To download the verified Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 Update 3, you should use the official Broadcom Support Portal, which now hosts VMware downloads. For specific Cisco hardware like HyperFlex, images can also be found directly through Cisco's support pages. Official Download Methods
Broadcom Support Portal: This is the primary repository for all VMware vSphere products following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. Log in to the Broadcom Support Portal with your account. Navigate to My Downloads > VMware vSphere. Select version 7.0 from the dropdown menu. Click the Custom ISOs tab at the top of the page.
Locate the entry for the Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7.0 U3 and select Download.
Cisco Software Central: Specifically for Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) hardware, you can find tailored images on the Cisco Software Download site.
Example path for UCS C220 M5: Downloads Home > Servers - Unified Computing > UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Standalone Server Software > UCS C220 M5 Rack Server Software > VMware ESXi 7.0.U3. download cisco custom image for esxi 70 u3 verified
Cisco HyperFlex Downloads: For HyperFlex deployments, use the Cisco HyperFlex Data Platform Download Software page to find specific installer-only images, such as HX-ESXi-7.0U3-...-Cisco-Custom-...-install-only.iso. Verified Image Details
The most recent verified Cisco Custom versions for ESXi 7.0 U3 often include specific build numbers and driver versions:
Example Build: VMware-ESXi-7.0.3o-22348816-Custom-Cisco-4.3.2-a.1.
Components: These images typically bundle the base ESXi OS with a Cisco UCS Add-on that includes critical drivers like enic (Ethernet) and fnic (Fibre Channel). Alternative: Creating a Custom ISO To download the verified Cisco Custom Image for ESXi 7
If a specific patch version is not available as a pre-built ISO, you can create one using vSphere Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) within vCenter:
Import the standard ESXi 7.0 U3 offline bundle and the Cisco UCS Driver ISO/Zip into the vCenter Software Depot.
Create a new image-based cluster and select the ESXi version.
Add the specific Cisco drivers (e.g., Cisco VIC Ethernet Driver) under Independent Components. Export the final image as a bootable ISO. Part 5: Common Pitfalls When Downloading (And How
Here’s a response you can use or adapt, depending on whether you’re writing instructions, a support ticket, a wiki entry, or an internal IT note.
| Pitfall | Solution |
|---------|----------|
| Downloading the wrong build | Always match the ESXi 7.0 U3 build number (e.g., 19193900 or later) with Cisco’s release notes. |
| Using a generic VMware ISO on UCS | The generic ISO lacks enic and fnic drivers → your VICs won’t be detected. |
| Expired SmartNet contract | You can still download security patches and critical updates, but some base images require a valid contract. Use Guest access (limited). |
| Corrupted ISO | Always compute SHA256. A 1-bit error can cause PSOD (Purple Screen of Death). |
To reassure you that you’ve downloaded the correct file, here are the key components present only in the Cisco custom image (vs. the generic VMware ISO):
| Component | Version Example | Purpose | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Cisco nenic Driver | 1.0.30.0 | Provides native support for Cisco VIC 1300/1400 series | | Cisco fnic Driver | 2.0.0.58 | Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE) for UCS Fabric Interconnects | | Cisco UCS CIM Provider | 3.0.2c | Enables hardware monitoring from UCS Manager | | nmapi-vmware | 2.1.0.0 | Necessary for VIC adapter performance stats | | i40e (Intel) | 1.11.7 | Included but customized for Cisco PCI topology |
If you mount the ISO and inspect image_profile.json or use esxcli software vib list, these packages must appear.