Subj : Re: Server 2012R2 and vmWare ESXI - to PROXMOX?
To : SirRonmit
From : paulie420
Date : Sun Jun 15 2025 04:31 pm
Si> pa> perfect solution IMO and runs really well on the r730xd.
Si>
Si> It looks like it doesn't like WIN7 32- very much. I was able to pull
Si> from my older vmWARE and mess with it, but can only install 64-bit .. I
Si> haven't researched anything.
IMO these servers work best with a hypervisor as their main OS. I use Proxmox, which is similar to VMWares ESXi or XCP-ng... from Proxmox, you can install dozens of VMs and CTs (containers) that WILL run any OS needed - like WIN7 32bit. Virtualization for everything, baby. For most homelabbers, I think running a hypervisor as the main server software is a smart choice - as I use my servers to run many things on my local network;
Si> All my DELLs have Enterprise iDACS -- only way to go. The HP I grabbed
Si> last summer didn't and although I liked some things the HP server did,
Si> I'll stick with Dell servers. Especially for the iDRAC items.
My first server was a Dell Poweredge and I was really impressed - I've went will Dell for all my servers and even my big switch.
Si> I'm barely even touching the 128G RAM, but I'm sure it will start
Si> becoming an impact once I get more VMs going.
I found that RAM and CPU upgrades were pretty affordable on both the rx20 and even rx30 generations... a bit more on the rx30's w/ DDR4 - but the CPUs are still affordable. :P
Glad yer getting started, lemme know where you land - I'd highly suggest checking out Proxmox.
