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CCNA Server Hardware Installation Management Questions

18 of 93 questions · Page 2/2 · Server Hardware Installation Management topic · Answers revealed

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76
Multi-Selectmedium

A technician is preparing to install a new server into a rack. The server will host a critical application and requires high availability. The technician needs to ensure that the server's power configuration supports redundancy. Which of the following should the technician do? (Choose two.)

Select 2 answers
A.Connect one power supply to a UPS and the other directly to a wall outlet.
B.Connect each power supply to a different UPS.
C.Connect each power supply to a different PDU.
D.Connect both power supplies to the same UPS but different outlets.
E.Connect both power supplies to the same PDU but different circuits.
AnswersB, C

Connecting each power supply to a different Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) provides redundancy against UPS failure and allows for maintenance on one UPS without shutting down the server. This ensures continuous power even if one UPS fails or needs to be taken offline. It is a recommended practice for critical servers requiring high availability.

Why this answer

To ensure power redundancy for a high-availability server, each power supply should be connected to a different PDU and a different UPS. This eliminates single points of failure in the power distribution path. Connecting both PSUs to the same PDU or UPS, even on different circuits or outlets, still leaves a single point of failure that could bring down the server.

Exam trap

The trap here is believing that using different circuits on the same PDU or different outlets on the same UPS provides redundancy, when the PDU or UPS itself remains a single point of failure.

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77
MCQmedium

A server administrator is replacing a failed hard drive in a RAID 1 array on a production server. The server supports hot-swap drives. The administrator removes the failed drive and inserts a new drive of the same model and capacity. Which of the following should the administrator do NEXT to ensure the array is rebuilt correctly?

A.Verify that the RAID controller automatically starts the rebuild process.
B.Manually initialize the new drive using the operating system's disk management.
C.Reboot the server to force the RAID controller to recognize the new drive.
D.Assign the new drive as a global hot spare to trigger the rebuild.
AnswerA

In most hardware RAID controllers, when a failed drive in a RAID 1 array is replaced with a new drive, the controller automatically begins rebuilding the array onto the new drive. The administrator should verify this through the RAID management interface. If the rebuild does not start automatically, it may need to be initiated manually. This is the correct next step to ensure data redundancy is restored.

Why this answer

After replacing a failed drive in a RAID 1 array with a hot-swap drive, the RAID controller typically starts rebuilding the array automatically. The administrator should verify the rebuild status via the RAID management utility. If it does not start, manual intervention may be required.

Rebooting or initializing the drive via the OS is unnecessary and can cause issues.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming that the operating system needs to initialize the new drive, but in hardware RAID, the controller handles the rebuild independently of the OS.

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78
MCQmedium

A technician is installing a used 2U rack server that was pulled from another rack. The server's rail kit is rated for a maximum load of 35 kg, and the chassis weighs 32 kg with no drives installed. Before sliding the chassis onto the rails, which of the following should the technician do FIRST?

A.Mount the chassis on the rails alone first, then add the drives afterward to keep the initial lift weight low.
B.Remove the server's top cover to reduce weight and improve grip while sliding the chassis onto the rails.
C.Install all drives and PCIe cards into the chassis to reach final operating weight before mounting.
D.Verify the rail kit's load rating against the fully populated chassis weight, and use a mechanical lift or a second technician if needed.
AnswerD

Rail kits have a maximum load rating, and a 32 kg empty chassis plus drives and cards approaches or exceeds a 35 kg kit. Before mounting, the technician must confirm the total populated weight is within the rail rating and use lifting equipment or assistance to avoid injury or equipment damage.

Why this answer

Rail kits are rated for a maximum supported weight, and the chassis must be evaluated at its fully populated weight, not just its shipping weight. When the empty chassis already approaches the rail rating, adding drives and adapters can exceed it, so the technician should confirm the rating and arrange a lift or helper before mounting.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming the rail kit only needs to support the chassis as shipped, rather than the fully populated production weight.

