Download [2021] Hpe Custom Image For Esxi 6.5 U3 May 2026

Downloading the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 Update 3

requires navigating the Broadcom Support Portal, which replaced the old VMware Customer Connect site. This custom image is essential for HPE ProLiant and Synergy servers, as it includes specific drivers for storage and network controllers that the base VMware image lacks. Hewlett Packard Enterprise How to Download the HPE Custom Image Follow these steps to locate the 6.5 U3 image on the Broadcom Support Portal Hewlett Packard Enterprise

: Sign in with your registered credentials. Note that your account must have an active entitlement to view and download VMware products. Select Product : From the dropdown menu next to your username, select VMware Cloud Foundation Go to Downloads My Downloads on the left-hand navigation bar and search for VMware vSphere in the search box. Choose Version

: Click on the major version (e.g., vSphere 6.5) that matches your entitlement. Access Custom ISOs : Click the Custom ISOs tab. Under the OEM Customized Install CDs section, look for the "HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5U3". Verify & Download : Confirm the build identifier (e.g., oem-build-650.U3.10.4.5 for the Aug 2019 release) and click the download icon. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Key Considerations for ESXi 6.5 U3 VMware ESXi End of Life - Lansweeper 26 Aug 2025 —

To download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 Update 3, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal as the previous VMware Customer Connect site has been decommissioned. Primary Download Method

Due to recent platform migrations, direct links to specific custom ISOs are no longer active. Follow these steps on the Broadcom Support Portal:

Sign In: Log in to your account. You may need to migrate your old VMware account or create a new one to access entitlements.

Navigate to Downloads: Go to My Downloads and select VMware vSphere.

Select Product: Choose your specific edition (e.g., vSphere Enterprise Plus) and set the version to 6.5.

Access Custom ISOs: Click on the Custom ISOs tab. Locate the entry for HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5U3. Identify the Correct Image:

Gen9 and Newer: Use the standard HPE Custom Image (e.g., version 650.U3.10.x).

Pre-Gen9 (Gen8 and older): Use the "Last Pre-Gen9" custom image, which is the final version supported for older hardware. Key Features of the HPE 6.5 U3 Custom Image

The custom image includes specific Hewlett Packard Enterprise management tools and drivers not found in the generic VMware installer:

Management Utilities: Includes HPONCFG, BOOTCFG, and SSACLI for hardware configuration.

HPE Drivers: Features HPE iLO and HPE CRU drivers, along with WBEM providers for hardware monitoring.

Integrated Smart Update Tool (iSUT): Supports firmware and driver updates directly through the iLO repository. Critical Compatibility Notes VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers

Downloading the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 has changed since Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware. You can no longer find direct links on the old VMware Customer Connect site Hewlett Packard Enterprise Official Download Procedure The central hub for all VMware downloads is now the Broadcom Support Portal Access the Portal : Go to the Broadcom Support Portal and log in with your registered account. Navigate to VMware Click the dropdown next to your username and select VMware Cloud Foundation On the left sidebar, click My Downloads Search for vSphere

: Use the search bar to find "VMware vSphere" and select your entitled version (e.g., Enterprise Plus). Find Version 6.5 : Select the version from the dropdown menu. Select Custom ISOs : Click the Custom ISOs tab. Locate the entry for HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5.0 Update 3 and click the download icon. Broadcom Community Image Variations & Support download hpe custom image for esxi 6.5 u3

Depending on your hardware, you may need a specific release: Gen9/Gen10+ Servers

: Use the latest standard HPE Custom Image (e.g., May 2021 release) which includes modern drivers like for Smart Arrays. Pre-Gen9 (G7/G8) : You must use the "Last Pre-Gen9"

custom image. Be aware that the December 2019 release was the final one specifically tuned for these older platforms. Synergy Servers

: These often require a distinct "HPE Synergy Custom Image" found under the Synergy-specific tabs on the same portal. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Critical Tips for Older Hardware VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE

You can download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 Update 3 through the Broadcom Support Portal (which now hosts VMware downloads) or the HPE Support Center Key Features & Contents

The HPE Custom Image is specifically designed to enable hardware-specific management and monitoring that the standard VMware image lacks. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Integrated Management Tools : Includes utilities like (iLO configuration), (Smart Storage Administrator), and for BIOS/platform settings. Driver Support

: Contains VMware IOVP certified device drivers for HPE-specific network and storage controllers. : Includes the Integrated Smart Update Tool

