The answer is to check that the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard. This is correct because when you install a new graphics card, the system often disables the motherboard’s integrated video ports; fans spinning on the card confirm it’s receiving power, but a blank display means the monitor isn’t getting a signal from the correct source. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of display output priorities and common deployment oversights—a frequent trap is assuming a powered card guarantees a picture. The key memory tip is “fans spin, no picture? Check the connector’s fixture.”
220-1101 Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of core pc hardware troubleshooting. 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.
During a deployment, you install a new graphics card into a desktop PC. After powering on, the system boots but the display is blank. The monitor is known to work, and the card's fans spin. What should you check next?
Why wrong: Replacing the card is premature; the fans spinning suggests it is functional, and the issue is more likely a configuration or connection problem.
B
Update the BIOS
Why wrong: BIOS updates are rarely needed for basic display output; this would be a later step if other troubleshooting fails.
C
Check that the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard
If the cable is plugged into the motherboard, the integrated graphics may be disabled when a discrete card is installed, causing a blank screen.
D
Reseat the RAM
Why wrong: RAM issues typically cause beep codes or failure to POST, not a blank screen with fans spinning.
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 connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard
Fans spinning indicates the card is receiving power, but a blank display often means the monitor is not receiving a signal. The most common oversight is connecting the display cable to the motherboard's video port instead of the new graphics card's ports.
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.
✗
Replace the graphics card
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the card is premature; the fans spinning suggests it is functional, and the issue is more likely a configuration or connection problem.
✗
Update the BIOS
Why it's wrong here
BIOS updates are rarely needed for basic display output; this would be a later step if other troubleshooting fails.
✓
Check that the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard
Why this is correct
If the cable is plugged into the motherboard, the integrated graphics may be disabled when a discrete card is installed, causing a blank screen.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reseat the RAM
Why it's wrong here
RAM issues typically cause beep codes or failure to POST, not a blank screen with fans spinning.
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
BIOS updates are rarely needed for basic display output; this would be a later step if other troubleshooting fails.
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.
Core PC Hardware Troubleshooting — This question tests Core PC Hardware 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 connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard — Fans spinning indicates the card is receiving power, but a blank display often means the monitor is not receiving a signal. The most common oversight is connecting the display cable to the motherboard's video port instead of the new graphics card's ports.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A technician is deploying a new workstation in a retail store. After connecting all peripherals and power, the system powers on but the monitor shows 'No Signal'. The monitor is connected via VGA to the motherboard. What should the technician check first?
easy
A.Replace the VGA cable.
B.Reseat the RAM modules.
✓ C.Connect the monitor to the discrete graphics card's video port.
D.Update the motherboard BIOS.
Why C: When a system has a dedicated GPU, the motherboard video ports are often disabled. The most common oversight is connecting the monitor to the wrong port. This scenario tests basic hardware installation knowledge.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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