SK0-005 troubleshooting Practice Question
A server fails to boot after installing new memory. The POST beep code indicates a memory error. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
The new memory is incompatible with the server
The POST memory error most commonly indicates an incompatible or improperly seated memory module. Incompatible memory (e.g., wrong type, speed, or rank) is a frequent issue when adding memory to servers. Option B is less common because most servers auto-detect slots. Option C is not required for basic memory compatibility. Option D would cause system instability, not a specific memory error.
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 new memory is incompatible with the server
Why this is correct
Incompatibility (wrong type, speed, or rank) is a frequent cause of POST memory errors. The server's memory controller may fail to initialize the module.
- ✗
The memory module is not seated properly
Why it's wrong here
While improper seating can cause errors, the beep code for a memory error often points to incompatibility first; seating issues usually cause no beep or a different code.
- ✗
The BIOS is not updated to support the new memory
Why it's wrong here
BIOS updates are rarely required for standard memory; this is a less common cause of POST memory errors.
- ✗
The memory is installed in the wrong slot
Why it's wrong here
Most server motherboards support single-module configurations, so slot order rarely prevents boot. The beep code would be different if it were slot-related.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Operating System Installation and Configuration
Key term
POST
Power-On Self-Test (POST) is a diagnostic process that a computer runs when it first powers on to check that essential hardware components are working correctly before loading the operating system.
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed July 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.