, which allows for remote firmware and driver deployment via HPE OneView and iLO. Monitoring Agents : Comes pre-packaged with HPE CIM Providers HPE iLO Drivers Agentless Management Services (AMS) to report server health to Insight Management software. vSAN Readiness : For Gen9 servers, the image includes drivers (like the driver) specifically certified for vSAN configurations. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Important Compatibility Notes Download latest ISOs and patches for vSphere ESXi

To download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 U3, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal

, which has replaced the VMware Customer Connect site. Direct links to specific images are no longer available due to the portal's architecture, so you must navigate manually through your account's product entitlements. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Download Instructions via Broadcom Support Portal : Access the Broadcom Support Site and log in with your registered credentials. Select Product

: Click the profile dropdown next to your username and select VMware Cloud Foundation Navigate to Downloads from the left-hand navigation. Search for VMware vSphere in the search bar. Select Version : Choose your entitled version (e.g., VMware vSphere – Enterprise ) and select the major version from the dropdown list. Access Custom ISOs Custom ISOs Look under OEM Customized Install CDs to locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3

Click the download link to obtain the ISO image or the Offline Bundle zip. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Key Image Features

The HPE Customized Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 includes specific drivers and management tools not found in the base VMware image: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Management Tools

: Includes HPE CIM Providers, iLO Driver, and Integrated Smart Update Tool (iSUT). : Features tools like SSACLI, HPONCFG, and BOOTCFG. Device Drivers

: VMware IOVP Certified drivers for HPE storage and network controllers. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Important Support Information Download latest ISOs and patches for vSphere ESXi

Downloading the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 is a critical step for administrators running VMware on ProLiant servers. Using the generic VMware installer often leads to missing drivers for storage controllers and network cards. The HPE-specific build integrates these essential drivers and management tools directly into the installation media.

While VMware has moved toward newer versions, ESXi 6.5 U3 remains a legacy staple for specific hardware compatibility and stability requirements. Here is the comprehensive guide on how to locate, download, and verify the correct HPE custom image for your environment. Why Use the HPE Custom Image? Downloading the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6

Installing a standard VMware ISO on HPE hardware often results in "No Network Adapters" errors or unrecognized RAID volumes. The HPE custom image solves this by including:

HPE ProLiant Health Monitors: View hardware status directly in the vSphere client.

Storage Drivers: Pre-loaded drivers for Smart Array controllers (hpsa/nhpsa).

Network Drivers: Support for FlexFabric and standard ProLiant NICs.

Management Agents: Integrated support for Agentless Management Service (AMS). Where to Download ESXi 6.5 U3 HPE Custom ISO

The download location has shifted over the years due to the Broadcom acquisition of VMware. Currently, there are two primary methods to acquire the image. 1. The VMware/Broadcom Support Portal

The official way to get the ISO is through the VMware downloads page, now hosted under the Broadcom support umbrella. Navigate to the Broadcom Support Portal. Log in with your enterprise credentials.

Go to My Downloads and select VMware Cloud Foundation (or vSphere). Filter for Version 6.5. Look for the Custom ISOs tab.

Locate the entry for HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5.0 Update 3. 2. The HPE My HPE Software Center

HPE occasionally provides direct links or redirection to the necessary binaries for active Support Services customers. Visit the My HPE Software Center. Search for "ESXi 6.5 U3".

Ensure you select the "Custom Image" rather than just a driver bundle (vib). Technical Specifications for 6.5 U3

Before downloading, ensure the build version matches your patching requirements. The final major release for this branch is typically:

Filename: VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update3-14990892-HPE-Gen9plus-650.U3.10.5.0.47-Oct2019.iso (or similar) HPE Version: 10.5.0 Release Date: October 2019 or later Installation and Best Practices

Once you have downloaded the .iso file, follow these steps for a clean deployment:

Verify the Checksum: Always compare the SHA256 hash of your download against the portal's documentation to prevent corruption.

iLO Virtual Media: The most reliable way to install is by mounting the ISO via the HPE iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) Remote Console.

Intelligent Provisioning: For older Gen9 servers, you can use the built-in Intelligent Provisioning (F10 at boot), though it may point to older versions by default. HPE ESXi Custom Image for ESXi 6

Firmware Alignment: Ensure your server's Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) is aligned with the 6.5 U3 recipe. Using new drivers with very old firmware can cause purple screen (PSOD) crashes. Troubleshooting Common Issues

"Permission Denied" on Download: This usually means your Broadcom account does not have a valid entitlement (license) associated with it. You may need to "Site Associate" your account using your Site ID.

