2023/06

While recently building out my new home lab server, I had the opportunity to install several Intel Optane 905p U.2 NVMe drives. Because my motherboard did not natively support U.2 devices, I acquired multiple 10Gtek U.2 to PCIe adapters to connect 6 U.2 drives to the system. These adapters come in either PCIe 3.0 x16, PCIe 3.0 x8, or PCIe 3.0 x4, depending on the number of U.2 devices the adapter supports.

Recently, I participated in a VMware vExpert program in partnership with Intel Corporation and coordinated by Matt Mancini and Simon Todd, where Intel offered to provide VMware vExperts with Intel Optane NVMe devices for use in our home labs. While I wasn’t initially selected to receive the hardware, there was a second chance opportunity to apply again after working on extending the reach of my social media presence. In addition to receiving Intel Optane NVMe devices during the second chance opportunity, Matt Mancini graciously donated several home lab devices as prizes for the top three individuals who grew their social media presence the most.