SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
Exhibit
--- Storage Array Status ---
Controller: Smart Array P440ar
Array A: 4 drives, RAID 5
Drive 1I:1:1 - Status: OK
Drive 1I:1:2 - Status: OK
Drive 1I:1:3 - Status: Predictive Failure (S.M.A.R.T. threshold exceeded)
Drive 1I:1:4 - Status: OK
Hot Spare: Drive 2I:1:5 - Status: OK
--- End ---Refer to the exhibit. A technician reviewing the server's storage array status sees the above output. The server is using a hot spare with a RAID 5 array. What should the technician do NEXT?
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
✓
Immediately replace the drive in slot 1I:1:3 to prevent data loss
A predictive failure warning means the drive is likely to fail soon. Immediate replacement prevents array degradation and possible data loss. The hot spare is activated only on actual failure; rebuilding the array to include the hot spare is not possible manually for predictive failures. Backing up is prudent but not the most urgent next step.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run a full backup and then replace the drive
Why it's wrong here
While backups are vital, the immediate priority is to replace the failing drive to maintain array redundancy.
- ✗
Rebuild the array to include the hot spare
Why it's wrong here
A hot spare is only automatically integrated upon actual drive failure; you cannot force a rebuild using a hot spare for a drive that is still present but predicting failure.
- ✗
Continue monitoring; the drive is still functional
Why it's wrong here
The predictive failure indicates imminent failure; waiting could lead to data loss or extended downtime.
- ✓
Immediately replace the drive in slot 1I:1:3 to prevent data loss
Why this is correct
Proactive replacement avoids the risk of drive failure and the array operating in a degraded state.
Quick reference
RAID Level Comparison
| RAID Level | Min Disks | Fault Tolerance | Read | Write | Usable Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAID 0 | 2 | None | Excellent | Excellent | 100% |
| RAID 1 | 2 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 50% |
| RAID 5 | 3 | 1 disk | Good | Moderate | 67–94% |
| RAID 6 | 4 | 2 disks | Good | Lower | 50–88% |
| RAID 10 | 4 | 1 disk per mirror | Excellent | Good | 50% |
RAID is not a backup strategy — it protects against disk failure but not against accidental deletion, ransomware, or site-level events.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Troubleshooting Security Issues and Using Diagnostic Tools
Key term
RAID Levels
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) levels are different configurations that combine multiple hard drives or SSDs to improve performance, reliability, or both.
Key term
RAID 5
RAID 5 is a disk array configuration that uses block-level striping with distributed parity to provide fault tolerance and good read performance while using storage space efficiently.
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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
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