The page will now list multiple files. Look for an entry similar to:
"VMware ESXi 6.5.0 Update 3 (HPE Custom Image)"
Check these details:
HPE provides two main file types:
| File Type | Filename Example | Use Case |
|-----------|------------------|-----------|
| ISO Image | VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update3-18877075-HPE-650.U3.10.8.5-Oct2020.iso | Clean installs, bootable USB/CD |
| Offline Bundle | VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update3-18877075-HPE-650.U3.10.8.5-Oct2020-depot.zip | Update via esxcli, Image Builder, or VUM |
Make sure the file name includes "6.5.0-Update3" and "HPE".
The feature will allow users to download a custom ESXi 6.5 U3 image developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This custom image includes HPE-specific drivers and modifications to ensure optimal performance on HPE servers.
After downloading, ALWAYS verify that the image hasn’t been corrupted or tampered with.
The HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 Update 3 includes several components optimized for HPE hardware:
If you want, I can:
Downloading the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 U3 now requires using the Broadcom Support Portal due to Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. This customized ISO is essential for HPE servers as it includes specific drivers for network and storage controllers that are not present in the generic VMware image. Download Instructions
Access the Portal: Visit the Broadcom Support Portal and log in with your registered credentials.
Navigate to Downloads: Select VMware Cloud Foundation from the dropdown menu near your username, then click My Downloads on the left navigation bar.
Search for vSphere: Type "VMware vSphere" in the search bar and select the version you are entitled to (e.g., Enterprise or Enterprise Plus).
Filter by Version: Choose 6.5 from the version dropdown list.
Locate Custom ISOs: Click the Custom ISOs tab. Under "OEM Customized Install CDs," search for "HPE" to find the ESXi 6.5 U3 image.
Download: Select the desired ISO or Offline Bundle and click the download button after accepting any required terms. Key Image Details
The HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 includes several critical components for ProLiant servers:
Management Tools: UEFI platform support and the HPE Integrated Smart Update Tool (iSUT) for firmware updates.
Drivers: Specific drivers for iLO, CRU, and various storage controllers.
Utilities: Essential command-line tools like SSACLI (Smart Storage Administrator), HPONCFG, and CONREP. Lifecycle & Compatibility Notes VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE
How to Download and Install the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3
Downloading the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 U3 is essential for administrators running HPE ProLiant or Synergy servers. Standard VMware images often lack the specific drivers needed for HPE’s proprietary storage controllers and network adapters, which can lead to installation failures or degraded performance. Where to Download the HPE Custom Image
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the download process has moved to the Broadcom Support Portal. HPE VMware vSphere 6.5 U3 Customized Image
The fluorescent lights of the data center hummed in a monotonous key, but to Elias, they sounded like a warning siren. He was staring at a brand-new HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 rack server, its bezel glowing with an amber warning light that shouldn't be there.
Elias was the Lead Systems Engineer for a mid-sized logistics company, and he had been tasked with a "simple" refresh: deploy three new hosts for the VMware ESXi environment. The project timeline was tight—management wanted the new cluster online by Friday.
It was Tuesday.
He had just finished the initial boot-up of the first server. He popped in the generic VMware ESXi 6.7 installer ISO he had downloaded months ago. The installer loaded, he clicked through the EULA, and then—disaster. The installer couldn’t see the storage controller.
"Great," Elias muttered, rubbing his temples. "Proprietary hardware."
He knew immediately what the problem was. HPE servers are robust machines, but they are finicky about their drivers. The generic VMware ISO didn't include the specific Smart Array driver needed for this generation of controller.
If he wanted this to work without a nightmare of manually injecting drivers via the command line (which was a rabbit hole he didn't have time for), he needed the "Golden Image." He needed the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3.
Management wanted 6.7, but the software vendor for their core logistics app had strict compatibility matrices. They were capped at 6.5. Update 3 (U3) was the final and most stable release of that branch.
Elias sat back down at his desk, the cool air of the office a relief compared to the heat of the server row. He cracked his knuckles. This wasn't just a download; it was a quest.
Step 1: The Portal
Elias opened Chrome and navigated to the HPE Support Center. The familiar green and white interface loaded.
"Login," he typed. He entered his corporate credentials. Access granted.
Rule number one of enterprise IT: Never trust a third-party mirror site for hypervisors. Go to the source.
Step 2: The Hunt
The search bar was his compass. He typed carefully: "VMware ESXi 6.5 U3 ISO".
He hit Enter. The page populated with a list of results. He ignored the patches and the release notes for now. He was looking for the big file. The Offline Bundle.
He scanned the list.
He found it: "HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5.0 U3". download hpe custom image for esxi 6.5 u3
He clicked the link. The page expanded, revealing a dropdown menu for "File Type." There were usually two options here: the ZIP file (Offline Bundle) and the ISO file.
Elias selected ISO. The ISO was for bootable installations. The ZIP was for updating via VMware Update Manager (VUM). Since these were new servers with blank drives, he needed the ISO to burn to his flash drive.
Step 3: The Verification
Before his finger hovered over the download button, he did his due diligence. He clicked on the "Release Notes" tab. This was crucial.
He scrolled down to the "Supported Hardware" section. He breathed a sigh of relief. The release notes confirmed that this specific image, build number 14320405, included the hpe-smart-array driver required for his storage controllers.
"Okay," he whispered. "This is the one."
Step 4: The Wait
He clicked the large Download button.
The browser asked him where to save it.
HPE-ESXi-6.5.0-U3-OS-Release-Synergy-Gen10plus.iso.
"It's about 350 megabytes," he noted. "Small enough for a coffee break."
He watched the progress bar. While it downloaded, he grabbed his trusty SanDisk Cruzer from his drawer. He plugged it into his workstation. He opened Rufus, the tool of choice for burning ISOs.
He set the partition scheme to GPT (since these were UEFI servers) and the target system type to UEFI (non CSM).
Step 5: The Deployment
The download completed. Elias checked the file hash against the website—MD5 checksums matched. No corruption.
He dragged the ISO into Rufus and hit Start. Rufus: ISOHybrid image detected. He selected "Write in DD Image mode" just to be safe. DD mode was a bit-for-bit copy and almost never failed to boot on enterprise gear.
The progress bar in Rufus filled up. Ready.
The Climax
Elias walked back into the data center, the USB drive warm in his pocket. He plugged it into the USB 3.0 port on the front of the DL380.
He powered the server on. He pressed F11 for the Boot Menu. He selected the USB drive.
The familiar yellow and grey ESXi installer boot screen appeared. Loading izlip... Loading vmkernel...
No errors. No panic.
The installer loaded successfully. He reached the screen asking him to select a disk to install ESXi. The list populated.
Local ATA Disk (naa.600508...)
Elias smiled. The storage controller was visible. The download had been the key. He pressed Enter to continue. The installation began.
By the time the server rebooted and displayed the DCUI (Direct Console User Interface), Elias was already mentally preparing the next host. He had the file, he had the process, and he had beaten the amber light.
He pressed F2 to Customize System, set the static IP, and watched as the management network came online. He opened his laptop, pinged the server, and got a reply.
"Download complete," Elias whispered to the hum of the server fans. "Host ready."
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
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
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?
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. The page will now list multiple files
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.
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.
To download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6.5 Update 3, you must use the Broadcom Support Portal, which has replaced the legacy VMware Customer Connect site. Due to this migration, direct deep links to specific custom ISOs are no longer available. Download Instructions
Log in: Access the Broadcom Support Portal and sign in with your credentials.
Navigate to Products: Select VMware Cloud Foundation or the specific vSphere entitlement you hold.
Find ESXi: Search for vSphere and select the version you wish to download (6.5).
Select Custom ISOs: Under the "Primary Downloads" or "Custom ISOs" tab, filter by HPE to locate the custom images. Choose the Correct Image:
For Gen9 and newer: Use the image released around May 2021 (Build 17477841).
For Pre-Gen9 (Gen8 and older): Use the "Last Pre-Gen9" image released in December 2019 (Build 14990892). Key Details for ESXi 6.5 U3 HPE Custom Images Release Date Target Hardware Base Build Identifier May 2021 Gen9 / Gen10 / Synergy 650.U3.10.7.0.90 Dec 2019 Pre-Gen9 (Gen8 and older) 650.U3.9.6.10.1 Important Notes
Downloading HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you're an IT administrator or a VMware enthusiast, you might be familiar with the concept of custom images for ESXi. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) provides custom images for ESXi to ensure compatibility and optimal performance on their servers. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of downloading the HPE custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3.
Why Do You Need a Custom Image?
When you install ESXi on a server, VMware provides a standard image that can be used on any hardware. However, this standard image might not be optimized for specific hardware configurations, which can lead to compatibility issues or suboptimal performance. HPE, being a leading server manufacturer, creates custom images for ESXi that are tailored to their servers. These custom images include:
Downloading the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3
To download the HPE custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3, follow these steps:
Prerequisites for Downloading the Custom Image
Before downloading the custom image, ensure that you meet the following prerequisites:
Verifying the Custom Image
After downloading the custom image, verify its integrity by checking the MD5 checksum. This ensures that the image has not been corrupted during download.
