hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: A server is experiencing intermittent high load
A server is experiencing intermittent high load. The administrator suspects a memory leak in a service. Which sysfs file should the administrator monitor to track memory usage per cgroup?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between 'limit' and 'usage' files, trapping candidates who confuse the configuration file (memory.limit_in_bytes) with the monitoring file (memory.usage_in_bytes).
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
/sys/fs/cgroup/memory/memory.usage_in_bytes
Memory.usage_in_bytes in the cgroup v1 memory hierarchy shows the current memory consumption of processes within a specific cgroup, making it the direct metric to monitor for a suspected memory leak in a service. Unlike system-wide files, this per-cgroup file reflects only the memory used by the service's control group, allowing precise tracking of growth over time.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/sys/fs/cgroup/memory/memory.limit_in_bytes
Why it's wrong here
Sets the memory limit, not current usage.
- ✗
/proc/meminfo
Why it's wrong here
Shows system-wide memory information, not per cgroup.
- ✓
/sys/fs/cgroup/memory/memory.usage_in_bytes
Why this is correct
Directly shows the current memory usage in bytes for the cgroup.
- ✗
/sys/fs/cgroup/memory/memory.stat
Why it's wrong here
Provides detailed memory statistics, but not a single usage value.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the XK0-006 exam.