Quick Answer
The correct tools are iostat, iotop, and blktrace. These three utilities provide detailed block I/O statistics at the device level by measuring different aspects of disk performance: iostat reports aggregate device-level CPU and I/O throughput and latency, iotop breaks down I/O usage by individual processes, and blktrace offers a deep, event-level trace of every block I/O request as it moves through the kernel’s storage stack. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between monitoring tools and data-copy or filesystem utilities; a common trap is confusing dd or fstrim with I/O analysis tools. Remember that iostat and iotop give you the “what” and “who” of disk activity, while blktrace reveals the “how” and “when” of each block operation. To recall the trio, think “stat, top, trace” — each builds on the last for a complete picture of block I/O.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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 storage administrator is troubleshooting high disk I/O latency. Which THREE tools can provide detailed block I/O statistics at the device level? (Choose three.)
dd
Why wrong: Used for low-level copying, not for monitoring I/O statistics.
iostat
Reports I/O statistics per device and partition.
iotop
Shows I/O usage per process in real time.
fstrim
Why wrong: Used for trimming SSD free space, not for I/O statistics.
blktrace
Traces block layer I/O events for detailed analysis.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
iostat
Options A, B, and C are correct. iostat provides device-level CPU and I/O statistics; iotop displays I/O usage by processes; blktrace traces block I/O events. dd is for copying data; fstrim is for SSD trim operations.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
dd
Why it's wrong here
Used for low-level copying, not for monitoring I/O statistics.
iostat
Why this is correct
Reports I/O statistics per device and partition.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
iotop
Why this is correct
Shows I/O usage per process in real time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
fstrim
Why it's wrong here
Used for trimming SSD free space, not for I/O statistics.
blktrace
Why this is correct
Traces block layer I/O events for detailed analysis.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 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.
What to study next
Identify which XK0-005 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.
System Management — study guide chapter
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: iostat — Options A, B, and C are correct. iostat provides device-level CPU and I/O statistics; iotop displays I/O usage by processes; blktrace traces block I/O events. dd is for copying data; fstrim is for SSD trim operations.
Identify which XK0-005 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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