hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1201 Practice Question: That their new high-resolution monitor…
A user reports that their new high-resolution monitor (2560x1440) connected via DisplayPort shows intermittent black screens for a few seconds. The monitor works fine at lower resolutions. What is the most likely issue?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that intermittent black screens are caused by power saving features or overheating, when in fact the symptom of resolution-dependent failures points directly to cable bandwidth limitations.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DisplayPort cable is not certified for the required bandwidth
The most likely issue is that the DisplayPort cable is not certified for the required bandwidth. At 2560x1440 resolution, the monitor requires a high data rate (approximately 7.04 Gbps for 60 Hz), and a non-certified or low-quality cable may not reliably support this bandwidth, causing intermittent signal loss and black screens. Lower resolutions work because they require less bandwidth, allowing the cable to function within its limits.
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 monitor's power saving mode is too aggressive
Why it's wrong here
The monitor's power saving mode is designed to reduce energy consumption by entering a standby state or powering off after a period of inactivity or when no active video signal is detected. It would typically result in the monitor remaining off until user interaction or signal restoration, not causing intermittent black screens during active use. Such behavior points to a signal integrity issue rather than an aggressive power-saving feature.
- ✓
The DisplayPort cable is not certified for the required bandwidth
Why this is correct
A 2560x1440 resolution, especially at common refresh rates like 60Hz or higher, demands a specific amount of bandwidth from the DisplayPort cable to transmit the video signal reliably. If the cable is an older DisplayPort version (e.g., DP 1.0/1.1) or is of insufficient quality, it may not be certified to handle the required data rate. This bandwidth limitation can lead to intermittent signal loss or dropouts, causing the screen to go black temporarily as the display attempts to re-establish a stable connection.
- ✗
The graphics card is overheating
Why it's wrong here
An overheating graphics card typically manifests through more severe and consistent symptoms than just intermittent black screens on the monitor. Common indicators include visual artifacts (e.g., distorted textures, pixelation), system instability leading to crashes or reboots, or a complete and sustained loss of video output. Intermittent black screens without other graphical anomalies are less characteristic of thermal throttling or component failure due to excessive heat.
- ✗
The monitor's firmware is outdated
Why it's wrong here
Outdated or corrupted monitor firmware can certainly cause display issues, but these problems are usually persistent and affect the monitor's core functionality, such as incorrect color calibration, input detection failures, or an inability to power on. Intermittent black screens that specifically occur during high-resolution usage are far more indicative of a physical signal integrity problem, like a cable's bandwidth limitation, rather than a software-level bug within the monitor's internal programming.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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