SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Test 2 — 15 Questions

Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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

Question 11

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 12

A small business relies on a tower server that acts as a file and print server for 15 employees. The server has a single Intel Xeon E-2300 series processor, four 16GB DDR4 ECC RDIMMs installed in dual-channel configuration, and two 2TB 7200 RPM SATA hard drives in a hardware RAID 1 mirror. The power supply unit (PSU) is a 500W 80+ Bronze unit that is about four years old. Recently, the server has started experiencing random, intermittent crashes resulting in a blue screen, typically during periods of heavy disk I/O, such as when multiple users access large files. Event Viewer logs show occasional corrected memory errors (ECC events) but no uncorrected errors. The administrator runs MemTest86+ on all four DIMMs for multiple passes, and no errors are detected. The server room ambient temperature is normal, and all fans are operating. The crashes are becoming more frequent. Which of the following actions would MOST likely resolve the underlying issue?

Accepted Answer

Upgrade the power supply to a higher wattage, 80+ Gold unit. Option B is correct. Intermittent crashes under heavy load, combined with ECC corrected errors but passing memory tests, can indicate a power supply that is failing or inadequate under peak load. A 500W PSU may be marginal, especially with aging capacitors, causing voltage drops that lead to memory and system instability. Option A: Replacing the motherboard is premature, as no clear evidence points to a faulty memory controller. Option C: Reseating RAM may help if a connection issue, but given MemTest passes and errors are corrected, physical seating is less likely. Option D: Replacing HDDs with SSDs would reduce I/O load but does not address the likely power instability causing memory errors and crashes.

Answer

Reseat all memory modules and clean the DIMM slots

Answer

Replace the hard drives with solid-state drives (SSDs)

Answer

Replace the motherboard, as the memory controller is likely failing

Question 13

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 14

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 15

A small business has purchased a new server to function as a file server for 25 employees. The server is equipped with four 1TB SATA hard disk drives and no hardware RAID controller; the operating system supports software RAID. The business owner's primary requirements are data redundancy to protect against a single drive failure and maximum usable storage capacity, while keeping costs low. The IT technician is tasked with configuring the storage. The technician evaluates the following options: RAID 0 striping across all four drives; RAID 1 mirroring using two pairs (drives 1+2 mirrored, drives 3+4 mirrored), providing two separate volumes; RAID 5 with parity across all four drives; and RAID 10 combining mirroring and striping. The technician needs to recommend the configuration that best meets the requirements. Which of the following should the technician implement?

Accepted Answer

Configure RAID 5 to stripe data and parity across all four drives, providing 3TB of usable storage with single-drive fault tolerance.. Option C is correct because RAID 5 provides single-drive fault tolerance and maximizes usable capacity (3TB out of 4TB), offering the best balance between redundancy and storage space. Option A provides no redundancy. Option B uses mirroring, which wastes half the total capacity (only 2TB usable). Option D also provides only 2TB and adds performance benefits that are not the primary requirement, while costing more in usable space.

Answer

Configure RAID 10 by mirroring two pairs and striping across them, providing 2TB of storage with high performance and redundancy.

Answer

Configure RAID 0 to stripe across all four drives for maximum 4TB storage and performance.

Answer

Configure RAID 1 with two mirrored pairs, providing 2TB of total storage across two volumes, ensuring redundancy.