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Interesting VMware Homelab Kits for 2023

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Similiar to my post last year on interesting VMware Homelab Kits for 2022, I figured it was time to put together the 2023 edition, especially with some of the kits that I have come to learn about or ones that are planned for release later this year.

The list below is not an exhaustive by any means, but I did try to look for unique kits that folks may not be aware of and/or that include interesting capabilities or designs that would support VMware ESXi without issues and be able to run various other VMware products on top like vSAN, NSX, Aria and Tanzu.

While pricing is just one of the many factors in the hardware decision process, I did limit the scope to the base kit costing sub-$2,000 USD. I also wanted to make sure that the latest ESXi releases will install and run without any issues, which is typically governed by the model of the onboard network adapter. Therefore, any system that requires an additional USB network adapter to install ESXi is automatically excluded from the list. The size and form factor is also just as important and most of the kits below take up very little space or can easily be mobile, if needed.

If there are other new kits that have been released or planned for 2023 that you feel should make the list, be sure to leave a comment below.

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ESXi on palm size iKOOLCORE R1

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Towards the end of 2022, I came to learn about a really fascinating mini PC called the R1, that is manufactured by a company called iKOOLCORE, which is based out of China. iKOOLCORE is described as specializing in open source firewall applications and the R1 adds some interesting networking possibilities as you will see shortly.


What really makes the R1 standout is that it comes equipped with four built-in ethernet adapters that is packaged into a super compact form factor with a pretty elegant design. In fact, the R1 might actually be the worlds smallest x86 system that literally fits in the palm of your hand! 😎

With the compact design and flexibility in networking, the R1 can certainly enable a number of interesting use cases for VMware Homelabs like running infrastructure systems (vCenter Server Appliance, VMware Cloud Builder, Active Directory, etc.) to networking services (DNS, DHCP, Firewall, VPN, etc). The R1 can also make for a great portable homelab that you can bring anywhere and not have to worry about space or noise and is powered simply through USB-PD (Power Delivery) which makes it even more friendly to travel with.

The only thing left was to get my hands on the R1 and thanks to the creator and designer of the R1, who goes by the name of Jackeroo, I was able to give the R1 a spin and explore it from a VMware Homelab perspective.

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Heads Up - 24GB & 48GB DDR5 SODIMM memory now available

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For small or ultra small form factor (SFF/USFF) systems like the popular Intel NUC, SODIMM (Small-Outline Dual Inline Memory Module) memory is commonly used, which has been limited to a maximum of 64GB (2 x 32GB module) memory since 2019, which I had first shared that the Intel NUC could used the new 32GB modules. While 64GB might have been plentiful back in 2019, it certainly no longer cuts it, especially for any serious VMware Homelab.

Like many, I assumed the SODIMM format has simply hit its limit and with the new proposed CAMM standard looking to replace SODIMM format in the near future, I was honestly not expecting that we could reach higher density modules for SODIMM.

UPDATE (05/18/23) - Officially confirmed Mushkin 48GB DDR5 SODIMM works with DDR5 compatible system with ESXi

UPDATE (05/10/23) - Mushkin has released 48GB modules for three different frequencies (5600, 5200 & 4800 Mhz). For more details, please see below with initial pricing of $349 USD

UPDATE (02/21/23) - Apologies, it looks like Corsair has only released the Desktop memory and NOT Laptop memory (SODIMM) for the new DDR5 capacity modules. I assume those will come shortly, but these are currently only for desktop systems.

Fast forward to 2023, news broke that a new 24GB and 48GB DDR5 SODIMM modules were in the works and today, they just started showing up online for purchase! Currently, only the Corsair Vengeance Desktop (non-SODIMM) with heatsinks are available:

Desktop Memory:

Laptop Memory (SO-DIMM):

This is great news for homelabbers, but before you rush out and make a purchase. These new memory modules are only for DDR5 and there are currently not many SFF/USFF kits that actually support DDR5 and might benefit those in the near term with DIY system. In addition, to get the full benefit, you will also need a system that can support DDR5 5200MHz.