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79
MCQmedium

A data center technician must install a new 1U server into a rack that already contains several servers drawing significant power. The rack's power distribution unit reports that the current load is near its rated capacity. Which of the following should the technician do first to avoid overloading the circuit?

A.Move one existing server's power supply to a different PDU without checking its load
B.Calculate the new server's power draw and verify the PDU has sufficient headroom before connecting
C.Connect the new server's power supplies to the nearest available outlets on the existing PDU
D.Install the server and immediately enable power capping to reduce its draw
AnswerB

Determining the server's expected wattage and comparing it against the PDU's remaining capacity confirms whether the circuit can safely accept the additional load. This step prevents an overload that could trip the breaker and take down all servers on the PDU, and it may reveal the need for a second circuit or PDU.

Why this answer

Before adding any load, the technician must quantify the new server's power requirement and confirm the PDU and its upstream circuit have enough spare capacity. Only after that calculation can the connection be made safely, possibly requiring a second circuit or PDU if headroom is insufficient.

Exam trap

The trap here is focusing on whether physical outlets are free, when the real constraint is the electrical capacity of the circuit feeding the PDU.

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80
MCQeasy

A technician is preparing to install a new rack-mount server that will host a database requiring high random read performance. The server's chassis supports up to eight 2.5-inch drive bays, and the technician must choose a drive technology that provides the lowest latency and highest IOPS. Which of the following drive types should the technician select?

A.SATA 7200 RPM mechanical hard disk drives
B.SAS 15,000 RPM mechanical hard disk drives
C.NVMe solid-state drives
D.SATA solid-state drives
AnswerC

NVMe SSDs communicate directly over the PCIe bus instead of a legacy storage controller, removing the SAS/SATA protocol overhead and command-queue depth limitations. This yields microsecond-level latency and hundreds of thousands of random IOPS, making NVMe the correct choice for a database needing the highest random read performance.

Why this answer

NVMe drives attach directly to PCIe lanes, bypassing the SATA and SAS controller layers and supporting deep parallel command queues. That architecture delivers the lowest latency and highest random IOPS of the listed media, which directly matches the database's high random read requirement, while mechanical and SATA-based options are limited by either moving parts or interface overhead.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming any solid-state drive automatically delivers top-tier random performance, when SATA SSDs are still bottlenecked by the interface and AHCI queue depth.

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81
MCQeasy

A technician is tasked with installing a new internal SSD into a server. The server will be used for a database that requires high write endurance. Which of the following SSD types should the technician choose?

A.TLC (Triple-Level Cell) SSD
B.SLC (Single-Level Cell) SSD
C.MLC (Multi-Level Cell) SSD
D.QLC (Quad-Level Cell) SSD
AnswerB

SLC SSDs store one bit per cell, offering the highest write endurance and performance among NAND flash types. They are more expensive but are ideal for write-intensive workloads like databases. The higher endurance means they can withstand more write cycles before failure. This makes SLC the best choice for a database requiring high write endurance.

Why this answer

SLC SSDs have the highest write endurance because each cell stores only one bit, reducing the complexity of write operations and allowing more program/erase cycles. For a database with heavy write requirements, SLC provides the durability needed. Other types like MLC, TLC, and QLC offer higher density but lower endurance, making them less suitable for this scenario.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming that higher density (more bits per cell) means better performance, when actually it reduces endurance.

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82
MCQhard

Refer to the exhibit. A server administrator runs a dmidecode command to check memory configuration and obtains the output shown. The system supports DDR4-2666, but all DIMMs are running at 1866 MT/s. Which action will allow the memory to run at the maximum supported speed?

A.Enable XMP profile in the BIOS to force all DIMMs to 2666 MT/s.
B.Replace the DIMM in slot A1 with a DDR4-2666 registered module.
C.Clear the CMOS to reset the memory training data.
D.Move the DIMM from A1 to A2 and the DIMM from A2 to A1.
AnswerB

All memory runs at the speed of the slowest module. Replacing the 2133 MT/s DIMM removes the bottleneck.

