CPU mismatch error while performing vMotion of virtual machines from one host to another within a cluster

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• Performing a vMotion from one host to another within a cluster fails.
• The vMotion check fails with a CPU mismatch error.
• Running the esxcli hardware cpu list command on both the hosts shows that the CPU make and model is the same.
  

  Note: This issue is generally observed in non-EVC clusters.

Cause

This issue occurs if the VT feature is disabled on one of the hosts involved in the vMotion operation.

In order to determine of if Intel Virtualization Technology or AMD Virtualization is enabled on the host, refer to the below article:

Determining if Intel Virtualization Technology or AMD Virtualization is enabled in the BIOS without rebooting the ESXi host

 

Resolution

To resolve this issue, log in to the BIOS of all the ESX hosts and ensure that the VT feature is enabled. Also, ensure that other features like HT are consistent across the hosts in the cluster.

In rare cases, this issue may occur even if the ESX host hardware are identical and the BIOS for all the ESX hosts are reset to default values. In such cases, check and ensure that all the hosts in the cluster have the same BIOS version. If not, downgrade or upgrade the BIOS of all systems so that they have the same version.

Additional Information