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
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".
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." download hpe custom image for esxi 6.5 u3
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."
How to Download the HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 The HPE customized ESXi image is a purpose-built version of the VMware hypervisor that includes critical drivers and management tools specifically for HPE ProLiant and Synergy hardware. Primary Download Methods
Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the central hub for downloading these images has transitioned to the Broadcom Support Portal.
Broadcom Support Portal: Access the VMware Cloud Foundation or vSphere section. Use the search function to locate "ESXi 6.5 Update 3" and look for the Custom ISOs tab.
HPE Support Center: While many downloads point back to Broadcom, you can find direct documentation and specific "Gen9 Plus" or "Synergy" variants on the HPE Support Center by searching for your specific server model.
HPE Software Depot: For older versions or archived products, check the HPE Software Depot, which may require an HPE Passport account with active entitlements. Key Image Variants for 6.5 U3
Depending on your hardware generation, you must select the correct image:
Gen9 & Gen10 Servers: Use the standard HPE Custom Image for ESXi 6.5 U3 (often May 2021 or October 2021 releases).
Pre-Gen9 Servers: For older hardware like Gen8 or G7, ensure you download the specific "Pre-Gen9" custom image to maintain driver compatibility for older controllers.
Synergy Servers: These require a specialized Synergy Custom Image that aligns with specific Service Packs for ProLiant (SPP). What is Included?
These custom images include essential tools that the standard VMware ISO lacks: VMware ESXi Images for HPE Servers | HPE EUROPE
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. To download the HPE Custom Image for VMware ESXi 6
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.
Overview
What’s good
What’s not ideal
Practical recommendations
Conclusion The HPE custom image for ESXi 6.5 U3 is a sensible, pragmatic choice when running HPE servers—offering better hardware compatibility, management integration, and vendor support alignment. However, weigh that against the slower vendor-curated update cadence and the fact ESXi 6.5 is past mainstream support; prioritize an upgrade plan to a supported VMware version.
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 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?
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 HPE Synergy Custom Image
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.
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
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.
When locating the download, you will typically see two file formats available. It is important to choose the correct one for your use case:
ISO Image (VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-OS-Release-XXXXXX-HPE-XXX.iso):
Offline Bundle (VMware-ESXi-6.5.0-XXXXXX-depot.zip):
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
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