SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Test 4 — 15 Questions

Question 1

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. In a hot-swap RAID 5 array, the controller detects the new drive but may not begin rebuilding automatically depending on its configuration — some controllers require an explicit rebuild command. The technician's first action should be to open the RAID controller utility (e.g., MegaRAID Storage Manager, Dell OpenManage, or HPE Smart Storage Administrator) and manually initiate the rebuild. This is the least invasive step and directly addresses the missing rebuild.

Answer

Check the SAS cable connection

Answer

Reboot the server

Answer

Replace the drive with a different model

Question 2

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. Before replacing a drive, the administrator should check the RAID controller logs to determine whether the drive is actually faulty or if the issue is a connection problem (loose cable, backplane, or power surge damage). Reseating the drive or replacing cables is non-destructive and may resolve the issue without unnecessary drive replacement. Replacing a drive that is not actually faulty can trigger an unnecessary rebuild and risk array degradation.

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 3

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 4

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 5

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.. A continuous beep code indicating a memory error immediately after installing additional RAM most commonly means the new module is not fully seated in its slot. If the DIMM is not clicked into place, the server cannot detect it properly and halts POST with a memory error beep code. Reseating the module typically resolves the 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 6

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.. Before lifting any server into a rack, the technician must verify the rack's weight capacity can support the server's weight, especially for a heavy 4U unit. Exceeding the rack's load rating can cause the rack to tip, collapse, or fail, creating a serious safety hazard for personnel and equipment. This is the primary safety check that must be performed before any physical lifting begins.

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 7

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 CPU temperatures at idle despite clean fans and operational cooling indicate a degraded thermal interface between the CPU and heatsink. Reapplying thermal paste restores heat transfer efficiency, which should bring temperatures down. This is the next logical step after ruling out dust and fan failures.

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 8

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).. Option B is correct because out-of-band management requires a dedicated management interface such as an iDRAC or iLO dedicated port, which remains accessible independently of the host operating system and provides remote KVM, power control, and console redirection. Option C is correct because the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) is the hardware component that implements out-of-band management, and it must have proper firmware to support remote access features such as IPMI, Redfish, or vendor-specific web interfaces. Option E is correct because remote administrators need a web browser or SSH client to reach the management console, since BMCs typically expose a web GUI over HTTPS and may also support SSH or serial-over-LAN access. Option A is not essential because the management interface can be configured with a static IP address, so a DHCP server is not required for successful out-of-band access. Option D is not essential because out-of-band management is designed to work independently of the installed operating system, allowing access even when the OS is down or not yet installed.

Answer

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

Answer

An installed operating system on the server.

Question 9

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 error shown in the exhibit is a 'CPU Fan Error' or 'CPU Fan Speed Error' that occurs during POST. This specific error is triggered when the motherboard does not detect a tachometer (RPM) signal on the CPU_FAN header. The most common cause is that the CPU fan is not connected to the CPU_FAN header, either because it is plugged into a different header (e.g., SYS_FAN) or not plugged in at all. Since the fan is not connected to the correct header, the motherboard cannot read its speed and halts the boot to prevent overheating.

Answer

The CPU heatsink is not properly installed.

Answer

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

Answer

The CPU has failed.

Question 10

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. After replacing a PSU, the most common cause of a no-power condition (no LEDs, no fans) is that the new PSU is not fully seated in its slot or that the ATX/EPS power cables (24-pin main, 8-pin CPU, and any PCIe) are not fully connected. Verifying physical connections is a zero-cost, non-destructive first step that resolves the majority of post-replacement failures before assuming a defective part. Only after confirming proper seating and cabling should the technician move on to more invasive diagnostics.

Answer

Replace the PSU with another new unit

Answer

Replace the motherboard

Answer

Verify the incoming power is within acceptable voltage range

Question 11

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. The memory diagnostics already identified a single faulty DIMM, so the most direct and effective next step is to replace that specific module with a known good, matching one. This resolves the immediate hardware failure without unnecessary cost or downtime. Matching ensures compatibility and avoids introducing new issues.

Answer

Update the BIOS firmware

Answer

Replace all four DIMMs to prevent future issues

Answer

Reseat all DIMMs and re-run diagnostics

Question 12

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. In a RAID 5 array with a hot spare, when a drive fails, the controller automatically activates the hot spare and begins rebuilding the array using parity data from the remaining drives. This restores redundancy without manual intervention, keeping the array operational and protected.

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 13

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. Quad-channel memory requires the DIMMs to be installed in specific slots that are mapped to different memory channels. If the modules are placed in slots belonging to the same channel (e.g., all in channel A), the system will operate in single-channel mode. The correct slot population order is typically printed on the motherboard or in the server manual, often using color-coded slots to indicate channel grouping. Therefore, incorrect slot placement is the most likely cause of the single-channel operation.

Answer

One of the DIMMs is faulty

Answer

The DIMMs do not support ECC

Answer

The DIMMs are not registered (RDIMM)

Question 14

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 15

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