An enterprise virtualization environment requires stability, compatibility, and a seamless installation process. Deploying VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 on Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) ProLiant servers requires a specialized installation image. Using the generic VMware installer can lead to missing storage controllers, unrecognized network interface cards (NICs), and unstable driver-firmware combinations.
Before installing, verify your specific HPE server model and generation (Gen9, Gen10, Gen10 Plus) are listed in the HPE Server Support & Certification Matrices (formerly the VMware Compatibility Guide). Some legacy HPE servers are no longer supported beyond ESXi 6.7 or 7.0 U1. The OS Support Tool for HPE Synergy can also be used to match SSPs to ESXi versions.
It contains the latest certified drivers for HPE storage controllers (such as Smart Array), network adapters (NICs), and Host Bus Adapters (HBAs). Before installing, verify your specific HPE server model
HPE also maintains a public "vibsdepot." This repository provides access to HPE-developed bundles and is particularly useful for administrators using Lifecycle Manager or ESXCLI. You can download the ISO image from the browseable directory structures.
Compare the output string against the SHA-256 checksum listed on the download page. If the strings match exactly, your download is safe to deploy. Step 4: Deploying the ISO Image It contains the latest certified drivers for HPE
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the primary location for these downloads has transitioned to the Broadcom Support Portal.
A standout feature of the is the pre-integration of specific storage and network controller drivers for ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers . network adapters (NICs)
Once the IP is set, enter https://[Your-Server-IP]/ui/ into a web browser and log in with the root password. This HTML5 interface allows you to: