This blog post discusses the author’s experience with Intel Optane demo units received through the vExpert program. The author specifically focuses on the compatibility issues they faced when trying to connect these devices to ESXi 7.0 and 8.0.

The author explains that although the demo units were previously used in the Intel loan program, they were still in excellent condition and ready for use. However, the author encountered unexpected complications when attempting to connect the Optane SSDs to their homelab environment. Despite being recognized by Windows 10, the devices were not visible in ESXi or Ubuntu, preventing the creation of datastores.

After consulting with fellow vExperts and conducting further research, the author discovered that the issue stemmed from the fact that the Optane SSDs were formatted with LBA 4K sectors, which ESXi 7.0 and 8.0 do not support. The solution was to reformat the devices with LBA 512 bytes, which resolved the compatibility issues.

The author emphasizes the importance of carefully examining the compatibility of hardware components before integrating them into a homelab environment. They also express gratitude towards fellow vExperts for their assistance in resolving the issue and share their experience with Intel Optane demo units.

Overall, this blog post provides valuable insights into the potential compatibility issues that can arise when working with cutting-edge storage technology like Intel Optane. It highlights the importance of careful planning and research before integrating new components into a homelab environment.