The correct configuration is to connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third. This works because both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 natively support 4K resolution at 60Hz, while the DVI-D port on the graphics card is the bottleneck—it maxes out at 2560x1600 and cannot drive a 4K display. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of video port capabilities and adapter limitations, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly try to use the DVI port for 4K. The key takeaway is that when connecting three 4K monitors, you must rely on the two ports that handle 4K (HDMI and DisplayPort) and use an active adapter to convert the second DisplayPort signal to HDMI for the third screen. Memory tip: “DVI dies at 4K—stick to HDMI and DP for the triple play.”
220-1101 Display Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 graphic designer wants to connect three 4K monitors to a single workstation for a video editing suite. The workstation has a graphics card with one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one DVI-D port. The monitors all support HDMI and DisplayPort. Which configuration will allow all three monitors to display at 4K resolution simultaneously?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third
DVI-D does not support 4K at 60Hz; it maxes out at 2560x1600. To run three 4K monitors, the technician must use adapters to convert DisplayPort to HDMI for the third monitor, as HDMI and DisplayPort both support 4K.
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.
✗
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and one via DVI-D
Why it's wrong here
DVI-D cannot output 4K resolution, so the third monitor would not display at 4K.
✗
Use a DisplayPort hub to connect all three monitors to the single DisplayPort
Why it's wrong here
A hub splits bandwidth; three 4K monitors would exceed DisplayPort 1.4's bandwidth.
✓
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third
Why this is correct
This uses all available ports with adapters, and both HDMI and DisplayPort support 4K, allowing three monitors.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Replace the graphics card with one that has three DisplayPorts
Why it's wrong here
While this would work, it is not the most practical solution; adapters are a valid option.
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
DVI-D cannot output 4K resolution, so the third monitor would not display at 4K.
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: Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third — DVI-D does not support 4K at 60Hz; it maxes out at 2560x1600. To run three 4K monitors, the technician must use adapters to convert DisplayPort to HDMI for the third monitor, as HDMI and DisplayPort both support 4K.
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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