The answer is three conditions: a memory limit set lower than the active memory, host memory overcommitment, and the VM’s vswap file stored on slow storage. High %SWPWV in esxtop indicates the VM is waiting for memory pages that have been swapped out to disk, so any factor that forces or delays swapping will raise this metric. A hard limit below actual demand forces the hypervisor to reclaim memory via swapping, while overcommitment on the host means the VM’s working set exceeds physical RAM, triggering the same mechanism. Slow storage for the vswap file adds latency to every swapped page retrieval, directly increasing swap wait time. On the VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your understanding of memory reclamation methods and the distinction between swap wait and CPU contention—a common trap is confusing CPU overcommitment with memory pressure. Remember the mnemonic “LOS”: Limit, Overcommitment, Slow storage.
VCP-DCV vSphere Performance and Scaling Practice Question
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere performance and scaling. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An administrator is troubleshooting a VM that is running slowly. Esxtop shows the VM has high %SWPWV (swap wait). Which three conditions could cause this? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The host is overcommitted on memory
The correct options are A, C, and E. Swap wait occurs when the VM is waiting for swapped memory. A limit lower than active forces swapping. Host memory overcommitment causes swapping. Slow vswap storage increases latency. CPU overcommitment does not cause swap wait. Reservation equal to configured size would prevent swapping.
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.
✓
The host is overcommitted on memory
Why this is correct
Host memory overcommitment leads to VM swapping when physical memory is exhausted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The VM has a memory limit that is lower than its active memory
Why this is correct
A memory limit below active memory forces the VM to swap pages to disk.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The VM's vswap file is stored on slow storage
Why this is correct
Slow storage increases the time to complete swap operations, leading to swap wait.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The VM has a memory reservation equal to its configured size
Why it's wrong here
A reservation equal to configured size prevents swapping because memory is fully reserved.
✗
The host is overcommitted on CPU
Why it's wrong here
CPU overcommitment causes CPU ready time, not memory swap wait.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 VCP-DCV 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 VCP-DCV 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.
vSphere Performance and Scaling — This question tests vSphere Performance and Scaling — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The host is overcommitted on memory — The correct options are A, C, and E. Swap wait occurs when the VM is waiting for swapped memory. A limit lower than active forces swapping. Host memory overcommitment causes swapping. Slow vswap storage increases latency. CPU overcommitment does not cause swap wait. Reservation equal to configured size would prevent swapping.
What should I do if I get this VCP-DCV question wrong?
Identify which VCP-DCV 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.
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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