Quick Answer
The answer is 4K at 30Hz. This limitation occurs because HDMI 1.4, the version on the laptop’s port, has a maximum bandwidth of 10.2 Gbps, which is only sufficient to carry a 4K resolution signal at a 30Hz refresh rate. Even though the TV supports HDMI 2.0 and can handle 4K at 60Hz, the connection is forced to the lowest common denominator—the laptop’s output port. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of HDMI version capabilities and bandwidth bottlenecks, often appearing as a “what is the maximum” question where the trap is assuming the display’s higher spec determines the outcome. Remember the memory tip: “1.4 is for 30, 2.0 is for 60”—the port version always sets the ceiling.
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 customer wants to connect a laptop to a 4K TV for a presentation. The laptop has an HDMI 1.4 port, and the TV supports HDMI 2.0. What is the maximum resolution and refresh rate the customer can expect?
4K at 60Hz
Why wrong: HDMI 1.4 cannot output 4K at 60Hz; that requires HDMI 2.0.
1080p at 120Hz
Why wrong: The scenario asks for 4K, and HDMI 1.4 can do 4K at 30Hz, not 1080p at 120Hz.
4K at 30Hz
HDMI 1.4 is limited to 4K at 30Hz, so this is the maximum the laptop can output.
1440p at 60Hz
Why wrong: While HDMI 1.4 can do 1440p at 60Hz, the customer wants 4K, and the question asks for maximum resolution.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
4K at 30Hz
HDMI 1.4 supports 4K resolution at 30Hz, while HDMI 2.0 supports 4K at 60Hz. The bottleneck is the laptop's HDMI 1.4 port, so the output will be limited to 4K at 30Hz.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
4K at 60Hz
Why it's wrong here
HDMI 1.4 cannot output 4K at 60Hz; that requires HDMI 2.0.
1080p at 120Hz
Why it's wrong here
The scenario asks for 4K, and HDMI 1.4 can do 4K at 30Hz, not 1080p at 120Hz.
4K at 30Hz
Why this is correct
HDMI 1.4 is limited to 4K at 30Hz, so this is the maximum the laptop can output.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
1440p at 60Hz
Why it's wrong here
While HDMI 1.4 can do 1440p at 60Hz, the customer wants 4K, and the question asks for maximum resolution.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
HDMI 1.4 cannot output 4K at 60Hz; that requires HDMI 2.0.
Scenario analysis trap
The scenario asks for 4K, and HDMI 1.4 can do 4K at 30Hz, not 1080p at 120Hz.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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 — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 4K at 30Hz — HDMI 1.4 supports 4K resolution at 30Hz, while HDMI 2.0 supports 4K at 60Hz. The bottleneck is the laptop's HDMI 1.4 port, so the output will be limited to 4K at 30Hz.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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