I’m hoping to start studying for the VMware VCDX exam process so I did a little research on getting a home VMware Virtual Infrastructure environment setup.

I picked up these links from my friends over at Virtual Insanity.

First off Mike DiPetrillo has a posting on how to build a VMware ESXi server for less than $500! http://www.mikedipetrillo.com/mikedvirtualization/2008/10/building-a-500-vmware-esxi-host.html

Secondly, there is a community run site that claims to have an unofficial Hardware Compatibility List for VMware ESX and VMware ESXi.  While this may not be supported it sure will make for cheaper labs and testing environments.  Check out the unofficial HCL over at vm-help.com