SK0-005 Practice Exam 3 — 20 Questions

Question 1

Refer to the exhibit. During boot, the server displays this error and shuts down. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The CPU fan is not connected to the CPU_FAN header.. The log explicitly states 'No fan detected', which directly points to a missing connection on the CPU_FAN header. The shutdown is a protective response.

Answer

The CPU heatsink is not properly installed.

Answer

The BIOS fan profile is set to 'Silent' mode.

Answer

The CPU has failed.

Question 2

Refer to the exhibit. A server administrator runs a dmidecode command to check memory configuration and obtains the output shown. The system supports DDR4-2666, but all DIMMs are running at 1866 MT/s. Which action will allow the memory to run at the maximum supported speed?

Accepted Answer

Replace the DIMM in slot A1 with a DDR4-2666 registered module.. Correct: The slower 2133 MT/s DIMM in slot A1 limits all modules to its speed. Replacing it with a 2666 MT/s module allows the system to run at the highest common denominator. Option A is wrong because reordering slots won't change the speed limitation. Option C is wrong because XMP is for overclocking desktop memory, not typical on registered server DIMMs. Option D is wrong because clearing CMOS only resets BIOS settings, not memory speed mismatch.

Answer

Enable XMP profile in the BIOS to force all DIMMs to 2666 MT/s.

Answer

Clear the CMOS to reset the memory training data.

Answer

Move the DIMM from A1 to A2 and the DIMM from A2 to A1.

Question 3

A server fails to power on after a technician replaced the power supply unit (PSU). The technician notices the server's LEDs are off and no fans are spinning. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Check that the new PSU is properly seated and all power cables are connected. The FIRST step is to check that the new PSU is properly seated and all power cables are connected, as this is the most likely cause after a replacement. Replacing the motherboard or PSU again is premature without verifying connections. Checking incoming power is a possibility but less likely if the server was working before.

Answer

Replace the PSU with another new unit

Answer

Replace the motherboard

Answer

Verify the incoming power is within acceptable voltage range

Question 4

A server administrator is assembling a new high-performance server using a Supermicro X12 motherboard, two Intel Xeon Gold 5317 processors (LGA 4189 socket), and 16x 32GB DDR4-3200 ECC LRDIMMs for a total of 512GB of memory. The chassis has redundant 1600W power supplies. After assembling all components, the administrator powers on the server. All fans start spinning at full speed, and the front panel LEDs illuminate. However, the server does not POST, there are no beep codes, and no video output is displayed. The motherboard has a two-digit hexadecimal POST code LED display, which shows '00' and does not change. The motherboard manual states that code '00' indicates the CPU is not detected or has failed. The processors are confirmed to be the correct socket type and stepping as required by the motherboard. What should the technician do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Reseat both processors and inspect the CPU sockets for bent pins. Option B is correct. The POST code '00' typically indicates a CPU initialization failure. The first and least invasive step is to reseat the processors, checking for bent socket pins, debris, or improper mounting. This resolves a majority of such issues. Option A (replace both CPUs) is extreme and should only be done after ruling out physical installation issues. Option C (clear CMOS) may help if the BIOS was misconfigured for a previous CPU, but physical reseating is more direct. Option D (update BIOS) is not possible if the system cannot POST to enter the update utility; furthermore, if the CPUs are supported by the current BIOS version, updating is unnecessary.

Answer

Replace both processors as they are likely faulty

Answer

Clear the CMOS using the jumper or button on the motherboard

Answer

Update the BIOS to the latest version using the IPMI interface

Question 5

Refer to the exhibit. A server in a well-maintained data center has triggered upper critical and non-recoverable temperature alerts for CPU1. The server's chassis fans are operating at full speed, and the data center ambient temperature is normal. Which of the following is the FIRST action the administrator should take?

Accepted Answer

Open the chassis and verify that the CPU air baffle/duct is in place.. Correct: Missing or improperly installed air baffles/ducts are a common cause of CPU overheating, especially after maintenance. Option A is wrong because if other components are fine, a liquid cooling failure is less likely and more invasive. Option C is wrong because adding extra fans doesn't address the root cause if airflow path is broken. Option D is wrong because a failed CPU almost never causes overheating; a failing CPU usually causes crashes, not thermal runaway.

Answer

Check for failure of the liquid cooling system for CPU1.

Answer

Replace CPU1 because the high temperature indicates an internal short.

Answer

Install additional high-speed fans to increase static pressure.

Question 6

A server configured with dual redundant power supplies unexpectedly shuts down when one power supply fails. Both power supplies are rated for the server's total load and were functioning before the failure. What is the MOST likely reason for the shutdown?

Accepted Answer

Redundant mode was not configured in the server management settings. If redundant mode is not enabled (Option B), the power supplies may operate in combined/load‑sharing mode, and failure of one can overload the other. Hot‑swap capability (A) allows replacement without shutdown but does not prevent an outage if the remaining PSU cannot handle the load. Wattage mismatch (C) is unlikely if both were working, and different vendors (D) do not normally cause shutdown if the PSUs are compatible.

