SK0-004 · Question #265
A power loss during a firmware update would MOST likely result in which of the following?
The correct answer is B. Damage of the hardware. A firmware update writes new executable code directly to non-volatile flash memory on the hardware, and interrupting that write with a power loss leaves the chip with a corrupt or incomplete image. Without valid firmware, the device cannot initialize, effectively rendering the…
Question
A power loss during a firmware update would MOST likely result in which of the following?
Options
- AIncreased heat output
- BDamage of the hardware
- CLoss of storage data
- DDecreased performance
How the community answered
(51 responses)- A6% (3)
- B90% (46)
- C2% (1)
- D2% (1)
Why each option
A firmware update writes new executable code directly to non-volatile flash memory on the hardware, and interrupting that write with a power loss leaves the chip with a corrupt or incomplete image. Without valid firmware, the device cannot initialize, effectively rendering the hardware non-functional - a condition commonly called 'bricking.'
Increased heat output requires the device to be actively processing workloads; a bricked device with corrupt firmware cannot boot and therefore generates no operational heat.
Firmware resides in non-volatile flash or EEPROM chips on the device itself, and an interrupted write during an update produces a partially overwritten, unbootable image. Without a valid firmware image, the hardware cannot complete POST or initialize its components, resulting in a permanently non-functional state that constitutes physical functional damage to the device.
User and OS data stored on HDDs or SSDs is entirely separate from firmware stored in onboard flash chips, so a failed firmware write does not affect persistent storage data.
Decreased performance implies the device still boots and operates, but a corrupt firmware image typically prevents the device from functioning at all rather than simply degrading its speed.
Concept tested: Firmware update risk and hardware bricking from power interruption
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