The answer is to check that the monitor cable is plugged into the discrete GPU, not the motherboard. This is the correct first step because an amber LED on the monitor indicates it is powered but receiving no signal, and when a discrete GPU is installed, the system often disables the integrated graphics ports on the motherboard. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of POST and display troubleshooting, with a common trap being that technicians overlook the physical cable connection when a PC powers on but shows no display. A useful memory tip is “Amber means absent signal—check the GPU, not the board.”
220-1201 Display Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices troubleshooting. 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 technician is troubleshooting a desktop PC that powers on but shows no display on the monitor. The monitor's power LED is amber (standby). The PC has an integrated GPU and a discrete GPU. Which step should be taken FIRST to isolate the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Check that the monitor cable is plugged into the discrete GPU, not the motherboard
An amber LED indicates the monitor is not receiving a signal. The most common oversight is connecting the cable to the wrong video port (motherboard vs. GPU). The correct first step is to verify the cable is connected to the discrete GPU's ports, as integrated graphics are often disabled when a dedicated card is installed.
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.
✗
Reseat the RAM modules
Why it's wrong here
RAM issues typically cause beep codes or boot loops, not a no-signal situation with a powered-on PC.
✓
Check that the monitor cable is plugged into the discrete GPU, not the motherboard
Why this is correct
If a discrete GPU is installed, the motherboard video ports are often disabled; connecting to the wrong port results in no signal.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Replace the CMOS battery
Why it's wrong here
A dead CMOS battery can cause date/time resets but rarely prevents display output entirely.
✗
Test the monitor on another computer
Why it's wrong here
While valid, this is a secondary step; checking the cable connection is faster and more common.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A dead CMOS battery can cause date/time resets but rarely prevents display output entirely.
Scenario analysis trap
RAM issues typically cause beep codes or boot loops, not a no-signal situation with a powered-on PC.
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 Troubleshooting — This question tests Display Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Check that the monitor cable is plugged into the discrete GPU, not the motherboard — An amber LED indicates the monitor is not receiving a signal. The most common oversight is connecting the cable to the wrong video port (motherboard vs. GPU). The correct first step is to verify the cable is connected to the discrete GPU's ports, as integrated graphics are often disabled when a dedicated card is installed.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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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