Missing Drivers on Gen10/Gen11: Note that ESXi 6.5 U3 is primarily intended for Gen9 and older Gen10 servers. If you are using Gen10 Plus or Gen11 hardware, you should move to ESXi 7.0 or 8.0, as 6.5 does not officially support the latest chipsets.

Legacy vs. UEFI: Ensure your BIOS boot mode matches your previous installation if you are performing an upgrade rather than a fresh install.

By using the HPE Custom Image, you ensure that your VMware environment is optimized for the specific "under-the-hood" architecture of ProLiant servers, leading to better performance and easier hardware monitoring.

A very specific question!

After conducting a thorough search, I found a few papers and documents related to downloading HPE custom images for ESXi 6.5 U3. Here are a few:

1. HPE ESXi Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3: This is a release note from HPE that provides information on the custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3. The document includes details on the image build, components, and fixes included in the image.
   • Source: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) website
   • Document ID: RN-0822017-002
2. HPE ProLiant Server Support for VMware ESXi 6.5 U3: This document provides information on HPE ProLiant server support for VMware ESXi 6.5 U3, including the custom image.
   • Source: HPE website
   • Document ID: RN-0882018-002
3. VMware ESXi 6.5 U3 custom image for HPE ProLiant servers: This is a VMware Knowledge Base (KB) article that provides information on the custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3 on HPE ProLiant servers.
   • Source: VMware website
   • KB Article ID: 2147284
4. HPE Customized ESXi Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 (Includes HPE drivers and software): This is a detailed whitepaper from HPE that provides information on the customized ESXi image for ESXi 6.5 U3, including the drivers and software included in the image.
   • Source: HPE website
   • Document ID: WP-092019-001

To access these documents, you may need to create an account or log in to the HPE or VMware website. You can also try searching for the document IDs on your favorite search engine.

To download the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3, you must now use the Broadcom Support Portal, as the previous VMware Customer Connect site has been retired. Because the portal's architecture does not support direct links to specific ISO files, you will need to navigate to the "My Downloads" section manually to find the image.  Steps to Download  Visit the Broadcom Support Portal. Log in with your enterprise credentials.

Navigate to My Downloads > VMware Cloud Foundation (or vSphere). Select VMware vSphere and choose version 6.5. Look for the Custom ISOs tab. Locate the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5.0 Update 3.  Available Image Variants 

Depending on your server generation, ensure you select the correct ISO: 

Gen9 and Newer: Look for images with "Gen9plus" or "Gen9/Gen10" in the title. The latest release for ESXi 6.5 U3 is from October 2021 (Build 18678235).

Pre-Gen9 (Gen8 and older): You must use the "Last Pre-Gen9" custom image, specifically the December 2019 version (Build 14990892), as later images do not support these older hardware models.

HPE Synergy: Specific images are available for Synergy blades, such as the November 2021 release.  Key Components Included 

The HPE custom image is required because it integrates critical drivers not found in the base VMware ISO, including: 

HPE Management Tools: UEFI support, iLO drivers, and utilities like SSACLI and HPONCFG. HPE CIM Providers: For hardware health monitoring.

Device Drivers: Certified IOVP drivers for Smart Array storage and network controllers.  HPE VMware vSphere 6.5 U3 Customized Image

Option C – Community archives (use at own risk)

• VMware’s official EOL download page:
  https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/details?downloadGroup=ESXI65U3&productId=614
• HPE’s retired software portal (sometimes still accessible via direct links if you have previous download history).

10) Troubleshooting tips

• If NIC or storage adapters aren’t present, confirm the image contains the required NIC/storage VIBs (use esxcli software vib list).
• To rebuild a customized ISO with extra drivers: use VMware Image Builder (PowerCLI) or HPE offline depot VIBs and create a new ISO.
• If CIM providers fail to start, check /var/log/vmware/cim-hostd.log and HP-specific logs (hp-ams, hp-smx).

Option A: Bootable USB (Rufus – Windows)

1. Download Rufus (rufus.ie).
2. Select your USB drive (minimum 4 GB).
3. Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI servers, MBR for legacy BIOS.
4. File system: FAT32.
5. Click START and select the HPE ESXi 6.5 U3 ISO.
6. After completion, boot your HPE server from USB.

Alternative: Download via SPP (Service Pack for ProLiant)

If you cannot find the standalone ISO:

1. Download SPP 2020.03.01 or earlier (SPP 2020.10 dropped ESXi 6.5 support).
2. Mount the SPP ISO and copy the \packages\VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update3-...-HPE-... .iso file.

Verifying the Integrity of Your Download

After downloading, ALWAYS verify that the image hasn’t been corrupted or tampered with.

Step-by-Step Write-Up for Installation