Answer

The power supplies were not hot‑swappable

Answer

The failed power supply had a higher wattage rating than the remaining one

Answer

The power supplies were from different manufacturers

Question 7

A technician is monitoring a server with a RAID 5 array that has a hot spare. One of the drives fails. Which of the following actions will occur automatically in this configuration?

Accepted Answer

The hot spare will be activated and the array will start rebuilding. When a hot spare is present, the RAID controller automatically activates the spare and begins rebuilding the array without operator intervention. Degraded operation without a hot spare requires manual replacement. Shutdown and mirroring are not typical behaviors.

Answer

The server will shut down to protect data

Answer

The array will continue to operate in degraded mode until manual intervention

Answer

The data will be mirrored to another server

Question 8

A technician installs additional RAM in a server. After powering on, the server emits a continuous beep code and does not POST. The server documentation indicates this beep code signifies a memory error. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The new RAM is not fully seated in the memory slot.. Memory errors after installation commonly result from improper seating. A beep code indicating memory detection failure points to a physical connection issue.

Answer

The total RAM exceeds the server's maximum supported capacity.

Answer

The new RAM is ECC and the existing RAM is non-ECC.

Answer

The server BIOS needs to be updated to support the new RAM type.

Question 9

A server technician is mounting a 4U server in a standard 19-inch rack. Which of the following safety precautions is MOST important before lifting the server into place?

Accepted Answer

Confirm that the rack's weight capacity can support the server.. Ensuring the rack can support the server's weight is critical to prevent the rack from tipping or collapsing, which could cause serious injury or equipment damage.

Answer

Ensure the server's power supply voltage matches the rack's PDU.

Answer

Install cable management arms before mounting.

Answer

Verify that the rack is properly grounded.

Question 10

A server administrator is upgrading the RAM on a server that supports quad-channel memory architecture. They install four identical 16GB DDR4 ECC modules, but the server only recognizes the memory as operating in single-channel mode. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The DIMMs are not installed in the correct slots. Option C is correct because quad-channel memory requires DIMMs to be populated in specific, color-coded slots according to the motherboard's population rules. If the modules are not in the correct slots, the memory controller will operate in a lower channel mode. Option A is wrong because faulty modules would likely cause POST failures or memory errors, not simply a channel mode reduction. Option B is wrong because ECC support is not required for channel mode operation; it is an error-correction feature. Option D is wrong because while registered DIMMs are often used in servers, unregistered DIMMs can still operate in quad-channel mode if supported.

Answer

One of the DIMMs is faulty

Answer

The DIMMs do not support ECC

Answer

The DIMMs are not registered (RDIMM)

Question 11

Several users report sluggish performance from a database server. The server administrator notices that the CPU fans are running at maximum speed and the baseboard management controller (BMC) reports CPU temperatures of 85°C even at idle. The administrator already cleaned dust from the chassis and verified all fans are operational. Which of the following should the administrator do NEXT?

Accepted Answer

Reapply thermal paste on the CPU heat sinks.. High temperatures persist after cleaning and fan checks suggest poor heat conduction between the CPU and heatsink, typically caused by dried or inadequate thermal paste.

Answer

Add additional case fans to improve airflow.

Answer

Replace the CPU fans with higher RPM models.

Answer

Increase the fan speed thresholds in the BIOS.

Question 12

A technician is installing a new 2U server into a datacenter rack. The server is equipped with redundant power supplies. According to best practices for power redundancy, how should the technician connect the power supplies?

Accepted Answer

Connect each PSU to a separate circuit. Option B is correct because connecting each power supply to a separate circuit (or separate PDUs fed by different circuits) ensures that if one circuit fails, the other keeps the server powered. Option A is wrong because connecting both to the same PDU creates a single point of failure. Option C is wrong because while a UPS is important, connecting only one PSU to a UPS defeats redundancy if the non-UPS circuit fails. Option D is wrong because operating voltages are standardized and must match the server specifications.

Answer

Connect one PSU to a UPS and the other directly to mains

Answer

Run one PSU at 110V and the other at 220V for load balancing

Answer

Connect both PSUs to the same power distribution unit (PDU)

Question 13

After a brief power outage, a server does not power on when the power button is pressed. The power supply LED indicator is green, but the internal fans do not spin and there is no video output. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate troubleshooting step?

Accepted Answer

Check that the 24-pin ATX power connector is securely connected to the motherboard.. A green LED indicates standby power is present. If the system does not fully power on, the primary power delivery from the PSU to the motherboard may be disrupted, often by a loose connector.

Answer

Test the system with a known-good CPU.

Answer

Reset the server's configuration via the CMOS jumper.

Answer

Replace the power supply.

Question 14

A server administrator needs to set up out-of-band management for a new server. Which THREE of the following are essential for successful configuration and remote access? (Choose three.)

