EXIN Cloud Data Centres and Services — Question 1

A 5kW (power consumption) server keeps crashing with the message ‘temperature too high’.
- The intake temperature is measured at 25 °C/77 °F and a relative humidity (RH) level of 50%.
- The exhaust temperature is 29 °C/84 °F and 45% RH.
- The raised floor is providing adequate amount of CFM/CMH at a reasonable velocity.
- The pressure under the raised floor is approximately 25 Pa/0.1 inch H20.
Analyze the situation and indicate what the most likely cause is for this server to crash.

Answer options

• A. Dust inside the server causing issues with convection-based heat transfer
• B. The exhaust temperature is exceeding the ASHRAE recommended values
• C. The raised floor pressure is too low and/or the raised floor tile % opening is not adequate
• D. No cause could be determined as the CFM/CMH of the air conditioning equipment is not stated

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct answer is A because dust can obstruct airflow and hinder heat dissipation, leading to overheating. Option B is incorrect as the exhaust temperature, while warm, is not stated to exceed ASHRAE limits. Option C is also incorrect since the pressure under the raised floor is adequate. Lastly, option D is not valid because sufficient information is provided to analyze the situation.