Quick Answer
The answer is to use multiple tempdb files equal to the number of CPU cores, optimize queries that use tempdb, and use multiple tempdb files to distribute contention. These three actions directly address the root cause of tempdb contention in Azure SQL Database, which is primarily allocation page contention caused by concurrent workloads competing for the same system pages. Adding multiple files spreads the metadata load across separate file allocations, while query optimization reduces the volume of temporary objects and sort operations that trigger contention in the first place. On the DP-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Azure SQL Database’s shared tempdb architecture and the fact that, unlike SQL Server on-premises, you cannot directly configure file counts in the portal—you must use T-SQL or set the value during database creation. A common trap is choosing “increase tempdb size,” which only helps with space, not contention, or “change collation,” which is unrelated. Remember the mnemonic “FOC” for Files, Optimize, and Cores to recall the three correct actions.
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
You are monitoring an Azure SQL Database and notice that the 'tempdb' database is experiencing contention. Which THREE actions can reduce tempdb contention? (Choose three.)
Add multiple tempdb data files
Multiple files reduce allocation contention.
Optimize queries that use temporary tables and table variables
Reduces the load on tempdb.
Increase the size of tempdb
Why wrong: Increasing size does not reduce contention.
Change the collation of tempdb
Why wrong: Collation does not affect contention.
Use multiple tempdb files equal to the number of CPU cores
This is a best practice to reduce contention.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Add multiple tempdb data files
Option A correct because adding files reduces allocation contention. Option C correct because using multiple tempdb files distributes contention. Option D correct because optimizing queries that use tempdb reduces load. Option B wrong because increasing size does not reduce contention. Option E wrong because changing collation is unrelated.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Add multiple tempdb data files
Why this is correct
Multiple files reduce allocation contention.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Optimize queries that use temporary tables and table variables
Why this is correct
Reduces the load on tempdb.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Increase the size of tempdb
Why it's wrong here
Increasing size does not reduce contention.
Change the collation of tempdb
Why it's wrong here
Collation does not affect contention.
Use multiple tempdb files equal to the number of CPU cores
Why this is correct
This is a best practice to reduce contention.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Add multiple tempdb data files — Option A correct because adding files reduces allocation contention. Option C correct because using multiple tempdb files distributes contention. Option D correct because optimizing queries that use tempdb reduces load. Option B wrong because increasing size does not reduce contention. Option E wrong because changing collation is unrelated.
Identify which DP-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This DP-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-300 exam.
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