Why this answer

Correct: The slower 2133 MT/s DIMM in slot A1 limits all modules to its speed. Replacing it with a 2666 MT/s module allows the system to run at the highest common denominator. Option A is wrong because reordering slots won't change the speed limitation.

Option C is wrong because XMP is for overclocking desktop memory, not typical on registered server DIMMs. Option D is wrong because clearing CMOS only resets BIOS settings, not memory speed mismatch.

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83
MCQhard

A technician is installing a new SSD into a server that supports NVMe drives. The server has an M.2 slot that supports PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA. The technician installs an M.2 NVMe SSD into the slot, but the server does not detect the drive. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

A.The SSD is not compatible with the server because it is not a 2.5-inch drive.
B.The server's power supply is insufficient to power the NVMe SSD.
C.The SSD requires a U.2 connection instead of M.2.
D.The M.2 slot is configured for SATA mode in the BIOS/UEFI.
AnswerD

Many M.2 slots can operate in either SATA or PCIe (NVMe) mode, and the mode is often set in the BIOS/UEFI. If the slot is configured for SATA, an NVMe drive will not be detected because it requires PCIe lanes. The technician should check the BIOS/UEFI settings and change the M.2 slot mode to PCIe/NVMe. This is a common oversight when installing NVMe drives in shared slots.

Why this answer

The most likely cause is that the M.2 slot is set to SATA mode in the BIOS/UEFI. Many server motherboards allow M.2 slots to be configured for either SATA or PCIe/NVMe operation. If set to SATA, an NVMe drive will not be recognized.

The technician should enter the BIOS/UEFI and change the M.2 slot mode to PCIe/NVMe.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming that an M.2 slot automatically supports NVMe, when in fact many slots must be explicitly configured for PCIe mode in the BIOS/UEFI.

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84
MCQhard

A technician is troubleshooting a server that intermittently reboots under heavy load. The server has dual power supplies connected to separate PDUs. The technician notices that one PDU is on a branch circuit that also powers a large air compressor. Which of the following is the most likely cause of the reboots?

A.Electrical noise or voltage sags from the air compressor are causing power quality issues.
B.The server's power supplies are configured for 220V but the PDU is providing 110V.
C.The power supplies are not rated for the server's power draw.
D.The server's power supplies are not redundant because they are connected to the same PDU.
AnswerA

Large motors like air compressors draw significant current on startup, causing voltage sags and electrical noise on the branch circuit. This can cause a server's power supplies to momentarily drop out, leading to reboots. Even with dual power supplies, if one is on the affected circuit, the server may still experience issues if the other supply cannot handle the full load alone or if the sag affects both. This is a common power quality problem.

Why this answer

The intermittent reboots are most likely caused by electrical noise or voltage sags from the air compressor sharing the branch circuit. Large motors cause voltage drops when they start, which can disrupt server power supplies. Even with dual power supplies on separate PDUs, if one circuit is compromised, the server may still experience issues if the other supply cannot fully compensate or if the sag is severe.

This is a classic power quality problem.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming that dual power supplies on separate PDUs guarantee clean power, ignoring the impact of other equipment on the same circuit.

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85
MCQmedium

A technician is installing a new 1U server into a rack that has been in production for three years. The server arrives with a rail kit that requires the rails to be attached to the server chassis before mounting. After attaching both rails, the technician notices the server does not slide smoothly and the front of the server is not flush with the other servers in the rack. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A.The rails were installed on the wrong sides of the chassis, reversing the front-to-back orientation.
B.The rack posts are not square, so the rail kit cannot be mounted at the correct depth.
C.The rail kit is designed for a different rack depth and must be extended before the server is inserted.
D.The server chassis is too heavy for the rail kit and is bending the rails under load.
AnswerA

Rail kits are side-specific and front-to-back oriented; installing the left rail on the right side (or vice versa) causes binding and prevents the chassis from sitting flush. The mounting flanges and locking tabs will not align with the rack posts correctly, producing exactly the rough sliding and misalignment described.

