Dell D-XTR-DS-A-24 Practice Exam Questions & Answers

7 Free Questions Last reviewed October 24, 2026 Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team

60 Practice Questions (Our Bank)
90 minutes Exam Duration
Exam Facts

Dell D-XTR-DS-A-24 Exam Details

Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline

Exam Code
D-XTR-DS-A-24
Full Name
Dell XtremIO Design Achievement
Issuing Body
Dell Technologies
Question Format (Our Bank)
Multiple Choice, Order List
Official Exam Fee
USD 165 or USD 50 (partner price with PART50 code)
Delivery
Online proctored through Pearson VUE
Full Question Set
60 questions Get All Questions
Practice Questions

Free D-XTR-DS-A-24 Practice Questions

Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right

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Question 2 Domain 1 XtremIO and X2 Operations and Management

Which X-Brick cluster topology is exclusive to XtremIO X2?

Correct Answer D
Explanation

XtremIO X2 supports configurations starting from a single X-Brick and scaling up to multiple X-Bricks. However, the X2 system can support up to 8 X-Bricks in a cluster, not just 4, so option D is more correct.

Question 3 Domain 1 XtremIO and X2 Operations and Management

Which slot on a physical XtremIO X2 XMS holds the server's boot disk?

Correct Answer D
Explanation

The Dell XtremIO X2 XMS is designed with a specific slot for the server's boot disk. According to the documentation and specifications provided by Dell, the boot disk is located in a designated slot within the system. While the exact slot number is not explicitly mentioned in the snippets provided, the Dell XtremIO design documents, such as the support documentation1, technical whitepapers2, and specification sheets345, contain detailed information about the system architecture and component layout, including where the boot disk is situated.

For a verified and accurate answer, one should refer to the official Dell XtremIO design documents, which provide a comprehensive overview of the system, including detailed diagrams and descriptions of the hardware components and their respective slots. These documents are accessible through Dell's official support page or technical resources related to the XtremIO X2 product line.

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Question 4 Domain 2 Host Configurations in XtremIO and X2 Environments

Which disk format should be used for ESXi Disks provisioned by XtremIO?

Correct Answer D
Explanation

For ESXi disks provisioned by XtremIO, the recommended disk format is 'Eager Zeroed Thick'. This format is preferred because it allocates all the space required for the disk at the time of creation and zeroes out any previous data on the physical media. Compared to other formats, 'Eager Zeroed Thick' provides better performance due to the pre-zeroing of the disk space, which helps in avoiding any latency that might occur during write operations as there is no need to zero out blocks before writing new data.


While the specific Dell XtremIO Design document was not available, the general best practice for high-performance storage solutions like XtremIO is to use 'Eager Zeroed Thick' provisioning for VMs running on VMware ESXi to ensure optimal performance1.

Additional information on disk provisioning and best practices can be found in VMware's official documentation and Dell EMC's storage configuration guides2.

Question 5 Domain 4 XtremIO X2 Optimization and Performance Management

What are the I/O Elevators?

Correct Answer A
Explanation

Explore

I/O Elevators refer to the I/O scheduling algorithms used in operating systems to control how I/O operations are submitted to storage12. These algorithms, also known as elevators, determine the order in which I/O requests from different processes or devices are serviced by the underlying hardware, such as hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs)12. The goal of these algorithms is to improve the efficiency of data access and reduce the time wasted by disk seeks3.

The other options provided are not typically referred to as I/O Elevators:

Option OB, ''The maximum number of consecutive 'sequential' I/Os allowed to be submitted to storage'', refers to a specific parameter of a storage system, not an I/O Elevator4.

Option OC, ''Setting which controls for how long the ESX host attempts to login to the iSCSI target before failing the login'', refers to a specific setting in ESXi host configuration, not an I/O Elevator567.

Option OD, ''The amount of SCSI commands (including I/O requests) that can be handled by a storage device at a given time'', refers to the command handling capacity of a storage device, not an I/O Elevator89.

Therefore, the verified answer is A. I/O scheduling algorithm which controls how I/O operations are submitted to storage, as it accurately describes what I/O Elevators are according to the Dell XtremIO Design Achievement document10 and other sources123.

Question 7 Domain 7 Designing an XtremIO X2 Solution

You need to design an Oracle solution for a customer. Which XtremlO best practices should be used in Oracle environments?

Correct Answer D
Explanation

When designing an Oracle solution for a customer using XtremIO, it's important to consider the best practices for performance and efficiency.

Option OD, ''Allocate multiple LUNs per host, Use Thin formatting on the ESXi'', is a recommended best practice for Oracle environments12.

Allocating multiple LUNs per host can help distribute the I/O load more evenly across the storage system, which can improve performance1. This is particularly important in Oracle environments, where there can be a high level of concurrent I/O activity1.

Using Thin formatting on the ESXi is also recommended. Thin provisioning is a storage provisioning method that optimizes the efficient use of available space. For a thin virtual disk, ESXi provisions the entire space required for the disk's current and future activities, but the thin disk uses only as much storage space as the disk needs for its initial operations3. If the disk requires more space, it can expand into its entire provisioned space3.