Using the Custom Image
Once you've verified the custom image, you can use it to:
Best Practices and Considerations
When working with custom images, keep the following best practices and considerations in mind:
Conclusion
In this article, we've walked you through the process of downloading the HPE custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3. By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure that your HPE server is running with an optimized and compatible ESXi image. Remember to regularly check for updates and test and validate the custom image before deploying it to production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between a standard ESXi image and a custom image? A: A custom image is optimized and tailored for specific hardware configurations, while a standard image is a generic image that can be used on any hardware.
Q: Can I use a custom image on a non-HPE server? A: No, custom images are specific to HPE servers and should not be used on non-HPE servers. "VMware ESXi 6
Q: How do I verify the integrity of the custom image? A: You can verify the integrity of the custom image by checking the MD5 checksum.
By following this guide and using the HPE custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3, you can ensure optimal performance, compatibility, and stability on your HPE server.
Once upon a time, in the humid, low-humming heart of a corporate data center, there lived a ProLiant DL380 Gen10 named Unit 42.
Unit 42 was a workhorse, but he was feeling sluggish. His kernel was cluttered, and his drivers were ancient. He dreamed of the stability and grace of ESXi 6.5 Update 3, the "Golden Build" of his generation.
His guardian, a weary sysadmin named Elias, sat in the glow of a dual-monitor setup at 2:00 AM. Elias knew he couldn't just use a generic installer. To truly unlock Unit 42’s potential—to see the temperatures of his drives and the true speed of his Smart Array controllers—he needed the HPE Custom Image.
Elias navigated the labyrinth of the MyHPE Software Center. He bypassed the flashy, bloated new versions, searching for the specific ISO that contained the sacred VIBs (vSphere Installation Bundles) tailored for Hewlett Packard hardware.
Finally, he found it: VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-Update3-14990825-HPE-Gen9plus-650.U3.10.5.5.5-Jan2020.iso.
With a click, the download began. A blue progress bar crawled across the screen, a digital bridge being built between the clouds and the rack. When the download finished, Elias flashed the image to a thumb drive and walked into the cold aisle.
As the silver USB drive slid into Unit 42’s front port, the server’s fans let out a soft, anticipatory whine. The installation was seamless. No "Missing Driver" errors, no purple screens of death. When the reboot finished, Unit 42 didn't just boot; he soared. His sensors were calibrated, his management agents were reporting in perfect harmony, and for the first time in years, his health LED glowed a steady, tranquil green.
Elias leaned back, sipped his cold coffee, and watched the dashboard. The custom image had brought peace to the rack.
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 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 —
I cannot directly provide a download link or file for the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3, because:
However, I can give you a complete write-up on how to legally obtain it from official sources, including workarounds for EOL software.
import requests
import hashlib
import os
def download_hpe_image(url, save_path, username, password):
try:
# Authentication
session = requests.Session()
auth_response = session.post(f"url/login", auth=(username, password))
if auth_response.status_code == 200:
# Get the image
image_response = session.get(f"url/images/ESXi-6.5-U3-HPE.iso", stream=True)
if image_response.status_code == 200:
with open(save_path, 'wb') as file:
for chunk in image_response.iter_content(chunk_size=1024):
if chunk:
file.write(chunk)
# Verify integrity
image_hash = hashlib.sha256(open(save_path, 'rb').read()).hexdigest()
verify_hash(image_hash, expected_hash) # Assuming expected_hash is known
else:
print("Failed to download the image.")
else:
print("Authentication failed.")
except Exception as e:
print(f"An error occurred: e")
def verify_hash(downloaded_hash, expected_hash):
if downloaded_hash == expected_hash:
print("Image integrity verified.")
else:
print("Image integrity verification failed.")
# Example usage
url = "https://support.hpe.com"
username = "your_username"
password = "your_password"
save_path = "ESXi-6.5-U3-HPE.iso"
download_hpe_image(url, save_path, username, password)
This example provides a basic framework. Real-world implementation would require adjustments to work with HPE's actual API or website structure and handling specific requirements like session management, error handling, and secure credential storage.
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
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:
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.
| Issue | Detail | |-------|--------| | Security | No security patches since Nov 2021. Do not expose to internet. | | Hardware support | Does not support Gen10 Plus or newer. | | VMFS version | VMFS 6 (same as newer ESXi) but limited driver support. | | Upgrade path | Direct upgrade to 7.0 U3 may require fresh install. |
You will typically see three formats:
| Format | Extension | Use Case |
|--------|-----------|----------|
| ISO | .iso | Fresh installs (burn to USB/DVD or mount via iLO). |
| Offline Bundle | .zip | Upgrade existing ESXi using esxcli. |
| Depots | depot.zip | For use with VMware Lifecycle Manager or vifp update. |
Recommendation: Download the ISO for a clean deployment.