Why this answer

Rail kits are handed and oriented front-to-back; when a rail is mounted on the wrong side of the chassis, the locking tabs and mounting flanges face the wrong direction. The server can still be forced into the rack, but it binds and sits proud of the other equipment. Reversing the rails to their correct sides resolves both the sliding friction and the front-panel alignment.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming any rail that physically attaches is installed correctly, when side-specific orientation is what actually determines smooth travel and flush mounting.

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86
PBQhard

A company is expanding its data center to support a new four-node database cluster for a critical application requiring 99.999% uptime, meaning only minutes of downtime per year. Each server node has dual 1000W power supplies. The facility provides two independent power feeds from separate utility substations, each backed by its own online double-conversion UPS. There are four 20A/208V PDUs available, two per power feed. The design must ensure that the loss of any single power feed, any single UPS, or any single PDU does not cause any server to lose power or impact the cluster's availability. The servers are located in a single rack, and cabling must follow best practices for manageability and airflow. The IT architect is evaluating different power distribution strategies to meet these fault-tolerance requirements. Which of the following configurations achieves full redundancy with no single point of failure in the power path?

A.Connect each server's power supplies to two PDUs that are both on the same power feed, and use the second feed only as a cold standby in case of a primary feed failure.
B.Connect the first power supply of each server to a PDU on power feed A and the second power supply to a PDU on power feed B.
C.Connect each server's power supplies to the same PDU, but distribute servers across the four PDUs for load balancing.
D.Use a single large PDU with dual inputs from both feeds and an automatic transfer switch, connecting all servers to that PDU.
AnswerB

Why this answer

Option D is correct because connecting each server's power supplies to two different PDUs that are on separate power feeds guarantees that if one feed, UPS, or PDU fails, the server continues to receive power from the remaining source. Option A does not protect against PDU failure. Option B exposes servers to a power feed failure.

Option C introduces a single PDU as a single point of failure.

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87
MCQhard

An administrator is preparing a new rack-mount server that will host a database with heavy random-read workloads. The server has four NVMe U.2 bays and two SATA bays. The administrator wants the highest possible random-read IOPS with the least latency, and the data must remain available if any single drive fails. Which of the following storage configurations should the administrator implement?

A.Four NVMe drives in a RAID 0 stripe to maximize throughput and IOPS for the database.
B.Two SATA SSDs in a RAID 1 mirror for the database, with the NVMe bays left empty for future expansion.
C.Two NVMe drives in a RAID 1 mirror for the database, leaving the remaining NVMe and SATA bays available.
D.Three NVMe drives in a RAID 5 array with one NVMe drive left as an unassigned spare.
AnswerC

A RAID 1 mirror of NVMe drives provides the lowest read latency and highest random-read IOPS because reads can be serviced from either drive, and the mirror tolerates the loss of one drive. This satisfies both the performance and the single-failure availability requirements with the available hardware.

Why this answer

NVMe drives attached through PCIe deliver much higher random-read IOPS and lower latency than SATA SSDs, and a RAID 1 mirror lets reads be served from both members while surviving one drive failure. Using two NVMe drives in a mirror meets both the performance and redundancy goals without incurring parity overhead.

Exam trap

The trap here is chasing maximum raw speed with a stripe while forgetting that the workload also requires surviving a single drive failure.

