Introduction:
Broadcom’s latest release of VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e (Build 24674464), launched on April 10, 2025, marks a substantial leap forward in enterprise virtualization. This update is more than just a maintenance patch—it introduces enhanced support for modern hardware, increased interoperability with critical management tools, major system stability improvements, and significant fixes for storage and network issues. Enterprises running virtualized environments on VMware should pay close attention, as this version not only increases reliability but also minimizes downtime and boosts performance.
Key Enhancements and Fixes in VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e
– New Protocol Support for USB Drivers:
One of the most exciting additions is the support for the CDC-NCM protocol in the ESXi USB driver. This feature enhances compatibility with HPE Gen12 iLO Virtual NIC, enabling improved management tool integration such as AMS, iSUT, and iLORest.
– Quick Boot Now Supports More Drivers:
The update expands vSphere Quick Boot support to key drivers:
– Intel vRAN Baseband Driver
– Intel Platform Monitoring Technology Driver
– Intel Data Center Graphics Driver
– AMD Instinct MI Series Driver
This allows hosts to reboot without full hardware initialization, reducing update downtime dramatically.
– Free Hypervisor Access:
Broadcom has made the VMware vSphere Hypervisor 8 freely available via its support portal, offering an easy entry point for businesses exploring virtualization.
– Storage Fixes That Matter:
- A major bug affecting vSAN datastores has been resolved, where deleted components weren’t properly cleaned up, inflating space usage.
- Fixed a memory leak in the osfsd daemon, which disrupted vSphere Virtual Volumes requests.
– Networking Enhancements:
- Addresses issues with ConnectX-4 and later NICs, where variable VLAN tags were causing TX transmission delays.
- Introduces a new driver parameter that maps DSCP values to a unified traffic class, eliminating performance bottlenecks.
– CPU and BIOS Compatibility Improvements:
- Fixes a critical crash issue when using AMD Turin CPUs with PCI multi-segment support enabled, which previously led to host failure screens.
– Virtual Machine Improvements:
- Solves problems with encrypted VMs shutting down during rekeying.
- Enhances VM migration reliability, correcting a range of error scenarios tied to namespace and database interactions.
– Stability Boosts:
Over 100 bugs have been addressed, reinforcing overall host stability, reducing system crashes, and refining virtual machine operations.
What Undercode Say:
The release of VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e isn’t just a regular upgrade—it’s a strategic move by Broadcom to realign VMware’s hypervisor with the fast-evolving hardware ecosystem and enterprise demand for high-availability infrastructure. The integration of CDC-NCM protocol support might sound technical, but in essence, it opens up seamless communication between ESXi and HPE’s next-generation management stack. This enables more responsive, agentless monitoring and smarter automation for data centers.
Quick Boot support expansion signals a clear emphasis on minimizing downtime, a critical demand in 24/7 operational environments. With high-value components like Intel and AMD drivers added to the compatibility list, admins can update and reboot systems without going through the full power cycle. That’s real-world time-saving.
From a performance standpoint, the update reflects a proactive approach to dealing with previously unresolved headaches in the VMware ecosystem. The vSAN datastore cleanup bug, for example, had real implications for storage accuracy and resource planning. Fixing this restores trust in storage analytics.
Equally important is the fix for osfsd-related memory leaks. These kinds of subtle issues often snowball into larger infrastructure failures. Addressing them underlines Broadcom’s growing emphasis on backend stability.
The network stack improvements around ConnectX adapters speak to environments running virtualized high-performance networking—essential for everything from hybrid cloud to edge computing. The simplification of DSCP-to-traffic class mapping is a technical gem that will save time in diagnostics and performance tuning.
CPU compatibility, particularly with AMD Turin processors, had been a pain point for some time. By solving the PCIe multi-segment issue, Broadcom restores confidence for users investing in AMD-heavy infrastructures, especially in AI and HPC workloads.
Another vital angle is the fix for encrypted VM rekeying crashes—a critical patch in an era where encryption is no longer optional. Any disruption here could mean serious operational and security risks.
Lastly, the free access to vSphere Hypervisor 8 is a clear move to encourage adoption among smaller businesses or departments running on a budget. It opens the door to test-drive enterprise-grade virtualization without initial investment, which could translate to broader VMware loyalty in the long run.
All in all, ESXi 8.0 Update 3e is a comprehensive, future-facing release that speaks directly to the pain points of administrators and the ambitions of evolving data centers.
Fact Checker Results:
- All updates and drivers listed are verified through Broadcom’s official documentation for ESXi 8.0 Update 3e.
- The CDC-NCM and Quick Boot enhancements have been officially confirmed by VMware’s release notes.
- Free download availability of vSphere Hypervisor 8 is currently active on the Broadcom Support portal.
References:
Reported By: cyberpress.org
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