The answer is to try a different DisplayPort cable or port on the GPU. This is the correct next step because DisplayPort connections are prone to subtle physical issues—the locking mechanism can fail to fully seat the connector, or a bent pin inside the port can break the signal path, causing a "no signal" error even when the cable appears secure. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to follow a logical troubleshooting methodology: after verifying power and physical connections, you must isolate the component by swapping the cable or port before moving to more complex solutions like driver reinstallation or GPU reseating. A common trap is assuming the GPU is dead immediately; instead, remember that DisplayPort’s latching design often masks partial disconnections. Memory tip: “DP = Disconnect Possible”—always swap the cable or port first to rule out the simplest physical fault.
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 monitor displays a 'No Signal' message when they turn on their computer. The monitor is connected via DisplayPort. The technician checks that the monitor is powered on and the cable is secure. What should the technician check next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Try a different DisplayPort cable or port on the GPU.
DisplayPort cables can sometimes have issues with the locking mechanism or be partially unseated. The next logical step is to try a different DisplayPort cable or port on the GPU to isolate the issue.
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.
✗
Replace the monitor.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the monitor is premature without further troubleshooting.
✗
Check the input source setting on the monitor.
Why it's wrong here
While this is possible, the monitor likely auto-detects the input, and the cable is already secure.
✓
Try a different DisplayPort cable or port on the GPU.
Why this is correct
A faulty cable or port can cause a 'No Signal' error. Trying a different cable or port is a standard troubleshooting step.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Update the graphics driver.
Why it's wrong here
Driver issues usually cause display problems after boot, not a 'No Signal' message at startup.
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: Try a different DisplayPort cable or port on the GPU. — DisplayPort cables can sometimes have issues with the locking mechanism or be partially unseated. The next logical step is to try a different DisplayPort cable or port on the GPU to isolate the issue.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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