Unable to run x64 VM - EMT64 Confirmed Server/CPU

[BrianRTS]

I have a Super Micro server that is capable of running x64 windows/linux etc but when I install ESX on it and try to create a x64 VM, I get an error message stating

The CPU of the host is incompatbible with the CPU requrirement of virtual machine.

Any idea why I can install Windows or Linux in x64 but now that ESX is on the server, I cant create x64 VM's?

The server specs are listed here http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/2U/6024/SYS-6024H-82R+.cfm

Thank you!

[oreeh]

Physical 64bit systems only need the EM64T extensions.

To run 64bit virtual systems the CPU (and the BIOS!) needs to have the VT extension as well.

If the CPU supports VT (in your case very likely) enbale it in the BIOS and power cycle the system - then try again.

[virtualdud3]

Have you enabled VT (Virtualization Technology) within the BIOS of the ESX host?

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[virtualdud3]

Man, you are quick!!! Looks like you edged me out...

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[BrianRTS]

Damn.. i looked in the BIOS and there definately isnt a VT option there.. just to enable/disable HT. I'll try flashing the BIOS but i doubt its a simple BIOS tweak?

[Dave_Mishchenko]

It'll be a CPU issue as well. Which CPU do you have in the server?

[oreeh]

I'll try flashing the BIOS but i doubt its a simple BIOS tweak?

There are a lot of BIOSes out there that have this bug. Luckily most vendors have updates as well - if this isn't the case for you then you are out of luck.

[oreeh]

According to the link he posted they are Core2 based - so this shouldn't be an issue.

[virtualdud3]

Sometimes flashing a new BIOS can fix the issue; it did on an HP laptop I once needed to enable VT to run ESX as a VM.

You can try downloading the vt.iso image from here: http://ftpsite.vmware.com/download/vt.iso

Then, burn it to a CD and when you have the opportunity boot the ESX server from the CD. You will see whether or not VT is enable, disabled, "locked" due to the BIOS, etc.

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[Dave_Mishchenko · Accepted solution]

The specs list the below CPUs as being supported and I don't believe Nocona or Irwindale support Intel VT.

Xeon (Paxville) Dual Core CPU with 2x2MB L2 Integrated Advanced Transfer Cache Xeon (Nocona) CPU with 1MB L2 Integrated Advanced Transfer Cache, up to 3.60 GHz Xeon (Irwindale) CPU with 2MB L2 Integrated Advanced Transfer Cache, up to 3.80 GHz Xeon LV (Low Voltage) CPU, up to 2.8 GHz

[BrianRTS]

Yeah I just got off the phone w/ the vendor. This version of the chipset does not support VT. Oh well.. Time to budget for new HW.

Thanks all!

[oreeh]

You're right.