SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management — 20 Questions

Question 1

A technician is installing a new server in a data center. To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, which of the following should the technician do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Attach an ESD wrist strap to a grounded surface. Option C is correct because using an ESD wrist strap connected to a grounded surface is the primary method to prevent ESD damage. Option A is wrong because wearing rubber-soled shoes alone does not provide a path to ground. Option B is wrong because an anti-static mat must be used with a ground connection. Option D is wrong because spraying anti-static spray on the floor is not a standard ESD prevention method and may create a slip hazard.

Answer

Place an anti-static mat on the floor

Answer

Spray anti-static solution on the server rack

Answer

Wear rubber-soled shoes

Question 2

A server with a RAID 5 array of four disks reports a degraded logical drive. The technician replaces the failed disk and rebuilds the array. After the rebuild completes, the array is still degraded. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

The replacement disk has a different rotational speed than the other disks. Option B is correct because if the replacement disk is of a different speed (e.g., 10k vs 15k), the RAID controller may not accept it or the rebuild may fail, leaving the array degraded. Option A is wrong because missing a partition would not cause the array to remain degraded after rebuild; the array is at a lower level. Option C is wrong because if the firmware were outdated, the controller would likely not recognize the drive at all. Option D is wrong because the disk name in Windows would not affect the RAID status.

Answer

The replacement disk is assigned a different drive letter in the OS

Answer

The RAID controller firmware is outdated

Answer

The replacement disk is missing a partition table

Question 3

A server logged the warning shown in the exhibit. Which of the following should the technician check first?

Accepted Answer

The processor cooling fan. Option C is correct because the warning indicates high processor temperature, which is often caused by a failed or inadequate cooling fan for the CPU. Option A is wrong because the thermal paste would not cause a sudden temperature change; it's a more gradual issue. Option B is wrong while power supply issues can cause overheating, the more direct cause is the CPU fan. Option D is wrong because ambient temperature might be a factor but checking the CPU fan is a more immediate and likely cause.

Answer

The power supply voltage to the processor

Answer

The ambient temperature of the data center

Answer

The thermal paste between the heatsink and processor

Question 4

A technician is replacing a failed hard drive in a hot-swap RAID 5 array. After inserting the new drive, the RAID controller does not automatically rebuild. What should the technician do first?

Accepted Answer

Manually initiate a rebuild from the RAID controller utility. Many RAID controllers require manual initiation of the rebuild process. Rebooting may not trigger it. Replacing with a different model is unnecessary. Checking cabling is less likely since the drive is detected. The technician should use the controller utility to start the rebuild.

Answer

Check the SAS cable connection

Answer

Reboot the server

Answer

Replace the drive with a different model

Question 5

A server has four memory slots on two channels (A and B). Currently, DIMM_A1 and DIMM_A2 are populated with 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules each. To maximize performance and capacity, which memory configuration should be added?

Accepted Answer

Add two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules to DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2. To achieve dual-channel performance, populate both slots on channel B with identical modules. Adding two 8 GB modules to channel B will enable dual-channel operation and increase capacity to 32 GB symmetrically.

Answer

Add two 8 GB DDR4-2400 modules to channel B

Answer

Add one 8 GB DDR4-2666 module to DIMM_B1

Answer

Add one 16 GB DDR4-2666 module to DIMM_B1

Question 6

A company has a virtualized server environment with two physical hosts running VMware vSphere. Each host has 2 CPUs, 128GB RAM, and 6x 600GB SAS drives in RAID 10. Recently, host A experienced a power surge that caused it to shut down abruptly. After restarting, the host boots but the RAID controller reports that one of the drives in the RAID 10 array is missing. The administrator has a replacement drive of the same model. What should the administrator do first?

Accepted Answer

Check the RAID controller logs to determine if the drive is faulty or if it's a connection issue, and then reseat the drive or replace cables before replacing. The most appropriate first step is to troubleshoot the connection. The drive might be loose or the cable damaged due to the surge. Option C is correct because reseating or checking cables is non-invasive and could resolve the issue without replacing a working drive. Option A is incorrect because replacing immediately might be unnecessary if the drive is fine. Option B is incorrect because setting as hot spare won't help if the drive is not detected. Option D is incorrect because rebuilding the entire array is drastic and risks data loss.

Answer

Use the RAID controller utility to set the new drive as a hot spare and then reboot

Answer

Replace the missing drive with the new one and allow the RAID controller to automatically rebuild

Answer

Rebuild the entire RAID array after backing up data from the surviving drives

Question 7

You are a server administrator at a mid-sized company that hosts its own on-premises Exchange server and file server. The infrastructure consists of three racks: Rack A contains the core switches and firewalls, Rack B contains the Exchange server (Dell PowerEdge R740) and the file server (HP ProLiant DL380 Gen10), and Rack C contains backup devices and a tape library. The data center cooling is provided by a raised-floor system with perforated tiles. Recently, the file server has been experiencing random shutdowns during peak usage hours (10 AM to 2 PM). The shutdowns are preceded by system event log warnings indicating that the CPU temperature has exceeded the threshold. The ambient temperature around the rack is 20°C (68°F) as measured by a handheld thermometer. Other servers in Rack B do not exhibit this behavior. The file server is a 2U server with two Xeon processors, 128 GB RAM, and six hot-swap SATA drives. It runs Windows Server 2019. The server has been in service for three years with no prior issues. The data center manager has noted that the perforated tiles are clear of obstructions. You have verified that the fans in the file server are spinning and the internal air filters are clean. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the overheating issue?

Accepted Answer

The perforated tile under the file server has insufficient airflow due to cable blockage below the raised floor.. Option B is correct because the file server's shutdowns occur during peak hours when cooling load is highest. If the server is located in a spot with inadequate underfloor airflow (e.g., a tile blocked by cables or a misaligned tile), it will not receive enough cool air, leading to CPU overheating despite the ambient reading. Option A is incorrect because the fans are verified to be spinning and filters clean. Option C is unlikely because the ambient is normal and other servers are fine. Option D is possible but not as specific to peak hours; a failing PSU usually causes power loss, not CPU thermal events.

Answer

The ambient temperature sensor in the data center is reporting incorrectly and the actual temperature is higher.

Answer

The internal fans are not operating at full speed due to a failed fan controller.

Answer

The file server's power supply is failing and causing voltage drops that affect fan performance.

Question 8

A server has been randomly rebooting several times a day with no pattern. The administrator reviews the IPMI System Event Log and finds multiple 'Correctable ECC error' entries for DIMM slot B2. The server memory is configured with 16 DIMMs of the same type and manufacturer, all recently installed. What should the administrator do FIRST to resolve this issue?

Accepted Answer

Replace the DIMM in slot B2 with an identical spare.. Correctable ECC errors indicate a failing or marginal memory module. The first step is to replace the DIMM showing errors. Option A is wrong because reseating does not guarantee the errors will stop, and the DIMM is likely faulty. Option C is wrong because while increasing voltage might help with stability, it is not recommended as a first fix and could void warranty. Option D is wrong because disabling ECC removes error correction but does not fix the underlying hardware fault.

Answer

Disable ECC in the firmware to prevent the module from reporting errors.

Answer

Reseat the DIMM in slot B2 and run a memory diagnostic test.

Answer

Increase the DRAM voltage slightly in the BIOS/UEFI to improve stability.

Question 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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