220-1101 Hardware and Network Troubleshooting Practice Question
A technician installs a new graphics card in a desktop computer. The computer powers on, all fans spin, and the motherboard's POST LED sequence completes, but there is no image on the monitor. The monitor is connected to the new graphics card via DisplayPort and has been verified to work with another computer. Which of the following should the technician do FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see the fans spinning and POST passing and assume the card is fully powered, overlooking the fact that auxiliary PCIe power is required for video output even when the card appears to be running.
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
✓
Check that the auxiliary PCIe power cables are connected to the graphics card
The most common reason for a new graphics card to power on (fans spin) but produce no display is that the auxiliary PCIe power cables are not connected. Modern high-performance GPUs require dedicated 6- or 8-pin power connectors from the PSU; without them, the card may appear to operate (fans spin due to motherboard slot power) but cannot output video. Since the monitor and cable are verified working, and POST completes, the next logical step is to check these power connections before assuming a hardware fault.
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 graphics card
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the graphics card is premature because the POST LED sequence completed, indicating the motherboard detected no fatal hardware fault with the new card; the issue is likely a DisplayPort handshake or driver initialisation failure, not a physical defect. This option is tempting because a dead card would indeed cause no image, and swapping it is the standard fix for a confirmed faulty GPU, but the POST success and verified monitor shift suspicion to the connection or software layer first.
- ✗
Reseat the graphics card in the PCIe slot
Why it's wrong here
Reseating the card addresses only the mechanical and electrical contact between the PCIe connector and the motherboard slot. If the auxiliary 6/8-pin power cables are disconnected, reseating will not restore them, and the card will still lack the necessary power rails to drive the display outputs. Additionally, the POST LED sequence completed, indicating the motherboard enumerated the card successfully, which makes poor slot contact an unlikely culprit compared to an unconnected power cable.
- ✓
Check that the auxiliary PCIe power cables are connected to the graphics card
Why this is correct
Graphics cards with a high power draw rely on dedicated auxiliary PCIe power connectors because the 75W provided by the PCIe x16 slot alone is insufficient. When these cables are not attached, the card often falls back to a low-power state that may allow the system to POST and be detected by the BIOS, but the video outputs remain inactive. Checking for and firmly connecting the auxiliary cables is the fastest, non-invasive confirmation that the card is receiving the required 12V supply, preceding any hardware replacement or driver troubleshooting.
- ✗
Update the graphics card driver from safe mode
Why it's wrong here
Safe Mode loads the system with a minimal set of drivers and a basic VGA adapter, but it does not magically provide power to a GPU that lacks its auxiliary connector. Moreover, the technician would need to see the screen to navigate the driver update process; with no display output, interacting with Windows or the GPU driver installer is impossible. Attempting this step first is therefore futile until the display signal issue is resolved by verifying the physical power delivery to the card.
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Related to this question
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POST Error Messages
Key term
Light-emitting Diode
A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it, commonly used as an indicator or illumination source in electronic devices.
Key term
Power-on Self-test
The Power-on Self-test (POST) is a diagnostic process a computer runs immediately when you turn it on to check that essential hardware components are working correctly before loading the operating system.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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