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220-1201 Practice Question: A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K…
A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K external monitor using a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. The monitor has only HDMI input. Which adapter or cable is required?
⚠ Common exam trap
The 220-1201 exam often tests the misconception that a USB-C to DisplayPort cable would work because the port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, but the trap is that the monitor's input (HDMI) requires a different signal format, so a direct DisplayPort cable is incompatible without an active converter.
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
✓
USB-C to HDMI adapter
The laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, which can carry a DisplayPort signal over the USB-C connector. Since the monitor only has HDMI input, a USB-C to HDMI adapter converts the DisplayPort signal from Alt Mode into an HDMI-compatible signal, enabling the 4K video output.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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USB-C to USB-A adapter
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to USB-A adapter is designed solely for data transfer and power delivery between a USB-C port and a traditional USB-A peripheral. Standard USB-A ports and cables lack the necessary pins and signaling protocols to transmit video signals, even when connected to a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Therefore, this adapter cannot facilitate a video connection to a monitor, as its functionality is restricted to data and charging.
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USB-C to HDMI adapter
Why this is correct
A USB-C to HDMI adapter is the correct solution because it leverages the DisplayPort Alternate Mode (Alt Mode) capability inherent in many USB-C ports. This adapter actively converts the native DisplayPort video signal, transmitted over the USB-C connection, into an HDMI signal that the monitor can accept. This active conversion ensures compatibility and allows the laptop to output video to an HDMI-only display.
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USB-C to DisplayPort cable
Why it's wrong here
While a USB-C to DisplayPort cable can directly transmit video signals using USB-C's DisplayPort Alternate Mode, it requires the receiving monitor to have a DisplayPort input. Since the user's monitor only has an HDMI input, this cable would not be compatible. It provides a direct DisplayPort signal without conversion, which is incompatible with an HDMI-only display.
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USB-C to VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to VGA adapter is unsuitable for several reasons. VGA is an older, analog video standard that cannot support modern resolutions like 4K and would result in a significantly degraded image quality compared to digital alternatives. More critically, the user's monitor has an HDMI input, not a VGA port, making a direct connection with this adapter impossible.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1201 exam.