Right now the machine is running Fedora 16. I would be able to put windows 2003 server back on it if needed, I still have the key.
I am trying to put Win 7 Ultimate on the box. Unfortunately, Virt-manager and Virtualbox both error out when it comes to installing a 64-bit Guest OS and throw an unsopported processor error BSOD in the windows install process itself.
I will try VMware as well. I have also since upgraded my bios from A02 to A07.
The 2850 doesn't support VT (or the processors that are supported on this server at least), so at best it can run 32-bit VMs, but definitely not x64 VMs.
Also; as you can see in the VMware HCL, the 2850 is only supported with ESXi 4.1, not 5.0. The 2950 however is certified for 4.0, 4.1 and 5.0. All processors offered in the 2950 (all generations) support VT, so you can run 32-bit and x64 VMs. (to check for yourself, go to www.vmware.com/.../search.php, select "DELL" under the partner name" and type 2950 for the keyword (then scroll down).
Fully Buffered DIMM's and non-buffered Registered ECC DIMM's are keyed differently ... as the keyed notches do not line up, the 2950 boards (FBD) will not take 2850 (Reg ECC) memory.
The power supplies on the 2950 are on the right (when looked at from the back); they are on the left on a 2850, so the boards (because of their shape) are not interchangeable. (mentioned by Daniel)
The 2850 takes SCSI drives; the 2950 does not (SAS/SATA), so drives are not interchangeable either.
Best to simply upgrade your 2950 if you need the latest version of VMWare and/or need 64-bit VM's.
Bummer. So would the PE 2850 at least support virtual machines that are 32 bit?
I'm getting conflicting evidence on this. I think at this point it'd just be easier for me to get win 7 pro 32 bit and deal with it than buy more servers.
Chaseshaw12
19 Posts
0
December 2nd, 2011 08:00
Right now the machine is running Fedora 16. I would be able to put windows 2003 server back on it if needed, I still have the key.
I am trying to put Win 7 Ultimate on the box. Unfortunately, Virt-manager and Virtualbox both error out when it comes to installing a 64-bit Guest OS and throw an unsopported processor error BSOD in the windows install process itself.
I will try VMware as well. I have also since upgraded my bios from A02 to A07.
Dev Mgr
4 Operator
•
9.3K Posts
0
December 2nd, 2011 09:00
The 2850 doesn't support VT (or the processors that are supported on this server at least), so at best it can run 32-bit VMs, but definitely not x64 VMs.
Also; as you can see in the VMware HCL, the 2850 is only supported with ESXi 4.1, not 5.0. The 2950 however is certified for 4.0, 4.1 and 5.0. All processors offered in the 2950 (all generations) support VT, so you can run 32-bit and x64 VMs. (to check for yourself, go to www.vmware.com/.../search.php, select "DELL" under the partner name" and type 2950 for the keyword (then scroll down).
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
December 2nd, 2011 12:00
Just a couple of additional things to note:
Fully Buffered DIMM's and non-buffered Registered ECC DIMM's are keyed differently ... as the keyed notches do not line up, the 2950 boards (FBD) will not take 2850 (Reg ECC) memory.
The power supplies on the 2950 are on the right (when looked at from the back); they are on the left on a 2850, so the boards (because of their shape) are not interchangeable. (mentioned by Daniel)
The 2850 takes SCSI drives; the 2950 does not (SAS/SATA), so drives are not interchangeable either.
Best to simply upgrade your 2950 if you need the latest version of VMWare and/or need 64-bit VM's.
Chaseshaw12
19 Posts
0
December 2nd, 2011 12:00
Bummer. So would the PE 2850 at least support virtual machines that are 32 bit?
I'm getting conflicting evidence on this. I think at this point it'd just be easier for me to get win 7 pro 32 bit and deal with it than buy more servers.
Chaseshaw12
19 Posts
0
December 2nd, 2011 13:00
that'll work! I'm willing to downgrade OS / software / whatever it takes to get VMs up on this box. thank you thank you!
theflash1932
9 Legend
•
16.3K Posts
0
December 2nd, 2011 13:00
I can confirm with ESXi 3.5, you could run 32-bit VM's, but not 64-bit VM's. I have not tried anything newer on the 2850.