The answer is to use the HDMI port for one monitor and the DisplayPort for the other. This combination provides the best image quality because both HDMI and DisplayPort are fully digital interfaces that natively support 1920x1080 resolution with excellent color accuracy, which is critical for graphic design work. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of modern display connectivity and signal types—specifically that digital ports (HDMI, DisplayPort) are superior to analog or legacy digital options like DVI, even when DVI is technically digital. A common trap is assuming you must use both DVI ports because they are available, but DVI is less common on modern monitors and may require adapters, while HDMI and DisplayPort are the standard for best video card ports for a dual monitor setup. Remember the memory tip: “Digital Duo beats DVI double”—always prioritize two native digital connections for dual monitors to ensure the highest quality and simplest cabling.
220-1101 Display Devices Practice Question
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 technician is installing a new video card in a desktop PC used for graphic design. The card has one HDMI port, one DisplayPort, and two DVI ports. The user wants to connect two 1920x1080 monitors. Which combination of ports and cables will provide the best image quality and support for both monitors?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the HDMI port for one monitor and the DisplayPort for the other
HDMI and DisplayPort both support 1920x1080 at high quality and are digital, ensuring the best image. DVI is also digital but less common for modern monitors; using two digital connections is optimal.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use the HDMI port for one monitor and a DVI port for the other
Why it's wrong here
While this works, DVI may not support audio and is older; HDMI and DisplayPort are preferred for modern monitors.
✓
Use the HDMI port for one monitor and the DisplayPort for the other
Why this is correct
Both are digital, support high resolutions, and are the best choices for image quality and compatibility.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Use both DVI ports for the monitors
Why it's wrong here
DVI is older and may not support the same color depth or audio; using HDMI and DisplayPort is superior.
✗
Use a DisplayPort splitter to run both monitors from the single DisplayPort
Why it's wrong here
A splitter mirrors the display, not extends it, so both monitors would show the same image.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A splitter mirrors the display, not extends it, so both monitors would show the same image.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the HDMI port for one monitor and the DisplayPort for the other — HDMI and DisplayPort both support 1920x1080 at high quality and are digital, ensuring the best image. DVI is also digital but less common for modern monitors; using two digital connections is optimal.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 220-1201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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