Accepted Answer

A dedicated management network interface (e.g., iDRAC, iLO dedicated port).. Out-of-band management relies on a dedicated hardware controller (BMC), a separate network interface for remote access, and a client-side tool to interact with it.

Answer

A DHCP server configured to provide an IP to the management interface.

Answer

An installed operating system on the server.

Question 15

A server has four 1 Gbps network interface cards (NICs) configured in a Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) team with a managed switch. The switch ports are confirmed to be correctly configured for LACP. However, during a file transfer test, the observed aggregate throughput is only about 2 Gbps. Which of the following should the administrator verify FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Examine the load-balancing algorithm on the server or switch. Option B is correct because LACP uses a load-balancing algorithm (hashing) to distribute traffic across member links. The default hash policy (e.g., Layer 2 based) may not utilize all links effectively for certain traffic patterns. Checking and adjusting the load-balancing algorithm (e.g., to Layer 2+3 or Layer 3+4) often resolves uneven distribution. Option A (drivers) could affect teaming but less likely if the team is formed. Option C (MTU) issues would typically cause fragmentation or performance problems, not simply limiting aggregate throughput. Option D (Spanning Tree) would block ports, not limit throughput. Option E (flow control) could affect performance but is not the most common cause of suboptimal LACP throughput.

Answer

Update the NIC drivers to the latest version

Answer

Verify the MTU settings on the NICs and switch

Answer

Check for Spanning Tree Protocol blockages

Question 16

Refer to the exhibit. A server technician sees the following output. What is the current status of the RAID array?

Accepted Answer

Degraded. The 'State' line clearly indicates 'clean, degraded', and one device is marked as 'removed'. The array is operational but missing a drive.

Answer

Rebuilding

Answer

Healthy

Answer

Failed

Question 17

A server has been experiencing random crashes and generating memory-related errors in the system event log. The technician has already run memory diagnostics which show frequent errors on a single DIMM. The server has four DIMMs installed. Which of the following is the BEST next step?

Accepted Answer

Replace the failing DIMM with a known good, matching module. With diagnostics confirming errors on a specific DIMM, the best action is to replace that faulty module. Reseating may not fix a physical failure. Updating BIOS or replacing all DIMMs is unnecessary and could be wasteful.

Answer

Update the BIOS firmware

Answer

Replace all four DIMMs to prevent future issues

Answer

Reseat all DIMMs and re-run diagnostics

Question 18

A technician is installing a new 2U server into an existing rack. The rack is fully populated with servers that use front-to-back airflow. The new server also uses front-to-back cooling. The technician notices gaps between some servers and several open rack units without equipment. To ensure optimal airflow and prevent potential thermal issues, which of the following actions should the technician take FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Install blanking panels in all unused rack spaces.. Option A is correct because installing blanking panels in unused rack spaces prevents hot air from recirculating to server intakes, maintaining proper cooling airflow. Option B is wrong because increasing fan speed only treats the symptom and wastes energy without solving recirculation. Option C is wrong because leaving gaps disrupts the designed front-to-back airflow, allowing hot air to mix with cold intake air. Option D is wrong because adding exhaust fans may interfere with the existing airflow pattern and does not directly address recirculation caused by gaps.

Answer

Install additional exhaust fans at the rear of the rack to pull hot air out.

Answer

Increase the fan speed of the new server to compensate for recirculated air.

Answer

Leave the gaps to allow passive air movement and reduce pressure.

Question 19

Refer to the exhibit. A technician reviewing the server's storage array status sees the above output. The server is using a hot spare with a RAID 5 array. What should the technician do NEXT?

Accepted Answer

Immediately replace the drive in slot 1I:1:3 to prevent data loss. A predictive failure warning means the drive is likely to fail soon. Immediate replacement prevents array degradation and possible data loss. The hot spare is activated only on actual failure; rebuilding the array to include the hot spare is not possible manually for predictive failures. Backing up is prudent but not the most urgent next step.

Answer

Run a full backup and then replace the drive

Answer

Rebuild the array to include the hot spare

Answer

Continue monitoring; the drive is still functional

Question 20

A server displays a 'CMOS battery low' error during POST. After the technician replaces the CR2032 battery with a new one, the server still loses date and time settings when disconnected from power. Which of the following should the technician try NEXT?

Accepted Answer

Verify the new battery is functional and properly seated. Option A is correct because it is possible the new battery is defective, installed incorrectly, or not making proper contact. The first step is to verify the battery itself and its installation. Option B is wrong because a faulty motherboard is possible, but troubleshooting should start with the simplest and most likely cause. Option C is wrong because power supply fluctuations are unlikely to cause CMOS settings loss specifically when unplugged. Option D is wrong because the BIOS chip retaining settings is part of the CMOS circuit, but the immediate issue is likely the power source (battery) for the CMOS.

Answer

Check the power supply for voltage fluctuations

Answer

Update the BIOS firmware

Answer

Replace the motherboard

SK0-005 Practice Exam 3 — 20 Questions

Exhibit

SK0-005 Practice Exam 3 — 20 Questions

Exhibit