The answer is a loose connection at the laptop’s USB-C port. Intermittent flickering on an external monitor almost always points to a physical connectivity issue rather than a driver or software fault, because a stable digital video signal requires continuous electrical contact. Since the USB-C to HDMI adapter works fine with other devices, the adapter and cable are ruled out, isolating the problem to the laptop’s port. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot display issues by methodically swapping components—a common trap is blaming the adapter or cable first, but the key clue is that the flickering only occurs with one specific laptop. Remember the memory tip: “If it flickers on one, check the port—it’s the connection that’s undone.”
220-1201 Mobile Device Accessories Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. 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.
A user reports that their laptop's external monitor connected via USB-C to HDMI adapter flickers intermittently. The adapter works fine with other devices. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection.
Intermittent flickering often points to a loose or damaged cable or port. Since the adapter works elsewhere, the issue is likely with the laptop's USB-C port or the cable connection. The correct answer is a loose connection at the laptop port.
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 HDMI cable is defective.
Why it's wrong here
If the adapter works with other devices, the HDMI cable is likely fine; the issue is specific to this laptop.
✓
The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection.
Why this is correct
This is correct; a loose port can cause intermittent signal loss, leading to flickering.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The monitor's refresh rate is set too high for the adapter.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, flickering due to refresh rate mismatch is usually constant, not intermittent.
✗
The laptop's graphics driver is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
Outdated drivers can cause issues, but intermittent flickering is more hardware-related, and the adapter works elsewhere.
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 220-1201 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection. — Intermittent flickering often points to a loose or damaged cable or port. Since the adapter works elsewhere, the issue is likely with the laptop's USB-C port or the cable connection. The correct answer is a loose connection at the laptop port.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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