The CPU (MHz) chart displays CPU usage in the resource pool or vApp.

This chart is located in the Home view of the Resource Pool or vApp Performance tab.

Counters

Table 1. Data Counters
Chart Label Description
Usage

CPU usage is the sum of the average CPU usage values of the virtual machines in the resource pool or vApp.

CPU usage = number of cores * CPU frequency

  • Counter: usagemhz
  • Stats Type: Rate
  • Unit: Megahertz (MHz)
  • Rollup Type: Average (Minimum/Maximum)
  • Collection Level: 1 (4)

Chart Analysis

A short spike in CPU usage indicates that you are making the best use of the resources available. However, if the value is constantly high, the CPU demanded is likely greater than the CPU capacity available. A high CPU usage value can lead to increased ready time and processor queuing of the virtual machines in the resource pool. Generally, if the CPU usage value for a virtual machine is above 90% and the CPU ready value for a virtual machine is above 20%, performance is impacted.

If performance is impacted, consider taking the following actions.

Table 2. CPU Performance Enhancement Advice
# Resolution
1 Verify that VMware Tools is installed on each virtual machine.
2 Deploy single-threaded applications on uniprocessor virtual machines instead of SMP virtual machines.
3 Migrate one or more virtual machines to a new host.
4 Upgrade the physical CPUs or cores on each host if necessary.
5 Enable CPU-saving features, such as TCP Segmentation Offload.
6 Replace software I/O with dedicated hardware, such as iSCSI HBAs or TCP Segmentation Offload NICs.