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88
PBQmedium

A server administrator is assembling a new high-performance server using a Supermicro X12 motherboard, two Intel Xeon Gold 5317 processors (LGA 4189 socket), and 16x 32GB DDR4-3200 ECC LRDIMMs for a total of 512GB of memory. The chassis has redundant 1600W power supplies. After assembling all components, the administrator powers on the server. All fans start spinning at full speed, and the front panel LEDs illuminate. However, the server does not POST, there are no beep codes, and no video output is displayed. The motherboard has a two-digit hexadecimal POST code LED display, which shows '00' and does not change. The motherboard manual states that code '00' indicates the CPU is not detected or has failed. The processors are confirmed to be the correct socket type and stepping as required by the motherboard. What should the technician do FIRST?

A.Reseat both processors and inspect the CPU sockets for bent pins
B.Replace both processors as they are likely faulty
C.Clear the CMOS using the jumper or button on the motherboard
D.Update the BIOS to the latest version using the IPMI interface
AnswerA

Why this answer

Option B is correct. The POST code '00' typically indicates a CPU initialization failure. The first and least invasive step is to reseat the processors, checking for bent socket pins, debris, or improper mounting.

This resolves a majority of such issues. Option A (replace both CPUs) is extreme and should only be done after ruling out physical installation issues. Option C (clear CMOS) may help if the BIOS was misconfigured for a previous CPU, but physical reseating is more direct.

Option D (update BIOS) is not possible if the system cannot POST to enter the update utility; furthermore, if the CPUs are supported by the current BIOS version, updating is unnecessary.

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89
MCQeasy

A server administrator is tasked with replacing a failed power supply in a redundant power configuration. The server has two hot-swappable power supplies. Which of the following should the administrator do FIRST to safely replace the failed unit?

A.Verify that the remaining power supply is functioning and the server is not drawing power from the failed unit.
B.Remove the failed power supply immediately to prevent electrical damage.
C.Power down the server and disconnect all power cords.
D.Update the firmware on the remaining power supply before replacement.
AnswerA

Before replacing a hot-swappable power supply, you must confirm that the redundant supply is online and providing adequate power. This ensures that removing the failed unit will not cause an unexpected shutdown. Checking the status LEDs or management interface is a quick way to verify redundancy. This step is critical for safety and uptime.

Why this answer

In a redundant power supply configuration, each supply can independently power the server. Before hot-swapping a failed unit, you must confirm that the other supply is healthy and carrying the load. This is typically indicated by a green LED or a management console status.

Once verified, the failed supply can be removed and replaced without downtime.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming that any failed power supply can be removed immediately without checking the status of the redundant unit.

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90
MCQmedium

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?

A.Install additional exhaust fans at the rear of the rack to pull hot air out.
B.Increase the fan speed of the new server to compensate for recirculated air.
C.Leave the gaps to allow passive air movement and reduce pressure.
D.Install blanking panels in all unused rack spaces.
AnswerD

Unused rack units and gaps let exhaust air recirculate to intakes, raising inlet temperatures and undermining front-to-back cooling. Blanking panels seal those openings, restoring the pressure differential the servers' airflow design depends on before any other remediation.

Why this answer

Blanking panels are the correct first action because unused rack units create a path for hot exhaust air to recirculate to the cold aisle, raising intake temperatures and causing thermal issues. Filling every empty U with blanking panels restores the front-to-back pressure differential that front-to-back airflow servers depend on. This is a low-cost, non-invasive fix that directly addresses the root cause before considering fan or cooling changes.

Exam trap

The trap here is that candidates focus on active cooling interventions (fans, fan speed) when the scenario's root cause is passive airflow leakage, so they skip the simple blanking-panel fix that should be done first.

How to eliminate wrong answers

Option A is wrong because adding rear exhaust fans does not stop hot air from recirculating through open U spaces and can worsen pressure imbalances. Option B is wrong because increasing the new server's fan speed treats a symptom, not the cause, and can pull more hot air into the chassis. Option C is wrong because leaving gaps allows hot exhaust to loop back into cold intakes, which is precisely the thermal problem the technician must prevent.

