The correct approach is to create separate LVM logical volumes on each disk and mount them at different mount points. This works because LVM abstracts the physical storage, allowing you to isolate frequently accessed “hot data” on the SSD logical volume while placing less critical files on the HDD logical volume, directly controlling which data benefits from the SSD’s speed without mixing performance profiles. On the LPIC-1 exam, this tests your understanding of LVM’s ability to manage heterogeneous storage—a common trap is assuming LVM must always stripe or span disks, which would negate the performance isolation you need. Remember that LVM’s real power for SSD/HDD performance lies in separation, not combination; think of it as “separate volumes, separate speeds.” A handy memory tip: “LVM lets you split, not just mix—hot data on SSD, cold data on HDD.”
LPIC-1 System Architecture Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of system architecture. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A server has two disk drives: /dev/sda (SSD) and /dev/sdb (HDD). The administrator wants to place frequently accessed files on the SSD for performance. Which approach best achieves this using Linux filesystem features?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create separate LVM logical volumes on each disk and mount them at different mount points.
Option A is correct because LVM allows the administrator to create separate logical volumes on each physical disk (/dev/sda and /dev/sdb) and mount them at distinct mount points. By placing frequently accessed files on the SSD logical volume and less critical data on the HDD logical volume, the administrator can directly control which files benefit from the SSD's faster performance without mixing data or requiring complex overlays.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Create separate LVM logical volumes on each disk and mount them at different mount points.
Why this is correct
LVM allows flexible allocation of storage from different physical volumes.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure RAID 0 across both disks to combine speed.
Why it's wrong here
RAID 0 stripes data, so both disks are used equally; slow disk becomes bottleneck.
✗
Use symbolic links to redirect file access to the SSD.
Why it's wrong here
Symlinks are manual and not suitable for dynamic file placement.
✗
Use a union mount to overlay the SSD on top of the HDD.
Why it's wrong here
Union mounts are not typically used for this purpose and add complexity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse RAID 0's speed benefits with the goal of isolating hot data, failing to recognize that RAID 0 mixes all data across both disks, preventing the administrator from selectively placing frequently accessed files on the faster SSD.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
LVM (Logical Volume Manager) abstracts physical storage into logical volumes, enabling flexible allocation and resizing. In practice, an administrator would create a physical volume (PV) on /dev/sda and another on /dev/sdb, then assign them to separate volume groups (VGs) or use distinct logical volumes (LVs) within the same VG, mounting the SSD LV at /fast and the HDD LV at /slow. This approach is straightforward and avoids the complexity of automatic tiering solutions like bcache or dm-cache, which require additional kernel modules and configuration.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System Architecture — This question tests System Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create separate LVM logical volumes on each disk and mount them at different mount points. — Option A is correct because LVM allows the administrator to create separate logical volumes on each physical disk (/dev/sda and /dev/sdb) and mount them at distinct mount points. By placing frequently accessed files on the SSD logical volume and less critical data on the HDD logical volume, the administrator can directly control which files benefit from the SSD's faster performance without mixing data or requiring complex overlays.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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