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220-1201 Practice Question: During a hardware installation, you connect a new…
During a hardware installation, you connect a new 4K monitor to a desktop PC using DisplayPort, but the display is stuck at 1080p resolution. The graphics card supports 4K. What is the most likely cause?
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 rated for 4K.
This question tests knowledge of display cable capabilities. DisplayPort cables come in different versions, and older cables may not support 4K at higher refresh rates. The most likely cause is using a DisplayPort cable that does not meet the required bandwidth for 4K.
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The graphics card driver is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
An outdated graphics card driver might lack the specific firmware or software optimizations required to properly negotiate and render a 4K resolution signal, even if the hardware is capable. While it could limit available resolutions or cause display issues, it's less likely to be the sole cause of a lower resolution display when the cable itself is the primary bottleneck for bandwidth, especially if some display is working.
- ✗
The monitor's refresh rate is set too high.
Why it's wrong here
Setting an excessively high refresh rate, such as 144Hz or more, for a given resolution significantly increases the required video bandwidth. If the monitor was previously configured for a high refresh rate at a lower resolution and then switched to 4K, the combined data rate for 4K at that high refresh rate might exceed the DisplayPort cable's or graphics card's maximum supported bandwidth, forcing a lower resolution or no signal. However, this is less common than a cable simply lacking 4K bandwidth.
- ✓
The DisplayPort cable is not rated for 4K.
Why this is correct
DisplayPort cables are manufactured to different specifications, corresponding to various DisplayPort versions (e.g., DP 1.0, 1.2, 1.4). Older or generic cables may not be certified for the higher bandwidth required to transmit uncompressed 4K resolution (3840x2160) at standard refresh rates like 60Hz. A cable rated for DisplayPort 1.2 or higher is essential to ensure sufficient data throughput for a stable 4K signal, as lower-rated cables will simply fail to pass the necessary data.
- ✗
The monitor's input is set to HDMI.
Why it's wrong here
If the monitor's input source is manually selected to HDMI while the physical connection is made via DisplayPort, the monitor will not detect any signal on the active DisplayPort input. This scenario typically results in a 'No Signal' message or a blank screen, as the monitor is actively listening on the incorrect port. It would not cause the DisplayPort connection to automatically revert to a lower resolution.
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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.