Dell VxRail converted to ProxMox+Ceph?

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RogerFinch73

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Aug 7, 2024
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Hi

has anyone taken a Dell VxRail (VMware and vSAN) and wiped it, and reprovisioned it as ProxMox with Ceph?

we have a couple of clusters, with Dell servers connected together via Dell 10Gb/100Gb switches - can these be reused or are they restricted in their BIOS etc?

just working out if we need new kit, or can use this?

thanks
Roger
 
Technically it should work. May want to ask your question at the Promox sub-Reddit forum.

I do run production Proxmox Ceph clusters at work on Dells with no issues. I just made sure all hardware (RAM, CPU, NIC, Storage) is the same and running an IT-mode disk controller.
 
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we logged with Dell support and they say we can wipe and reuse them. they aren't restricted with BIOS or whatever.

I'll take one out of the cluster and see if this is the case. want to build a test standalone server first to ensure Veeam is working ok. v12.2 seems fine on a 'pc' ProxMox install so far ;)
 
I am very interested in this subject.
VxRail are in essence Dell RXXX servers. For example, a P570F is actually a DELL R740XD where it is rebranded.
I know this because I needed to replace 3 motherboards under warranty.
 
RogerFinch73 said:
we logged with Dell support and they say we can wipe and reuse them. they aren't restricted with BIOS or whatever.

I'll take one out of the cluster and see if this is the case. want to build a test standalone server first to ensure Veeam is working ok. v12.2 seems fine on a 'pc' ProxMox install so far ;)
Click to expand...
Have you already carried out the tests? Installing proxmox in the box? Did your operation work fine?
PBS works very well, but being able to count on existing services within the company, such as Veeam Backup Server is very positive, in fact, for this release of Veeam, it would be PROXMOX or XEN, I'm glad PROXMOX had the chance, we've been asking for this for years support.
 
we got a real server in (56 cores, 512Gb, 3.7Tb SSD, 8x 10Gb NIC) to test and had an issue with the Veeam cert (we used our own one), so reverted to their self signed cert.

in the process to testing migrations now.

the Dell VxRail servers could be used, but the maintenance costs on support are almost as much as buying new servers, so I might just buy new and get 7 years warranty on them - longer term it'll be cheaper (the VxRail kit has 3 years left before EOS on them).

fun times!
 
Hi RogerFinch73, did you have success installing proxmox in vxrail? I have tried it on the computers I have and although everything seems to be installed correctly and it recognizes all the devices, I can't get it to connect to the network. Have you had that problem?
 
sorry, I haven't decided on the way forward. it's almost cheaper to buy new servers with 7 years support than pay for the existing servers support which go EOL with Dell in 3 years time.

so I haven't repurposed a VxRail node yet.
 
A vxrail server model p570f is actually an R740XD where there is already Proxmox running and working. So I believe there should be no problems, especially if you hire Proxmox support and have a good partner to help you as well.
It is interesting to be able to buy new equipment, but if you can enjoy the computing resource for a while longer, it is even better. Regarding the warranty issue, have you considered continuing with partners like Parkplace? I highly recommend their services.
 
Fransuelo said:
A vxrail server model p570f is actually an R740XD where there is already Proxmox running and working. So I believe there should be no problems, especially if you hire Proxmox support and have a good partner to help you as well.
It is interesting to be able to buy new equipment, but if you can enjoy the computing resource for a while longer, it is even better. Regarding the warranty issue, have you considered continuing with partners like Parkplace? I highly recommend their services.
Click to expand...
yes, we would use ParkPlace or others if we didn't need the VxRail Dell support element. the hardware has 3 more years life, so only worth scrapping if the support costs are more than the new server costs.

for now I'm just testing ProxMox on a standalone server - getting my skills up ;)
 
RogerFinch73 said:
Hi

has anyone taken a Dell VxRail (VMware and vSAN) and wiped it, and reprovisioned it as ProxMox with Ceph?

we have a couple of clusters, with Dell servers connected together via Dell 10Gb/100Gb switches - can these be reused or are they restricted in their BIOS etc?

just working out if we need new kit, or can use this?

thanks
Roger
Click to expand...
It does work. We've done it with 3 node P670F models. I updated the firwmare and etc. using the Poweredge platform specific bootable ISO, for example.
 
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