The answer is that the RAID controller will disable write caching to protect data integrity. This occurs because hardware RAID controllers rely on a cache battery to preserve data held in the volatile write cache during an unexpected power loss; when the battery charge drops too low, the controller can no longer guarantee that cached writes will survive a power failure, so it automatically disables write caching as a safety measure. The resulting write performance drop is a direct consequence of this protective mechanism, as every write must now go directly to the slower disk drives instead of being buffered in the fast cache. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RAID controller cache behavior and the critical role of the battery backup unit—a common trap is assuming the controller simply slows down or errors out, rather than recognizing it deliberately disables write caching. Remember the mnemonic: “Low battery, no safety net—write cache gets shut.”
220-1201 Storage and RAID Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of storage and raid troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A technician is troubleshooting a server that uses a hardware RAID controller with a 1 GB cache. The server experiences periodic write performance drops, and the event log shows 'Cache battery low' warnings. What is the most likely impact of this condition?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The controller will disable write caching to protect data integrity.
RAID controllers use cache batteries to protect data in write cache during power loss. When the battery is low, the controller may disable write caching to prevent data loss, causing write performance to drop. This tests knowledge of RAID controller cache behavior.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The controller will switch to read-only mode.
Why it's wrong here
The controller does not become read-only; it disables write caching but still allows writes directly to disk.
✓
The controller will disable write caching to protect data integrity.
Why this is correct
Correct. To prevent data loss if power fails, the controller disables write caching, slowing write performance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The controller will increase the stripe size to compensate.
Why it's wrong here
Stripe size is fixed and not dynamically adjusted based on battery status.
✗
The controller will automatically rebuild the array.
Why it's wrong here
Rebuilding is a manual or automatic process triggered by drive failure, not battery status.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Storage and RAID Troubleshooting — This question tests Storage and RAID Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The controller will disable write caching to protect data integrity. — RAID controllers use cache batteries to protect data in write cache during power loss. When the battery is low, the controller may disable write caching to prevent data loss, causing write performance to drop. This tests knowledge of RAID controller cache behavior.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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