The answer is an uncertified or under-specced DisplayPort cable that cannot handle the required bandwidth. When a high-resolution monitor like 2560x1440 demands significant data throughput, a cable not rated for the necessary DisplayPort version—such as DP 1.2 for 1440p at higher refresh rates—will cause signal degradation, manifesting as intermittent black screens lasting a few seconds. This symptom is a classic indicator of bandwidth insufficiency, as the cable fails to maintain a stable link under the data load, whereas lower resolutions work fine because they require less throughput. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of display cable specifications and signal integrity, often appearing as a trap where candidates blame the GPU or monitor settings. A common memory tip: think of the cable as a pipe—if the pipe is too narrow for the data flow, the signal will intermittently “choke,” causing the screen to go black.
220-1201 Display Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. 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 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?
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 DisplayPort cable is not certified for the required bandwidth
High resolutions require significant bandwidth over DisplayPort. If the cable is not rated for the required version (e.g., DP 1.2 for 1440p at high refresh rates), it can cause signal loss. The intermittent black screen is a classic symptom of a cable that cannot handle the data rate.
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 monitor's power saving mode is too aggressive
Why it's wrong here
Power saving mode would turn the monitor off after inactivity, not cause intermittent black screens during use.
✓
The DisplayPort cable is not certified for the required bandwidth
Why this is correct
A cable not rated for the necessary DisplayPort version can cause signal dropouts at high resolutions.
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 graphics card is overheating
Why it's wrong here
Overheating typically causes system crashes or artifacts, not intermittent black screens on the monitor alone.
✗
The monitor's firmware is outdated
Why it's wrong here
Firmware issues are rare and usually cause persistent problems, not intermittent blackouts tied to resolution.
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.
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DisplayPort cable is not certified for the required bandwidth — High resolutions require significant bandwidth over DisplayPort. If the cable is not rated for the required version (e.g., DP 1.2 for 1440p at high refresh rates), it can cause signal loss. The intermittent black screen is a classic symptom of a cable that cannot handle the data rate.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.