Question 56 of 144
SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
A server administrator receives reports that a production server is shutting down unexpectedly after running for several hours. The server is a 2U rackmount unit located in a data center with proper ambient cooling (20°C/68°F). The server has redundant power supplies connected to separate PDUs and no power anomalies are reported. The administrator checks the operating system event logs and finds a critical log entry: 'The system was shut down due to a thermal event.' However, the CPU temperature logs show that the CPU was at 47°C at the time of shutdown, and the chassis inlet temperature was 23°C. The server's internal fans are running at high speed and are clearly audible. The administrator suspects a thermal issue but is unsure why the CPU is not showing high temperature. The server has a baseboard management controller (BMC) that monitors various sensors. Which of the following components should the administrator investigate FIRST to identify the likely cause of the shutdown?
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
✓
Inspect the voltage regulator module (VRM) temperatures and airflow around the motherboard.
Option B is correct because voltage regulator modules (VRMs) can overheat and trigger a thermal shutdown via the BMC even when the CPU temperature is within normal limits. VRMs are often located in areas with restricted airflow and are critical to CPU power delivery. Option A is incorrect because CPU temperature is normal, so the heatsink is likely functioning. Option C is incorrect because power supply faults would not generate a thermal event. Option D is a possible long-term fix for a firmware bug, but physical inspection of temperature-sensitive components should come first.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Swap the redundant power supplies to rule out a failing PSU.
Why it's wrong here
While a failing PSU can cause shutdowns, it does not generate a thermal event log entry. The event log explicitly points to a thermal cause, making PSU replacement an ineffective initial response.
- ✓
Inspect the voltage regulator module (VRM) temperatures and airflow around the motherboard.
Why this is correct
VRMs are prone to overheating and can trigger system-level thermal shutdown protection. Checking their sensors and ensuring proper airflow over the motherboard is a logical first step in diagnosing a non-CPU thermal event.
- ✗
Replace the CPU heatsink and reapply thermal paste.
Why it's wrong here
The CPU temperature is reported as normal (47°C), indicating that the heatsink is efficiently transferring heat away from the CPU. Replacing it is unnecessary and would not resolve a thermal event caused by another component.
- ✗
Update the server firmware and BIOS to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
A firmware or BIOS bug could potentially cause false thermal shutdowns, but troubleshooting best practice dictates checking hardware sensors and physical conditions before applying updates. This is a later step if no physical cause is found.
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Last reviewed: Jul 26, 2026
This SK0-005 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 SK0-005 exam.
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