--- description: With the latest VMware vSAN Max update, there are substantially lower the entry threshold of host and cluster requirements. title: VMware vSAN Max Enhancements Offer Flexibility, Lower Host And Cluster Threshold image: https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Storagereview-VMware-vSAN-Max-e1710352146907.png --- [![Storage Review]()](https://storagereview.com/) --- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/@storagereview) [X (Twitter)](https://twitter.com/storagereview) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/storagereview-com) [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/storagereview?sub_confirmation=1) [Email](mailto:info@storagereview.com) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0) [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/StorageReview/) [Discord](https://discord.gg/TwMHb4azdC) [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview) [![StorageReview.com](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Storage-Review-2x.png)](https://www.storagereview.com) ≡ Menu - [Home](https://www.storagereview.com/) - [Storage Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/review) - [End User Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/consumer) - [Enterprise Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/enterprise) - [Ubiquiti Reviews](https://www.storagereview.com/best/ubiquiti-reviews) - [SR Merch](https://store.storagereview.com) - [Leaderboards](https://www.storagereview.com/best) - [Best Storage Arrays](https://www.storagereview.com/best/storage-arrays) - [Best Enterprise SSDs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/enterprise-ssds) - [Best Servers](https://www.storagereview.com/best/servers) - [Best Enterprise GPUs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/enterprise-gpus) - [Best Desktops for Local AI](https://www.storagereview.com/best/desktops-local-ai) - [Best Laptops for Local AI](https://www.storagereview.com/best/laptops-local-ai) - [Best Local LLM Tools](https://www.storagereview.com/best/local-llm-tools) - [Agentic AI Hardware](https://www.storagereview.com/best/agentic-ai-hardware) - [Best SSDs & Hard Drives](https://www.storagereview.com/best_drives) - [Best Portable SSDs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/portable-ssds) - [Best Business Laptops](https://www.storagereview.com/best/business-laptops) - [Best Mobile Workstations](https://www.storagereview.com/best/mobile-workstations) - [Best Desktop Workstations](https://www.storagereview.com/best/desktop-workstations) - [Best Mini PCs](https://www.storagereview.com/best/mini-pcs) - [Best Laptop Battery Life](https://www.storagereview.com/best/laptop-battery-life) - [Storage Reference Guide](https://www.storagereview.com/storage-reference-guide) - [About SR](https://www.storagereview.com/about-storagereview) - [StorageReview.com Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations](https://www.storagereview.com/storagereview-com-sweepstakes-rules-and-regulations) Search [Home](https://www.storagereview.com/) » [News](https://www.storagereview.com/news) » VMware vSAN Max Enhancements Offer Flexibility, Lower Host And Cluster Threshold # VMware vSAN Max Enhancements Offer Flexibility, Lower Host And Cluster Threshold by Harold Fritts on March 13, 2024 [Enterprise](https://www.storagereview.com/enterprise) VMware has announced significant enhancements to [vSAN Max,](https://www.storagereview.com/news/vmware-vsan-8-u2-and-vsan-max-lead-hci-innovation) designed to substantially lower the entry threshold of host and cluster requirements. These modifications are expected to deliver greater flexibility, facilitate smaller and more straightforward configurations, and ensure vSAN Max remains accessible to diverse environments. Improvements include a reduced minimum number of hosts required for vSAN Max cluster formation and decreased hardware and networking requirements for vSAN Max hosts. This is a strategic shift for VMware’s offering as it attempts to accommodate a broader spectrum of business sizes and needs and ensure vSAN Max remains relevant in the post-Broadcom acquisition era. Storagereview covered the evolution of the vSAN Max since its inception. Catch up with the [VMware vSAN 8 U2 and vSAN Max](https://www.storagereview.com/news/vmware-vsan-8-u2-and-vsan-max-lead-hci-innovation) news reported last year. ![](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Storagereview-VMware-vSAN-Max-Figure-01a.png) The adjustments contain a scalability option down to four hosts for certain ReadyNode configurations, enabling RAID5 erasure coding while maintaining a solid data resilience level. The lowered entry-level capacity and CPU requirements also allow for cleaner and more cost-effective deployments. Introducing a fifth ReadyNode profile, the vSAN-Max-XL, caters to customers with the most demanding storage and performance requirements, delivering solutions across the entire capacity spectrum. ![New vSAN Max Node Profiles]() New vSAN Max Node Profiles These revisions align the configuration guidance and ReadyNode profiles closely with aggregated vSAN HCI clusters. Moreover, the vSAN Max Design and Operational Guidance have been updated to reflect this newfound adaptability, offering comprehensive deployment, operations, and optimization instructions. For reference, here’s what the vSAN Max host profiles looked like prior to this latest update. ![Old vSAN Max Node Profiles]() Old vSAN Max Node Profiles vSAN Max’s revisions are not just about scaling down. Now, smaller environments can leverage VMware’s reliability and efficiency as they transform their storage infrastructure with minimal hardware. If you are trying to decide between vSAN HCI and vSAN Max, VMware has released documentation that outlines the technical considerations unique to each deployment option. This information empowers you to make informed decisions tailored to your specific environment. We have provided the link below to help you decide. The redefined vSAN Max, underpinned by the Express Storage Architecture, heralds a new storage performance, resilience, and efficiency paradigm. The recalibrated configuration minimums for vSAN Max clusters enhance flexibility and ensure that vSAN Max stands at the forefront for centralized shared storage within the VMware Cloud Foundation environment. [vSAN Max Design and Operational Guidance](https://core.vmware.com/resource/vsan-max-design-and-operational-guidance) [vSAN HCI or vSAN Max](https://core.vmware.com/resource/vsan-hci-or-vsan-max-which-deployment-option-right-you) **Engage with StorageReview** [Newsletter](https://www.storagereview.com/storage_newsletter) |  [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/StorageReview "Opens in a new window") | Podcast  [iTunes](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/storagereview-com-storage-reviews/id1060681115 "Opens in a new window")/ [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/1y6VnznABhHeOSMOmbDTz0 "Opens in a new window") |  [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/storagereview/ "Opens in a new window") |  [Twitter](https://twitter.com/storagereview "Opens in a new window") |  [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@storagereview? "Opens in a new window") |  [RSS Feed](https://www.storagereview.com/rss.xml) ![]() ### Harold Fritts I have been in the tech industry since IBM created Selectric. My background, though, is writing. So I decided to get out of the pre-sales biz and return to my roots, doing a bit of writing but still being involved in technology. Previous post: [VAST Data Partners with Supermicro, Introduces AI Cloud Architecture Using NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPU Technology](https://www.storagereview.com/news/vast-data-partners-with-supermicro-introduces-ai-cloud-architecture-using-nvidia-bluefield-3-dpu-technology) Next post: [ZutaCore HyperCool Liquid Cooling Technology Announced for NVIDIA H100 and H200 GPUs](https://www.storagereview.com/news/zutacore-hypercool-liquid-cooling-technology-announced-for-nvidia-h100-and-h200-gpus) Trusted Vendors Products and solutions from our affiliate partners: - [ ![Ubiquiti Logo](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2-1.webp) Ubiquiti ](https://store.ui.com/us/en?a_aid=StorageReview "Opens in a new window") - [ ![Newegg Logo](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/newegg.webp) Newegg ](https://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=g5terNMDhz0&offerid=1207190.18&subid=0&type=4 "Opens in a new window") - [ ![Amazon Logo](https://www.storagereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/amazon.webp) Amazon ](https://amzn.to/4fLJUEW "Opens in a new window") Newsletter Subscribe to the StorageReview newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and reviews. 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