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91
MCQeasy

A technician is installing a new server in a data center. To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage, which of the following should the technician do FIRST?

A.Place an anti-static mat on the floor
B.Spray anti-static solution on the server rack
C.Wear rubber-soled shoes
D.Attach an ESD wrist strap to a grounded surface
AnswerD

Attaching an ESD wrist strap to a grounded surface equalises the technician's body potential with the equipment before any contact, preventing static discharge into sensitive components. This satisfies the stem's "FIRST" constraint because grounding must precede handling or installation; antistatic mats or bags alone cannot drain charge from the technician's body.

Why this answer

Attaching an ESD wrist strap to a grounded surface is the first step to safely discharge static electricity from the technician's body before handling server components. This prevents ESD damage to sensitive electronics.

Exam trap

SK0-005 often tests the order of ESD prevention steps — candidates may choose an anti-static mat or rubber-soled shoes, but the first and most critical action is grounding the technician with a wrist strap.

How to eliminate wrong answers

Option A is wrong because placing an anti-static mat on the floor is helpful but does not ground the technician — the mat must be connected to a ground and the technician must still wear a wrist strap or heel strap. Option B is wrong because spraying anti-static solution on the server rack is not a standard ESD prevention practice and could damage equipment. Option C is wrong because rubber-soled shoes insulate the technician from ground, which can actually increase static buildup rather than dissipate it.

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92
MCQhard

A technician is installing a new PCIe expansion card into a rack-mounted server. The server's chassis has a riser card to accommodate low-profile cards. After installing the card and powering on, the server POSTs but the operating system does not detect the card. The card is known to work in another server. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?

A.Whether the server's BIOS has the PCIe slot enabled and configured for the correct generation.
B.Whether the expansion card requires an external power connector that is not connected.
C.Whether the operating system has the correct driver installed for the expansion card.
D.Whether the riser card is properly seated in its slot and the expansion card is fully inserted into the riser.
AnswerD

Riser cards can become loose during installation or may not be fully seated in the motherboard slot. Similarly, the expansion card might not be fully inserted into the riser. These are common physical connection issues that prevent detection. Checking seating is a quick, non-destructive first step before moving to more complex diagnostics. This is the most likely cause given the card works elsewhere.

Why this answer

The most common cause of a newly installed expansion card not being detected is improper physical seating. Riser cards add an extra connection point that can easily become loose. Ensuring both the riser and the card are fully seated is a quick and logical first step.

Other causes like BIOS settings or drivers are less likely given the card's known functionality.

Exam trap

The trap here is overlooking the riser card as a potential point of failure and jumping to BIOS or driver troubleshooting.

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93
MCQeasy

A technician is installing a new rack-mounted server and needs to connect it to the network. The server has two onboard Ethernet ports labeled NIC1 and NIC2. The network team requires redundant connectivity to two different switches. Which of the following should the technician implement?

A.Connect NIC1 to switch A and NIC2 to switch B, then assign both NICs the same IP address without teaming.
B.Connect both NIC1 and NIC2 to switch A and configure link aggregation.
C.Connect NIC1 to switch A and leave NIC2 disconnected until a failure occurs.
D.Connect NIC1 to switch A and NIC2 to switch B, then configure NIC teaming or bonding on the server.
AnswerD

Connecting each NIC to a separate switch and configuring teaming or bonding provides link redundancy and can also increase throughput. If one switch or cable fails, the team maintains connectivity. This matches the requirement for redundant connectivity to two different switches and is a standard server network configuration for high availability.

Why this answer

Redundant connectivity to two switches requires each NIC to connect to a different switch and the operating system to present them as a single logical interface through teaming or bonding. This provides failover if a switch, cable, or port fails. Connecting both NICs to one switch or leaving one disconnected does not meet the redundancy requirement.

Exam trap

The trap here is assuming that plugging two cables into two switches automatically provides redundancy, when the server also needs NIC teaming or bonding configured to use both links correctly.

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