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220-1201 Practice Question: A user's laptop has a USB-C port that supports…
A user's laptop has a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3. They want to connect two 4K monitors daisy-chained. The monitors have DisplayPort inputs. Which cable configuration is required?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common misconception is that a simple splitter cable (Option D) can drive two independent displays, when in fact MST requires active daisy-chaining or a hub with MST support, not a passive Y-cable.
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
✓
Use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second.
Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C supports DisplayPort daisy-chaining (Multi-Stream Transport, MST). A USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor carries the video signal, and a standard DisplayPort cable from the first monitor's DisplayPort out to the second monitor's DisplayPort in completes the chain. This configuration leverages the MST capability inherent in Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort 1.2 or later, allowing two 4K monitors to be driven from a single port.
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 both monitors directly to the laptop using two separate USB-C to HDMI cables.
Why it's wrong here
Connecting both monitors directly using two separate USB-C to HDMI cables would require the laptop to have two distinct USB-C ports capable of video output, or a single USB-C port with an adapter capable of driving two independent HDMI signals. This approach does not fulfill the daisy-chaining requirement, as each monitor would receive its video signal independently from the source or an adapter, rather than the signal passing through the first monitor to the second.
- ✓
Use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second.
Why this is correct
This option correctly describes a DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) daisy-chain configuration, which is the standard method for connecting multiple monitors to a single video output port, such as a USB-C port utilizing DisplayPort Alternate Mode. The USB-C port outputs a DisplayPort signal to the first monitor, which then uses its DisplayPort output to forward the signal to the second monitor, allowing for extended desktop functionality across both displays. This setup requires both monitors to support DisplayPort MST.
- ✗
Use a USB-C hub with two HDMI ports.
Why it's wrong here
Using a USB-C hub with two HDMI ports would provide two separate video outputs from the hub itself, effectively connecting each monitor independently to the hub, which then connects to the laptop. While this can extend the desktop across two monitors, it does not utilize a daisy-chaining topology where the video signal passes through the first monitor to the second. The scenario specifically asks for a daisy-chain solution, which a hub with multiple direct outputs does not provide.
- ✗
Use a single USB-C to DisplayPort cable that splits into two DisplayPort connectors.
Why it's wrong here
A single USB-C to DisplayPort cable that splits into two DisplayPort connectors is typically a passive Y-splitter designed to duplicate (mirror) the same video signal to two displays, not to extend the desktop with independent content. While active splitters or MST hubs exist that can extend displays, a simple "split" cable usually lacks the necessary intelligence or MST support to create two distinct, extended displays from a single source, especially at high resolutions. This is not a true daisy-chain and would likely not provide the desired extended desktop functionality.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Laptop Hardware and Components
Key term
Universal Serial Bus Type C
A small, reversible 24-pin USB connector that supports high-speed data transfer, power delivery, and video output, used in modern devices.
Key term
Universal Serial Bus
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standard interface that allows you to connect devices like keyboards, mice, storage drives, and printers to a computer for data transfer and power delivery.
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