Paul Braren's “Build Your Own VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V lab at Home, using Commodity Hardware” presentation replay from Saturday March 10th

Posted by Paul Braren on Mar 10 2012 (updated on May 14 2014) in

This really is a lab project/learning exercise, where I document what works well for me, and for many other site visitors. Feedback through comments below are always appreciated!

Here's a list of articles/references I mentioned during or shortly after the presentation:

My energy consumption calculations,
www.electricity-usage.com/Electricity-Usage-Calculator.aspx?Device=&Watts=650&CostPerKWH=0.18&HoursPerDay=24
My RAID adapter,
TinkerTry.com/whylsi9265-8i
My Laptop and Gaming machines,
TinkerTry.com/zilla
Configuring USB 3.0 pass through,
TinkerTry.com/usb3passthru
Aero and Sound,
TinkerTry.com/enable-windows7-aero-for-remote-desktop-connection-to-vms
and USB 2.0,
TinkerTry.com/esxicloningsoundusb

To those of you who were in the audience, for for anybody reading this really, I should clarify a few important points:

a) you are responsible for following all EULA/licensing restrictions for your circumstances, but also know that the free ESXi Hypervisor download does everything I showed you
b) if you are a bit squeemish about trial and error with build your own hardware, and prefer a known-good solution that matches this comprehensive article with video walk through:
TinkerTry.com/vsphere5-install-step-by-step
you're likely better off going with the exact, known-good parts list at TinkerTry.com/vzilla.
c) VMware, Microsoft, and I cannot support you in any official way on your home-made creation.

Here's the video, enjoy!

April 15 2012 Update: Video playback of the live presentation now available here:
vimeo.com/38746377
but the YouTube video above is a lot easier to follow, where I re-recorded the entire event, mixed with new crystal clear HD footage. I also added a look at ESXi 5.0 running Windows 8 Consumer Preview (with Aero & Sound), and Windows Server 8 Hyper V. This new video is a mix of new footage that is clearer than the live presentation, with much improved audio. I also answer most of the great questions the live audience had asked me.

March 10 10:07pm Update:
That was a fun day, with seats full and great questions!
Click to view PDF Version of the PowerPoint Presentation (or scroll down below)

Original Speaker Announcement Here:
Build Your Own VMware ESXi and Microsoft Hyper-V lab at Home, using Commodity Hardware

March 10 8:35am Update:
Room for 70 people in here, I secured permission from Tim Mangan, and Microsoft's Dan Stolts, to broadcast my presentation live, and have now tested I have adequate bandwidth to support it!