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I'll chuck in some Virtual stuff this weekend, gotta finish up my IT thread rewrite first
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Jul 26, 2013 00:59
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| # ¿ Apr 16, 2024 12:07 |
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Posting my Lab FOCUS VMware Lab setup Lab Machine: Mobo: Super micro H8SGL CPU: 6128 Memory: 40GB Ripjaw ram Nics: 2 -frebee's- GT550 Storage _______________ 3x250GB refurbed drives 1x120GB drives virtual freenas ZFS server 4.5GB ram, 20GbZlog and 20GB L2ARC _______________ ESX hosts 2vCPU's 8GB ram 5vNICS ISCSI over ZFS _______________ DC 2008R@ CA/DNS/DHCP/AD/FS/SQL vCenter Vmware services Cost: 997 
Dilbert As FUCK fucked around with this message at 18:12 on Aug 27, 2013 |
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Jul 26, 2013 02:24
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Erkenntnis posted:So your ESX hosts are virtual? I didn't even realize that was possible. I have Hyper-V and vmware running virtual on virtual. Yes it works performance is somewhat degraded but completely workable for labs
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Jul 26, 2013 03:03
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Indecision1991 posted:This is sorta what I want to run at home but with a lot less equipment. I would like to virtualize as much as possible since I am taking some vmware classes and want to keep up the momentum. I was thinking of a single server with beefy specs to use for ESXi, I know I can find 3+ year old equipment with decent specs for 400-500, I may even be getting a free server from an old boss. The networking is my weakest point but I do plan to buy some routers/switches within the next 6 months for practice. Do you think it would be a good idea for me to host a small single server with 2 routers and 3 switches?All for practice of course. Remember, You can run ESXi inside ESXi, there are some virtual routers and switches out there where you can make some really interesting virtual network which can mimic things like WAN latency/speed, failures, and many other things you won't have to spend a buck on. My advice start with one host, then move to another when you realize the host you are working on is not fitting the bill.
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Aug 7, 2013 18:06
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Indecision1991 posted:I was originally looking at something like this: This is my lab  It does basically everything I needed for the VCAP-DCA/VCP5/VCP5-DT(VDI)  AND MORE. It is neat and easy, all in a one box, and costs a lot less. Here is my friends build, he had little to no trouble doing much of his virtualization as well http://www.vhersey.com/2012/12/the-home-lab-black-friday-upgrade/ Dilbert As FUCK fucked around with this message at 18:33 on Aug 7, 2013 |
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Aug 7, 2013 18:30
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Indecision1991 posted:So do you think that server I link will be able to do pretty much all the stuff you are doing? I would thin spec wise its above and beyond your system but is the price decent for the hardware? It will probably work, however I am not sure if any off the shelf drives will work in dell servers. Some vendors drive lock where the HDD's won't be accessible. And storage is probably where you'll see some of the most slowdowns in a VMware lab.
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Aug 7, 2013 18:38
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Indecision1991 posted:This is another question I was going to ask, if off the shelf drives would work as long as they fit in the hdd trays. Most likely not. You probably want to look into something that Agrikk posted, or if you want do tell your budget and I can post a whitebox build.
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Aug 7, 2013 18:43
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Indecision1991 posted:Maybe its my second account and I am just setting up a troll train? Nah jk'ing...either way thanks for the input, will wait for dilberts white box recommendation and begin to spec out a white box. If a server does fall on my lap ill just use it to mess with, nothing serious. Here is what I would look into Intel build: mobo/case/psu http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856101117 CPU http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116782 Memory(2) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104361 Cost: 645 Pro's Intel-VT/D Low power Quiet small easy to setup and roll Con's Low internal disks Budget doesn't include drives AMD Build Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157394 Case: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119269 HDD(2): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136771 Ram(2): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104361 CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286 SSD: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211718 Cost 666 Pro's very similar to my setup that I visio's Con's Bit more expensive and a bit bulkier, also would need a video card to setup ESXi temporarily
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Aug 8, 2013 19:14
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Drighton posted:Last time I tried to install vSphere 4 on a non-server I discovered the driver problem. What should we look for when selecting a consumer motherboard for a white box lab? I use supermicro, but really google is your friend.
