CPU % spikes not present in custom interval graphs

[D0NZAUKER]

Hello,

vCenter Version: 8.0.3 Build: 24322831

we have problems in a database machine, from realtime vCenter graph we see CPU % spikes every approx 10-15 mins, the peak runs for 6-10 mins and the loop continues.

We are working on DB to see what's the problem but the issue we found is in the vCenter graphs, the peaks seem present only on realtime view, if we set a custom interval we don't see the peaks (for example 2 days, a week etc)

We have peaks of 120% in realtime and in custom interval all is below 50%

We checked the host directly and the peaks are real.

We see that if the timespan of the custom interval is > 24h we don't see the peaks.

What's wrong here ?

Thank you.

[Andrea Consalvi]

Hi Donzauker,

This is expected behavior due to how vCenter stores performance data over time. Real-time performance graphs (≤1 hour) are collected at high resolution (20 seconds), which allows short CPU spikes to be visible. However, for custom intervals >24h, vCenter uses rollup data (typically 5-minute or 30-minute averages depending on the interval level), which can smooth out and hide short-duration spikes.

If the CPU spike lasts only 6–10 minutes and occurs every 10–15 minutes, it's likely averaged out in the historical rollups. You can confirm this by checking the performance statistics level in the vCenter settings (Administration, Statistics, Data Collection).

To preserve visibility of short-term spikes in historical views, consider adjusting the statistics level for longer intervals to a higher level (e.g., Level 3), but be aware this increases database size and load.