: How to Download from Broadcom
To access these files, you must have a registered account on the Broadcom portal with an active software entitlement (Site ID). Download the Dell customized ESXi image files
| Component | Dell ISO includes? | Stock VMware ISO includes? | |-----------|-------------------|----------------------------| | iDRAC Service Module (iSM) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Dell PERC RAID drivers | ✅ Yes (latest) | ❌ Often outdated/missing | | Dell Broadcom/Intel NIC drivers | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Generic only | | OMSA (OpenManage) vibs | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Dell System Update (DSU) integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | | Firmware update via ESXCLI | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Dell occasionally publishes evaluation images without a service tag. Search for "Dell vSphere 8 Custom Image" on Dell TechCenter for trial downloads.
The Dell Customized Image for VMware ESXi 8 is a special installation ISO created by Dell in collaboration with VMware. It includes:
⚠️ Why use it?
Using the Dell image ensures full hardware compatibility, better performance, and access to Dell’s support tools. The stock VMware ISO may lack necessary drivers for Dell RAID or network adapters. | Component | Dell ISO includes
Scroll to the "Custom ISOs" section. Look for the dropdown menu labeled "Select Manufacturer." Choose Dell Inc.
You should see a file named something like:
VMware-ESXi-8.0U3-<build_number>-Dell_Customized-A<version>.iso
After download, always:
# Get checksum from Dell's page (MD5 or SHA256)
certutil -hashfile VMware-ESXi-8.0U3-24022510-DELL-Customized.iso SHA256
Compare with Dell’s published value. If missing, compute and match against known good (ask Dell support for reference).
Q1: Is the Dell Customized ISO free?
Yes, ESXi 8 itself is free for a single host up to 8 vCPUs per VM (with some limitations). The Dell ISO is also free.
Q2: Can I convert a vanilla ESXi to Dell customized without reinstallation?
Technically yes – by manually adding the Dell VIBs via esxcli. However, it’s risky. A clean install of the Dell ISO is highly recommended.
Q3: Does the Dell ISO work on non-Dell hardware?
It may boot, but you will likely encounter driver conflicts. Not recommended for whitebox servers.
Q4: How often does Dell release new customized ISOs?
Typically 4-6 weeks after VMware releases a major update or patch. Critical security patches may trigger an out-of-band release.
Q5: My service tag returns no results for ESXi 8. What do I do?
Your server may be EOL (End of Life) for ESXi 8. Check Dell’s compatibility matrix – PowerEdge 13th gen (Rx30) and older are not supported for vSphere 8.