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Aug 9, 2013 13:56
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I think the most important thing in a lab isn't about installing it on a Dell/HP/etc because at the end of the day installing ESXi/Citrix/Hyper-v on x86 is pretty much the same all around. The important thing to take away from it is the knowledge of the workings of the systems such as esxi, GNS3, Windows/Linux, etc. Getting some vendor hardware is great but not always the main goal. Yes there are some thing's like the Cisco UCS's configuration that is sometimes daunting but there are bunches of simlabs for that which do it without spending a bunch on rebranded HP servers. Probably the only real thing I would say for a lab where buying vendor HW is useful is for storage, but even then there are some many java programs that simulate the environment which vendors usually give out for little to nothing
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Aug 9, 2013 15:25
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Turnquiet posted:I am starting small and keeping VM instances limited to VirtualBox on a MBA. Can I setup three VMs in Vbox, build a domain controller on one, a web server on another, and a federation server on a third? Or will all my VMs be perfect little islands without any networking hardware? They will be virtually networking in RAM, vBox has some nice network manager that as long as they are all on the same "vlan" they will work. Just make sure you only give the ram/cpu what is needed
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Aug 9, 2013 15:57
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Swink posted:Can I use openfiler or similar to learn about storage? I know virtually nothing and dont know where to start.
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Aug 17, 2013 02:01
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I was about to go to bed but my sperg kicked in, OP here you go SO YOU WANT TO BY A DELL POWEREDGE: EASY GUIDE TO SAVING A BUTT-TONE OF MONEY So you want to buy a poweredge for your lab? Cool here are some points to think about prior to buying that waste of money. First of let me say when I was first getting into VMware and such I thought getting a Dell Poweredge/HP Proliant/etc would be the poo poo and be MUCH more valuable learning than a server, then I ran the facts and figures.  PROTIP: No one gives a poo poo you can install an OS/Hypervisor onto a hardware platformSeriously; installing ESXi is like, Enter, F11, Enter, F11, Enter, and Enter. Hyper-V 2012 is similar even less clicks. Citrix is similar to ESXi but feels a bit more linuxy but is incredibly straight forward. Congratulations, you are not able to install ESXi/hyper-V/Citrix on HP/Dell/IBM/UCS/other. The important part of a lab is not how to install an OS on a HW platform unless you are shooting for your A+ and A+ job, that is probably the only time an employer will care. The important part of setting up a HyperVisor/Server OS is not the "can you install it" but "can you make it usable and understand what you did". Hardware platform familiarity is becoming less and less of a requirement as we move more and more into the virtualization realm. Today most of my installs are scripted, to the point where I boot off USB and let the .KS/unattend.xml finish it, comeback in 5 minutes and configure anything else. While you may need to understand the importance of auto-deployments of windows/linux/Vmware, realize you can do this all in ESXi running on a Cheap rear end 600 dollar build which will curb stomp your Dell server you are getting that shipped with no HDD's, hope you have some good network storage! Common misconceptions of LAB environments
Remember your lab environment is to teach you the concepts and to familiarize yourself with the Software and Services you are configuring. It does not have to be better than your production environment. TIPS OF A VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT  Only assign what the VM needs, this is also true in a production environment. If it only is running AD/DNS/DHCP, it could probably run happy on 512MB and 1 vCPU, You'll probably run out of RAM/DISK IOPS BEFORE you congest your CPU. Unless you are doing some really crazy poo poo or have a 2-3 year old server/pc. Invest in SSD's, SATA disks are SLOOOW for VM's that require shared resources, invest in some SSD's Don't overbuy, this is a really common mistake, buy what you need for what you are doing and upgrade as needed. Look into things like VirtualBox or VMwareWorkstation, and updating your Gaming rig, PRIOR to spending 800 on some dell HW. I have built many PoC labs for my VCP/VCP-DT in workstation, it's a bit slower than ESXi white boxing but 100% DOABLE ESXi can run ESXi on top of ESXi, it can also run Hyper-V and Citrix. Often building 1 beefy box can outweigh multiple lower end boxes.
Dilbert As FUCK fucked around with this message at 04:46 on Aug 21, 2013 |
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Aug 21, 2013 04:32
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^ Pretty much that, when I review candidates and such at my place I never ask "can you install esxi", I may however ask about configuring Auto-Deploy, or Boot From SAN/Embedded
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Aug 22, 2013 18:58
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Agrikk posted:Do people do this anymore? Mostly
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Aug 22, 2013 19:58
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Moey posted:I don't ever get to deal with blades, but are internal USB slowing being replaced with internal SD cards? Internal USB is cheaper and easier to manage, I could rant about blades but I don't think anyone wants to hear it.