The other options, while they may be part of the overall

Study Guide

What the Dell D-XTR-DS-A-24 Exam Covers

Exam domains verified against the Official Dell D-XTR-DS-A-24 exam guide, last checked October 2026.

Domain 1 XtremIO and X2 Operations and Management

20%

Identify and describe XtremIO X2 hardware and software components, including architectural differences between XtremIO and X2. Learn to manage XtremIO X2 using the GUI and CLI, handle data protection in NVRAM, and configure multi-cluster setups.

Sample questions from this domain above Q2Q3Q6

Domain 2 Host Configurations in XtremIO and X2 Environments

15%

Configure common host components such as HBAs and multipathing solutions. Understand unique settings for ESXi, Windows, Linux, Solaris, AIX, and HP-UX operating systems to ensure proper connectivity and performance.

Sample question from this domain above Q4

Domain 3 XtremIO X2 Data Replication

7%

Manage XtremIO X2 snapshots and understand snapshot operations. Use RecoverPoint for local and remote replication, implementing effective data protection and recovery strategies for business continuity.

Domain 4 XtremIO X2 Optimization and Performance Management

6%

Review XtremIO X2 architecture and performance characteristics. Explore environmental tools, host monitoring utilities, benchmarking methods, and how to plan and execute a Proof of Concept.

Sample question from this domain above Q5

Domain 5 Positioning XtremIO and X2

12%

Articulate the benefits of all-flash arrays and XtremIO technology. Demonstrate XtremIO capabilities using the XMS Simulator, explain post-processing advantages, and describe X2 features like deduplication, compression, and encryption.

Domain 6 Data Gathering and Analysis

13%

Identify and capture customer requirements through structured conversations and documentation. Use data gathering tools to analyze existing environments and position XtremIO X2 solutions that meet specific customer needs.

Sample question from this domain above Q1

Domain 7 Designing an XtremIO X2 Solution

27%

Create end-to-end XtremIO X2 solutions considering performance, capacity, and scalability. Integrate features such as deduplication, compression, encryption, and replication for VDI and database workloads, and account for Cloud and Platform 3 requirements.

Sample question from this domain above Q7

FAQ

D-XTR-DS-A-24 Exam FAQ

Common questions about the exam itself

What background do I need before taking the D-XTR-DS-A-24 exam?
The exam targets storage architects, systems engineers, and IT professionals with hands-on experience designing storage solutions. You should understand XtremIO X2 architecture, host configurations, data replication concepts, and have familiarity with enterprise storage design practices before attempting the assessment.
How much time is allocated for the D-XTR-DS-A-24 exam?
You have 90 minutes to complete the 60 questions on the exam. Questions include multiple-choice items testing core concepts and scenario-based items requiring critical analysis of real-world design challenges.
What is the hardest objective area on D-XTR-DS-A-24 and how should I study it?
Designing an XtremIO X2 Solution accounts for 27 percent of the exam and is the largest objective area. Focus on understanding how to synthesize performance, capacity, and availability requirements from customer data into concrete design decisions. Practice translating hypothetical customer scenarios into specific configuration choices.
How long should I prepare for the D-XTR-DS-A-24 exam?
Most candidates need three to six months of preparation combining hands-on lab experience with XtremIO X2 systems, official training courses, and practical design work. Candidates without prior storage design experience may need additional time to build foundational knowledge.
What happens on exam day for D-XTR-DS-A-24?
The exam is delivered online and proctored through Pearson VUE. You answer 60 questions in 90 minutes using your own computer and internet connection. Proctoring software monitors your screen and environment to ensure exam integrity throughout the assessment.
Can I retake the D-XTR-DS-A-24 exam if I don't pass?
Yes, you can retake the exam, though there is typically a waiting period required between attempts set by Dell Technologies and Pearson VUE. Check the official Dell Proven Professional website for current retake policies and any scheduling restrictions.
How long is the XtremIO Design certification valid after I pass D-XTR-DS-A-24?
Dell Technologies maintains the D-XTR-DS-A-24 as an Achievement credential that verifies knowledge of key XtremIO X2 design concepts and solutions. Check the Proven Professional website for current validity periods and whether renewal requirements apply to this certification.
What job role does the D-XTR-DS-A-24 certification prepare me for?
This certification is designed for storage architects, systems engineers, and solution consultants who position and design XtremIO and X2 storage solutions in customer environments. It validates your ability to create end-to-end designs that meet specific performance and capacity requirements.
How does D-XTR-DS-A-24 relate to other XtremIO certifications in the Dell track?
D-XTR-DS-A-24 focuses on designing XtremIO X2 solutions, sitting between the deployment knowledge tested in D-XTR-DY-A-24 and the operational expertise covered in D-XTR-OE-A-24. Together they form a progression from deploy to design to operate in the XtremIO Solutions track.
What format are the questions on D-XTR-DS-A-24?
The exam uses multiple-choice questions to test core XtremIO X2 concepts and scenario-based items where you analyze customer requirements and select the best design approach. Scenario questions typically present realistic situations requiring you to balance performance, capacity, and cost trade-offs.

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