After download, verify the SHA256 checksum:
Step 1: Navigate to Cisco Software Central
Go to software.cisco.com and log in with your CCO credentials.
Step 2: Locate UCS Server Software On the left-hand navigation pane, click: Downloads Home → Products → Servers – Unified Computing System → UCS Server Software → Unified Computing System (UCS) Software
Step 3: Select Your UCS Model (Crucial) Cisco custom images are model-specific. Do not download a B-Series image for a C-Series server.
Step 4: Find ESXi 7.0 U3
Under “Select a Release,” look for:
VMware ESXi 7.0 U3 Custom Image for Cisco UCS
*Note: The exact release number may be something like 7.0.3a or 7.0.3b. Ensure the description says “Verified” or “Production Ready.”
Step 5: Download the ISO and Verification Files You will see two critical files:
Step 6: Verify Integrity After download, run the checksum command on your computer:
Compare the output with the hash in the .txt file. If they match, your image is verified.
☐ Downloaded directly from software.cisco.com
☐ SHA256 hash matches Cisco’s published value
☐ .zip contains cisco_certificate.vib
☐ Cisco driver versions match the Release Notes for your UCS model
☐ Tested on a non-production host before deployment
Important: Cisco custom images for ESXi 7.0 U3 are usually distributed as a ZIP for
esxcliupdates or as an ISO for fresh installs. Always verify the build number matches the latest available for 7U3 (e.g., build 19193900 or higher).
To download a verified Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 , you must use the official Broadcom Support Portal download cisco custom image for esxi 70 u3 verified
following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. These images are specifically tailored for
hardware, bundling essential drivers like the Cisco VIC (Virtual Interface Card) directly into the installer. Cisco Community Official Download Procedure Access the Portal : Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal with your registered credentials. Navigate to Downloads My Downloads from the left-hand menu. Search for vSphere
: Search for "VMware vSphere" or select it from your entitled products. Filter by Version & Type Set the version to Select the Custom ISOs Select the Cisco Image : Locate the "Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3". Example filename:
HX-ESXi-7.0U3-23307199-Cisco-Custom-7.3.0.18-install-only.iso Cisco Community Alternative: Building a Custom Image
If a specific patch level is not available as a pre-built ISO, you can create one using the vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) VMWare ESXi 7.0U3p Cisco Custom Image
To download the Cisco custom image for ESXi 7.0 U3, you must now navigate the Broadcom Support Portal, which hosts all VMware-related software following the acquisition. Verified custom images are essential for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) hardware to ensure that critical drivers, such as those for the Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC), are pre-integrated into the bootable media. Step-by-Step Download Instructions
Follow these steps to locate the verified Cisco ISO through the official Broadcom Support Portal:
Log In: Sign into your account on the Broadcom Support Portal. If you do not have one, you must register using your Broadcom Site ID to access licensed software.
Navigate to VMware Cloud Foundation: Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu (typically located next to your username).
Search for vSphere: Go to the My Downloads section in the left-hand sidebar and search for VMware vSphere. After download, verify the SHA256 checksum: Step 1:
Select Your Version: Choose your entitlement (e.g., VMware vSphere - Enterprise Plus) and select the major version as 7.0.
Access Custom ISOs: Locate the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the download options. This section contains vendor-specific images for Cisco, HPE, and Dell.
Filter and Download: Search for "Cisco" within the search box. Expand the entry for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 to find the specific build you need (e.g., Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0U3 Install CD). Why Use a Cisco Custom Image?
Standard VMware images often lack the specific drivers required for Cisco UCS and HyperFlex hardware. The verified Cisco custom image includes:
VIC Drivers: Updated nenic and nfnic drivers for the Cisco Virtual Interface Card.
Hardware Compatibility: Pre-tested configurations verified against the Cisco Hardware Compatibility List (HCL).
Optimised Performance: Specific enhancements that reduce the risk of PSOD (Purple Screen of Death) or networking disconnects. Alternative: Building a Custom ISO
If you require a specific driver version not included in the standard custom image, you can use the vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) within vCenter to build your own verified image: Navigate to Lifecycle Manager > Software Depot.
Import the desired Cisco VIC drivers (downloaded from the Cisco Product Support site).
Create a New Image, select the ESXi 7.0 U3 base version, and add the imported Cisco components. Export the resulting configuration as a bootable ISO. Cisco custom ESXi Images | VMware vSphere Step 4: Find ESXi 7
Verified Cisco custom images for ESXi 7.0 Update 3 are primarily hosted on the Broadcom Support Portal, which replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. You can also find specific software and hardware-bound images directly through Cisco Software Downloads. Official Download Methods Broadcom Support Portal (Primary Method)
Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal with your registered account. Navigate to My Downloads > VMware vSphere. Select your version (7.0) and locate the Custom ISOs tab.
Search for "Cisco" to find verified images like VMware-ESXi-7.0.3-Custom-Cisco-4.2.1-a.iso or newer versions such as 7.0 U3o. Cisco Software Central Go to the Cisco Software Download page.
Search for your specific hardware (e.g., UCS C-Series Rack Servers).
Look for the VMware ESXi category to find OEM-specific images bundled with required Cisco drivers like nenic and nfnic. Alternatives and Customization CISCO Custom image -20036589 | VMware vSphere
To download the verified Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 U3, you must access the official portal now hosted by Broadcom following their acquisition of VMware. These images are specifically "verified" because they include integrated Cisco drivers (like VIC Ethernet drivers) necessary for stable installation on Cisco hardware such as UCS servers. Where to Download
The primary location for the latest verified images is the Broadcom Support Portal. You will need a registered account and an active entitlement (support contract) to access these downloads. Download latest ISOs and patches for vSphere ESXi
In the world of enterprise virtualization, the combination of Cisco UCS (Unified Computing System) and VMware vSphere is a gold standard. However, running a generic VMware ESXi installer on Cisco UCS hardware is a recipe for driver conflicts, storage controller errors, and unsupported network adapter behavior.
If you are searching for "download cisco custom image for esxi 70 u3 verified," you are likely one of three people: a data center architect, a system administrator, or a consultant preparing for a Cisco UCS B-Series or C-Series deployment. You need the official, validated, and Cisco-signed ESXi 7.0 Update 3 image.
This article will walk you through exactly why you need a custom image, how to verify its authenticity, and the precise steps to download the correct file from Cisco’s official portals.
This is a concise, prescriptive guide to download the Cisco-customized VMware ESXi 7.0 Update 3 (U3) ISO image that is verified for Cisco UCS and Cisco UCS Director environments.