SK0-005 server-hardware-installation-management Practice Question
You are a server administrator at a mid-sized company that hosts its own on-premises Exchange server and file server. The infrastructure consists of three racks: Rack A contains the core switches and firewalls, Rack B contains the Exchange server (Dell PowerEdge R740) and the file server (HP ProLiant DL380 Gen10), and Rack C contains backup devices and a tape library. The data center cooling is provided by a raised-floor system with perforated tiles. Recently, the file server has been experiencing random shutdowns during peak usage hours (10 AM to 2 PM). The shutdowns are preceded by system event log warnings indicating that the CPU temperature has exceeded the threshold. The ambient temperature around the rack is 20°C (68°F) as measured by a handheld thermometer. Other servers in Rack B do not exhibit this behavior. The file server is a 2U server with two Xeon processors, 128 GB RAM, and six hot-swap SATA drives. It runs Windows Server 2019. The server has been in service for three years with no prior issues. The data center manager has noted that the perforated tiles are clear of obstructions. You have verified that the fans in the file server are spinning and the internal air filters are clean. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of the overheating issue?
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 perforated tile under the file server has insufficient airflow due to cable blockage below the raised floor.
Option B is correct because the file server's shutdowns occur during peak hours when cooling load is highest. If the server is located in a spot with inadequate underfloor airflow (e.g., a tile blocked by cables or a misaligned tile), it will not receive enough cool air, leading to CPU overheating despite the ambient reading. Option A is incorrect because the fans are verified to be spinning and filters clean. Option C is unlikely because the ambient is normal and other servers are fine. Option D is possible but not as specific to peak hours; a failing PSU usually causes power loss, not CPU thermal events.
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 ambient temperature sensor in the data center is reporting incorrectly and the actual temperature is higher.
Why it's wrong here
Handheld thermometer confirms 20°C; other servers in same rack are fine, so ambient is normal.
- ✗
The internal fans are not operating at full speed due to a failed fan controller.
Why it's wrong here
Fans are verified spinning, and a fan controller failure would likely cause constant overheating or sensor errors, not just peak hours.
- ✗
The file server's power supply is failing and causing voltage drops that affect fan performance.
Why it's wrong here
A failing PSU typically causes power-related errors or system instability, not specific CPU thermal events; fans are verified operational.
- ✓
The perforated tile under the file server has insufficient airflow due to cable blockage below the raised floor.
Why this is correct
Blocked underfloor airflow is a common cause of localized hot spots during high demand, especially if cooling is from raised floor.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Operating System Installation and Configuration
Key term
RX
RX (Receive / Receiver) is the signal path or hardware component that accepts incoming data from a network medium.
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
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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.