SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management — Timed 10 Questions

Question 1

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. In a RAID 5 array, all disks must operate at the same rotational speed (RPM) to maintain synchronized performance and proper rebuild operations. If a replacement disk has a different rotational speed, the RAID controller may refuse to fully integrate it into the array, leaving the logical drive in a degraded state even after the rebuild process appears to complete. This is because the controller expects uniform timing and performance characteristics across all member disks to ensure data integrity and consistent I/O operations.

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The RAID controller firmware is outdated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 2

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 3

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 maximize performance and capacity, you should populate all memory channels equally and use identical modules. Adding two 8 GB DDR4-2666 modules to DIMM_B1 and DIMM_B2 will fill both channels (A and B) with two modules each, enabling dual-channel operation and increasing total capacity to 32 GB. Using the same speed (2666) ensures compatibility and optimal performance.

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 4

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.. The file server is a 2U server with two Xeon processors and six drives, generating significant heat, and it is the only server in Rack B experiencing shutdowns. The ambient temperature at the rack is a normal 20°C, and the perforated tiles are clear at the surface, but cable blockage below the raised floor can restrict the cold air plenum, starving that specific tile of airflow. This localized airflow deficiency under the file server is the most likely cause of its CPU overheating while other servers remain fine.

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 5

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 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. Dual power supplies only provide redundancy if the server's power management is configured for redundant (1+1) mode rather than combined/load-sharing mode. In combined mode, both PSUs share the load, and if one fails the remaining PSU may not be able to carry the full load instantaneously, causing a shutdown. The most likely cause given that both PSUs were rated for total load and functioning is that redundant mode was not enabled in the server management settings (iDRAC, iLO, or equivalent).

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

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 8

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

Accepted Answer

Degraded. The RAID array is in a Degraded state, which occurs when one or more drives in a redundant array have failed but the array is still operational and serving data. The exhibit output shows a failed member drive while the logical volume remains accessible, which is the textbook definition of Degraded.

Answer

Rebuilding

Answer

Healthy

Answer

Failed

Question 9

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 10

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. In an LACP team, the aggregate throughput is limited by the load-balancing algorithm. If the algorithm is based on a single flow (e.g., source/destination IP or MAC), all traffic from a single file transfer may use only one link, resulting in throughput of about 1 Gbps, not 2 Gbps. However, the observed 2 Gbps suggests that two links are being used, but not all four. The administrator should first verify the load-balancing algorithm to ensure it distributes traffic across all available links.

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