Question 22 of 144
SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
Exhibit
IPMI System Event Log: Date/Time: 01/12/2024 14:35:22 Sensor: CPU1 Temp Type: Temperature Event: Upper Critical - going high Reading: 95.00 C Threshold: 85.00 C Date/Time: 01/12/2024 14:35:40 Sensor: CPU1 Temp Event: Upper Non-Recoverable - going high Reading: 100.00 C
Refer to the exhibit. A server in a well-maintained data center has triggered upper critical and non-recoverable temperature alerts for CPU1. The server's chassis fans are operating at full speed, and the data center ambient temperature is normal. Which of the following is the FIRST action the administrator should take?
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
✓
Open the chassis and verify that the CPU air baffle/duct is in place.
Correct: Missing or improperly installed air baffles/ducts are a common cause of CPU overheating, especially after maintenance. Option A is wrong because if other components are fine, a liquid cooling failure is less likely and more invasive. Option C is wrong because adding extra fans doesn't address the root cause if airflow path is broken. Option D is wrong because a failed CPU almost never causes overheating; a failing CPU usually causes crashes, not thermal runaway.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Open the chassis and verify that the CPU air baffle/duct is in place.
Why this is correct
Air baffles direct airflow over the CPU heatsinks; if missing or displaced during a previous service, the CPU can overheat even with fans at full speed.
- ✗
Check for failure of the liquid cooling system for CPU1.
Why it's wrong here
Most servers use air cooling; liquid cooling is uncommon and would require verification, but it's not the first step without other evidence.
- ✗
Replace CPU1 because the high temperature indicates an internal short.
Why it's wrong here
A CPU that overheats is rarely faulty; almost always it's a cooling issue. Internal shorts would result in immediate failure, not gradual temperature increase.
- ✗
Install additional high-speed fans to increase static pressure.
Why it's wrong here
Adding fans may help but does not fix the underlying airflow path problem; it also may not be possible in a 1U/2U chassis.
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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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