Repurposing an Old Mac Mini into an ESXi Server: A Journey
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Chapter 1: Breathing New Life into Old Tech
Have you ever been faced with an aging Mac or PC that, while still functional, is no longer suitable for daily use? If so, you're in the right place!
Last year, I found myself in this very scenario with my 2012 Mac Mini. It was still operational and served me well, but as it was stuck on MacOS Catalina, I decided it was time to retire it. After a period of storage, I was inspired by Emilio Aguero to repurpose the Mac Mini into a VMware ESXi Server, allowing me to explore various operating systems and create a home lab.
Whether you’re a tech aficionado or seeking to make use of an old computer, keep reading to understand why I transformed this relic into a valuable resource for learning, experimentation, and productivity.
What is an ESXi Server?
In simple terms, an ESXi Server is a specialized computer that enables you to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical device, making it perfect for educational purposes and home labs. You can operate various operating systems like Windows 10, Windows Server, and Ubuntu—the possibilities are endless!
You can set up an ESXi server using any computer with decent hardware specifications. My Mac Mini, equipped with 16GB of RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and an Intel i5 processor, serves as an excellent example. Accessing the virtual machines is straightforward via a web browser.
As both a tech enthusiast and IT professional, I aimed to build a home lab—essentially a personal computing environment designed for learning, testing, and experimentation. At the center of this setup lies the ESXi Server.
Why the Mac Mini is an Ideal ESXi Server
The available space in your home can greatly influence the size of your lab, and the Mac Mini's compact design makes it a fantastic choice. It can easily be tucked away and forgotten once set up. You won’t even need a monitor, keyboard, or mouse, as you can access it remotely whenever necessary, often through a browser.
While you can use virtually any older computer with acceptable specs, the small form factor of models like the Dell Optiplex also serves well for such projects; I use one as my NAS (Network Attached Storage) server.
However, the 2012 Mac Mini has its limitations. It supports only a single hard drive and a maximum of 16GB of memory, which I have already upgraded to its limit. Despite these restrictions, it meets my needs effectively.
How I Built the Server
Before diving into the build process, I had to prepare the Mac for its new role. Initially, it came with 8GB of RAM and a 500GB Solid State Drive (SSD). Realizing this wouldn't suffice, I upgraded the RAM to the maximum of 16GB and replaced the SSD with a 1TB hard drive I had on hand, although I plan to install a larger SSD in the future.
I kept the original SSD with MacOS for backup in case I ever want to revert it to its original state, but given that Apple no longer supports updates, it’s unlikely I’ll use it as a Mac again.
To install the operating system, I created a bootable ESXi USB drive, which doesn’t require much space—perfect for this task!
The Tools I Used:
- A USB Stick formatted in FAT32 (I recommend a SanDisk model).
- UNetbootin for creating the bootable USB.
- VMware vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi) 7.0—available for free with a license sign-up.
- A computer to install the system on.
- 1TB Hard Drive.
- 16GB Memory (using two 8GB sticks).
The overall installation process is quick, taking less than 15 minutes, which is a significant advantage!
To set up the server, I followed a guide by Emilio Aguero, which I found to be straightforward and informative, allowing me to get the server operational quickly!
Conclusion
In summary, repurposing an old PC or Mac as an ESXi server is an excellent way to create a home lab or server environment for learning and experimentation—especially beneficial for those in IT or considering a career in the field.
With the help of an ESXi server, you can run multiple virtual machines at once, experimenting with various software and configurations to determine what works best before deploying in a live environment.
Currently, my ESXi Mac Mini serves as a great tool for learning and testing within my home lab, allowing me to operate virtual machines and servers without taxing my primary PC. I can even access these virtual machines from my iPad!
The Possibilities are Endless!
Transforming my Mac Mini into an ESXi server is just one of many options available for older computers. You can also repurpose it into a NAS server for centralized file storage, create a media device by connecting it to your TV, or keep it as a backup Mac for emergencies.
Was It Worth It?
Absolutely! I utilize it for lab work from online courses, testing new ideas, troubleshooting, and even managing actual servers in my home lab. It's the perfect tool for anyone in IT or looking to enter the field.
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