With Broadcom’s VMware licensing changes, many organizations are evaluating Proxmox VE as an alternative. This guide covers the hardware implications of migration.
Hardware Compatibility
- CPUs — Proxmox runs on same x86 hardware. No CPU changes needed.
- Memory — No change. Same ECC DDR4/DDR5.
- Storage — Proxmox excels with ZFS (use HBA, not RAID controller). Consider HBA flash to IT mode.
- NICs — Intel and Mellanox have best Linux driver support. Broadcom works but less optimal.
Key Difference
Proxmox prefers HBA (IT mode) + ZFS/Ceph over hardware RAID. If you currently use PERC H740P in RAID mode, consider flashing to HBA mode or adding a separate HBA card.