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Aug 22, 2013 23:07
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smokmnky posted:So where would you suggest starting? Any good beginner books to read up on? Like I said we do a very, very limited amount of virtualization right now but I find it fascinating and would love to dig into it more.
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Aug 23, 2013 02:21
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cheese-cube posted:I'd like to hear a rant about blades. I loved working with IBM BladeCentre chassis and blade servers in my last job. Should have specified CISCO blades in paticular, but yeah there are a few things I don't care about blades I may type up tomorrow for lunch Dilbert As FUCK fucked around with this message at 03:58 on Aug 23, 2013 |
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Aug 23, 2013 03:56
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kill your idols posted:Workstation 9 also does this as well. Liking their FB page also gives very modest discounts
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Aug 29, 2013 17:19
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NYFreddy posted:Was pumped about my new C1100 w/ 72 GB of ram for $400 then I read this thread If the lab fits your needs go for it, however chances are you could get better for a better value
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Sep 1, 2013 01:40
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DEUCE SLUICE posted:I love how the vCenter web client integration plugin doesn't work on anything that the vsphere client doesn't already run on. You should have support for the plugin for Safari and other OS's in ~30 days when 5.5 goes GA
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Sep 2, 2013 19:50
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I need some volunteers for some ICM stuff, please PM or facebook. Basically I need some people to PoC my environment for my VCAP:DCA/DCD and VCP:ICM design. It will probably be a 60 day max. Basically I want people who will stress test it. Probably be a ping back by Wednesday on login's
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Sep 8, 2013 04:26
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three posted:This thread needs more cool parts lists like Corvettefisher posted. I don't want to spec out parts on my own. I was responding to Indecision1991's post on some whitebox considerations, if you are tired of seeing my posts you can just add me to your ignore list.
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Sep 18, 2013 17:39
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What kind of work are you doing on that monster?
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Sep 18, 2013 21:26
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IT Guy posted:Not sure if this has been covered in this thread before but I was looking into buying some new hardware and setting up a home lab so I can finally study/practice for some certs. I was going to build a server with like 64GB of RAM but I noticed that vmware esxi only supports 32GB with the free license. What are my options here? I could likely run all my labs on one machine, that's no question, but I have other servers that I wanted to consolidate into one VM host. How much would it cost me to move up a license for 1 host? The trial mode does not have a limit, and you can "upgrade" your esxi to reset the timer. 5.5 also drops this limit. IT Guy posted:Ah perfect, yes I can wait for 5.5. Is there a release date? If you run the 60 day trial you you most likely have 5.5 as an upgrade before then incoherent posted:Can you nest in ESXi? My primary hypervisor is hyper-v (turns out you can put up with a lot of poo poo for unlimited VM rights) but I do want to get in on VMWare learning. ESXi will run Hyper-V, Citrix Xen and ESXi ! You supposidly can run esxi on hyper-v but I haven't had much luck :/ Yes you can nest.
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Sep 20, 2013 02:33
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Sounder posted:Got a quick storage question. FreeNas works well, You may want to look into Nexenta.
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Sep 20, 2013 02:53
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Nice post three I may look into that.
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Sep 22, 2013 05:50
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^ yeah that Agrikk posted:
Correct, but I believe it can go as fast as the CPU/Memory/Guest can process at.
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Sep 25, 2013 17:45
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This is my lab It does basically everything I needed for the VCAP-DCA/VCP5/VCP5-DT(VDI) AND MORE. I may do a better to understand visio tonight when I get home, essentially you just hook it up to a virtual switch, like you would a physical switch and attach to it via IP
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Sep 25, 2013 18:01
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Malcolm XML posted:Are there 10gbase-t nics that don't cost $500 out yet? I kind of want to use a few to make a tiny home data center to test out my work stuff What do you need 10Gb for? Genuinely curious. You could always switch in ram with the VMXnet at +/- 10Gb/s depending on the HW backing it. Is 125MB/s not enough? You can look into some cheap rear end 4Gb/s FC HP HBA's and switches for fairly cheap.
