diff --git a/hw/ppc/spapr.c b/hw/ppc/spapr.c
index 48199be8e6..25768e275b 100644
--- a/hw/ppc/spapr.c
+++ b/hw/ppc/spapr.c
@@ -1421,7 +1421,10 @@ static void ppc_spapr_reset(void)
     /* Check for unknown sysbus devices */
     foreach_dynamic_sysbus_device(find_unknown_sysbus_device, NULL);
 
-    if (kvm_enabled() && kvmppc_has_cap_mmu_radix()) {
+    first_ppc_cpu = POWERPC_CPU(first_cpu);
+    if (kvm_enabled() && kvmppc_has_cap_mmu_radix() &&
+        ppc_check_compat(first_ppc_cpu, CPU_POWERPC_LOGICAL_3_00, 0,
+                         spapr->max_compat_pvr)) {
         /* If using KVM with radix mode available, VCPUs can be started
          * without a HPT because KVM will start them in radix mode.
          * Set the GR bit in PATB so that we know there is no HPT. */
@@ -1480,7 +1483,6 @@ static void ppc_spapr_reset(void)
     g_free(fdt);
 
     /* Set up the entry state */
-    first_ppc_cpu = POWERPC_CPU(first_cpu);
     first_ppc_cpu->env.gpr[3] = fdt_addr;
     first_ppc_cpu->env.gpr[5] = 0;
     first_cpu->halted = 0;