VMware ESXi 5 whitebox NIC support

I tested the NICs below in my VMware ESXi 5.x whitebox server at home. Here the status:

NIC Recognized by VMware ESXi 5 Listed in ESXi 5 as
Intel PRO/1000GT Desktop Adapter PCI Yes Intel 82541PI Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Realtek RTL 8111E Yes Realtek 8168 Gigabit Ethernet
Intel Gigabit CT Desktop Adapter PCI-e Yes Intel Corporation 82574L
Intel 82579 Gigabit LAN controller No

You need the make a customized ESXi 5 ISO or VIB file.
This is a not supported configuration!
Intel Corporation 82579V orIntel Corporation 82579LM

To add for example the Intel 82579 chipset, create a customized ESXi 5 ISO.  This is very simple because some people have already done the hard work.

Here are the steps:

1. Download ESXi-Customizer (create by Andreas Peetz) found here.

2. Download the driver (created by Chilly) found here.

3. Start the ESXi-Customizer and follow the 3 steps:

2011-12-04 17h03_20

And you’re ready to create the customized VMware ESXi 5 ISO. The ISO supports the Intel 82579V and 82579LM NIC(s) found on many whitebox motherboards today.  Possible future updated version(s) of the driver can be found in the following post.

 

82 thoughts on “VMware ESXi 5 whitebox NIC support”

  1. Have this, any hints on a driver that would work esxi 5.1

    Realtek RTL 8106E-CG on the motherboard.
    Esxi 5.1 will not recognize the adapter.
    Tia
    Ken

  2. Hi,
    I am new to VMware ESXi server, I try to install VMware-VMvisor-Installer-5.5.0.update01-1623387.x86_64 in intel DZ75ML-45k, Intel(R) 82579V Gigabit Network Connection, Every time it show the error “Physically Network Adapter Not Connected……’ and i try ESXi-Customizer too with many variant of .vib file, .tgz and offline_bundle But i can’t install the ESXi server, Pl anyone help me.. Thanks in advance…..

  3. [DependencyError]
    VIB DLink_bootbank_DLink-528T_1 requires com.vmware.driverAPI-9.2.0.0, but the req uirement cannot be satisfied within the ImageProfile.
    VIB DLink_bootbank_DLink-528T_1 requires vmkapi_2_0_0_0, but the requirement canno t be satisfied within the ImageProfile.

    dependency error on 6.5 using DGE 528T. Appreciate your thoughts guys

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