Quick Answer
The correct answer is host CPU load, memory load, and network utilization. vSphere DRS evaluates these three real-time resource metrics from each host in the cluster to determine the optimal placement for a new VM, ensuring balanced workload distribution from the moment of power-on. Storage latency is deliberately excluded because DRS focuses on compute and network resources at initial placement, while Storage DRS handles storage-level decisions separately. On the VCP-DCV exam, this question tests your understanding of DRS’s scope versus Storage DRS, and a common trap is mistaking storage latency as a DRS input. Remember the mnemonic “CPU, Memory, Network” — DRS only cares about the three pillars of host resource availability, not storage or I/O metrics, at initial placement time.
This VCP-DCV practice question tests your understanding of vsphere architecture, products and solutions. 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.
Which THREE parameters are considered by vSphere DRS when generating initial placement recommendations for a new VM?
Storage I/O latency
Why wrong: Storage DRS considers this, not DRS.
Host network utilization
DRS can consider network metrics.
Host memory load
DRS balances memory usage.
Host CPU load
DRS balances CPU across hosts.
VM power state
Why wrong: Power state is known but not a balancing factor.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Host network utilization
Options A, C, and E are correct. DRS considers host CPU load, memory load, and network utilization. B is not a direct input; DRS does not consider storage latency at placement time for new VMs (though Storage DRS does). D is not a DRS input.
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.
Storage I/O latency
Why it's wrong here
Storage DRS considers this, not DRS.
Host network utilization
Why this is correct
DRS can consider network metrics.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Host memory load
Why this is correct
DRS balances memory usage.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Host CPU load
Why this is correct
DRS balances CPU across hosts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
VM power state
Why it's wrong here
Power state is known but not a balancing factor.
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 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
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.
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FAQ
vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — This question tests vSphere Architecture, Products and Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Host network utilization — Options A, C, and E are correct. DRS considers host CPU load, memory load, and network utilization. B is not a direct input; DRS does not consider storage latency at placement time for new VMs (though Storage DRS does). D is not a DRS input.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This VCP-DCV practice question is part of Courseiva's free VMware 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 VCP-DCV exam.
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