LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
A database server with high I/O requirements needs a filesystem layout optimized for performance. The server has four identical 500GB SSDs. Which design best balances performance and reliability, considering the need to separate transaction logs from data files?
⚠ Common exam trap
LPI often tests the misconception that RAID 10 is always the best balance of performance and reliability, but in this scenario, the need to physically separate logs from data and maximize throughput for high-I/O workloads makes a dedicated log device with RAID 0 for data the optimal performance choice, despite reduced redundancy.
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
✓
Use one SSD for transaction logs and the other three in RAID 0 for data files.
It isolates transaction logs on a dedicated SSD to eliminate write contention with data files, while the remaining three SSDs in RAID 0 maximize sequential throughput for data. This design prioritizes performance for high-I/O workloads, accepting the reliability trade-off of RAID 0 for data, which is acceptable when logs (critical for recovery) are on a separate, non-striped device.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use all four SSDs in RAID 10.
Why it's wrong here
RAID 10 offers performance and redundancy but reduces capacity by half, and does not separate logs from data.
- ✗
Use two SSDs in RAID 1 for logs and two in RAID 1 for data.
Why it's wrong here
RAID 1 provides redundancy but reduces available capacity; logs may not need redundancy if backed up.
- ✗
Combine all four SSDs into a single RAID 0 volume, then partition for data and logs.
Why it's wrong here
RAID 0 offers no redundancy, and mixing logs and data on same volume can cause contention.
- ✓
Use one SSD for transaction logs and the other three in RAID 0 for data files.
Why this is correct
Separates logs from data for performance; RAID 0 maximizes data throughput, logs benefit from dedicated device.
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-1 exam.