Question 180 of 144
SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
A technician is installing a new 2U server into an existing rack. The rack is fully populated with servers that use front-to-back airflow. The new server also uses front-to-back cooling. The technician notices gaps between some servers and several open rack units without equipment. To ensure optimal airflow and prevent potential thermal issues, which of the following actions should the technician take FIRST?
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
✓
Install blanking panels in all unused rack spaces.
Option A is correct because installing blanking panels in unused rack spaces prevents hot air from recirculating to server intakes, maintaining proper cooling airflow. Option B is wrong because increasing fan speed only treats the symptom and wastes energy without solving recirculation. Option C is wrong because leaving gaps disrupts the designed front-to-back airflow, allowing hot air to mix with cold intake air. Option D is wrong because adding exhaust fans may interfere with the existing airflow pattern and does not directly address recirculation caused by gaps.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Install additional exhaust fans at the rear of the rack to pull hot air out.
Why it's wrong here
Adding exhaust fans can disrupt the balanced airflow design of the rack and servers, and it does not prevent recirculation through open rack spaces; blanking panels are a more direct and effective solution.
- ✗
Increase the fan speed of the new server to compensate for recirculated air.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing fan speed does not stop hot air from being drawn into the server intakes; it only pushes more air through the server, potentially wasting energy and creating more noise without fixing the root cause.
- ✗
Leave the gaps to allow passive air movement and reduce pressure.
Why it's wrong here
Open gaps in a rack with front-to-back airflow cause hot exhaust air to loop back to the front intakes, reducing cooling efficiency and potentially leading to overheating.
- ✓
Install blanking panels in all unused rack spaces.
Why this is correct
Blanking panels are an industry best practice for preventing air recirculation in racks, directly addressing the issue of open spaces disrupting the designed airflow path.
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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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