Using the Dell ISO ensures you receive Dell-specific VIBs (ESXi packages) during esxcli updates. These patches address firmware/driver mismatches that generic updates can overlook.
There are several myths surrounding vendor-specific ISOs. Let’s clear them up.
You have the ISO. Now what?
If Dell hasn’t yet released an ISO for the latest ESXi 8 patch, you can create a near-equivalent custom image using vSphere Lifecycle Manager:
Bottom line: For Dell PowerEdge servers, the Dell Customized ISO is the better, safer, and more stable choice – always use it over the generic VMware ISO.
Dell Customized ISO for VMware ESXi 8:
Dell provides customized ISOs for VMware ESXi to simplify the installation process on Dell hardware. These ISOs include drivers for specific Dell devices, such as network cards, storage controllers, and other hardware.
Benefits of using a Dell customized ISO: vmware esxi 8 dell customized iso download better
How to download the Dell customized ISO for VMware ESXi 8:
Alternative method:
You can also download the Dell customized ISO from the VMware website:
Verify the ISO file:
After downloading the customized ISO, verify its integrity by checking the checksum (MD5 or SHA-256) to ensure it hasn't been corrupted during download.
By using a Dell customized ISO for VMware ESXi 8, you'll simplify the installation process and ensure that your Dell hardware is properly recognized and supported.
To download the VMware ESXi 8 Dell Customized ISO, you must now primarily use the Broadcom Support Portal, as VMware's download infrastructure has migrated following its acquisition. While latest releases are on the Broadcom portal, some older versions may still be hosted on the Dell Support site. Using the Dell ISO ensures you receive Dell-specific
Option 1: Broadcom Support Portal (Recommended for Latest Versions) This path is for users with active software entitlements.
Register/Log in: Access the Broadcom Support Portal. You will need a Broadcom Site ID tied to your license for full access. Navigate to Downloads:
Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu near your profile name. Click My Downloads on the left menu.
Search for vSphere: Type "VMware vSphere" in the product search box and select it.
Select Release: Choose your specific product (e.g., Enterprise Plus) and select the 8.0 release. Filter for Dell: Click the Custom ISOs tab at the top. Search for "Dell" in the search box.
Expand the desired point release (e.g., Dell Custom Image for ESXi 8.0U3 Install CD) and click the Download icon.
Option 2: Dell Support Site (For Older or Specific OEM Versions) Bottom line: For Dell PowerEdge servers, the Dell
Identify Product: Go to the Dell Support Drivers & Downloads page and enter your server's Service Tag or model (e.g., PowerEdge R750).
Filter OS: Set the Operating System dropdown to the desired version of VMware ESXi 8.x.
Category Selection: Select Enterprise Solutions in the category list.
Download: Locate the Dell Customized Image in the results and click Download. Key Considerations
Generic ESXi installers often lack drivers for Dell’s BOSS-S1/BOSS-N1 (Boot Optimized Storage Subsystem), PERC controllers (H745, H840, H755), and iDRAC passthrough. The Dell ISO includes these vibs (VMware Installation Bundles) pre-integrated. Without them, you risk a purple diagnostic screen (PSOD) or unbootable volumes.
Dell tunes the kernel options and boot loaders in their ISO to optimize the boot process on PowerEdge servers, reducing the time it takes for your host to come online after a reboot.
Click "View products" > "Infrastructure" > "Servers" > "PowerEdge". Select your specific model (e.g., PowerEdge R760, R650, R750xa). If you have a mixed cluster, you need the ISO for the oldest supported chipset, or download per model.
Downloading the ISO is only half the battle. To make the "better" claim hold true, use these deployment methods.