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Oct 1, 2013 03:03
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MC Fruit Stripe posted:Was still running Workstation 8 so I decided to uprgade to 10, and nothing about my lab is too precious, so I scrapped the whole thing. Why is it that every time I rebuild my home lab I spend all of my time getting pfSense to play nice when routing? You'd think I'd remember the step I'm overlooking by now, jimminy freakin hopskotch. FYI Workstation has built in routing functions in the virtual network editor
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Oct 20, 2013 22:07
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kiwid posted:Is there a better way to evaluate VMware vSphere and vCenter rather than reinstalling every 2 months? run repairs or the updated versions of the product to reset the nuke timer, you can also just run a repair to reset the timer of ESXi hosts. Autolab works great as well
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Nov 6, 2013 03:05
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kiwid posted:Would vCenter still see the host and everything be all cool still (networking, permissions, iscsi initiators, etc...) if I just ran a repair? I know update resets the nuke timer, lemme test again on vcenter
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Nov 6, 2013 04:43
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kiwid posted:Don't go out of your way, I have 35 days left, I can test it myself with a VM inside a VM on the weekend. meh finializing 3 VMware courses and 1 Sec+ class in over the next few weeks, might as well test something else. I thought I recall it does but better confirm.
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Nov 6, 2013 04:52
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H.R. Paperstacks posted:Having a hell of a time getting ESXi 5.5.0 to see local SATA drives on my Gigabyte GA-73PVM-S2H. I've tried IDE and AHCI mode. It goes through the boot process fine, and just before transitioning from the yellow loader screen to where you agree to the install, I get a red error line, but it doesn't stay long enough to read. It then scans the sysetm and shows nothing under Local or Remote for "Disk to Install or Upgrade". Install it onto a USB drive, you can even install it back onto the usb you used to boot esxi on if installing via usb
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Nov 15, 2013 04:27
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Moey posted:Heh. This is what I did with every existing server we have that I rebuilt(no remote management was ever bought). Unetbootin. Boot from thumb drive. Install to thumb drive. Work for a VAR
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Nov 15, 2013 04:46
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How much you looking to spend? Also AMD or intel?
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Nov 28, 2013 23:36
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MC Fruit Stripe posted:As little as possible, and yes. I'd enable small TPS first, if you aren't proc constrained, doing large JVM environments or such TPS can really help Go to host> config tab> adv settings> Mem > Mem.AllocGuestLargePage set to 0 reboot and done. (just realized I had Mem.alloGuestRemoteLargePage not sure if it means anything)  Running all this on 20GB of ram most of it is TPS  With large pages enabled (4MB) TPS doesn't kick in till 94~ percent, forcing small page tables (4k) which operates at the same level of tps(4k) you get better mem reclamation for a lab at the cost of some CPU overhead. Rebuilding Spring semesters coursed because gently caress all I am bored as poo poo. HA! just realized part of that CPU overhead is a vm cloning and my FREENAS VAAI trying to compensate with ~3000Mhz used Dilbert As FUCK fucked around with this message at 07:04 on Nov 29, 2013 |
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Nov 29, 2013 05:15
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MC Fruit Stripe posted:That's nice dilbert and I appreciate you sharing your lab but I really have no idea what you're responding to. I was asking if anyone knew of any good Black Friday deals, and I asked here because it is within the context of upgrading my home lab. ohh I was just trying to convey "enable this see if you still need to upgrade". newegg mas some nice DIY kits on sale evol262 posted:You can get VAAI without a "real" SAN? Tell me more. Who else does this? IIRC HP VSA and Nexenta do it. Freenas 9.1 is ISCSI VAAI only Dilbert As FUCK fucked around with this message at 06:03 on Nov 29, 2013 |
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Nov 29, 2013 06:01
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| # ¿ Apr 16, 2024 12:07 |
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three posted:
Yeah, you'll make ESXi a bit busier as TPS is going to attempt matching like pages. I'd like to say it really depends how much CPU you lose on a number of things like speed/CAS latency of ram, and how dynamic your environment is. Mostly if you have a somewhat static environment as per ram goes, e.g domain controllers, IIS servers, etc. You probably won't notice that much performance loss, TPS doesn't have to try and compensate for as many active memory changes. quote:Given a lot of environments are memory constrained instead of CPU even in production-level environments, why isn't this setting recommended more? I think a lot has to do that Memory is often predictable on nature as well as having a bunch of ways to reclaim memory(one of which is break up pages), you don't normally see memory spike from 5 to 20% in most environments the way a windows guest CPU may. I'm cautiously optimistic to see how it would play in a VDI environment. 10001 had a good post about it from the VM thread. 1000101 posted:Keep in mind that EPT (or AMD's RVI) doesn't necessarily mean you're using large pages; you can actually use it with small pages as well. What EPT does give you is the ability to have guest memory managed in hardware as opposed to via software. If a little extra latency doesn't hurt your apps then it may be worth forcing small pages to get higher consolidation ratios.
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Dec 1, 2013 01:08
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