220-1201 Practice Question: During a deployment, you install a new graphics…

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 a premature troubleshooting step when the fans are observed spinning. The presence of fan activity indicates that the card is receiving power and has at least some basic functionality, suggesting the issue is more likely related to output configuration, driver installation, or a physical connection error rather than a complete hardware failure of the card itself. A systematic approach would first verify connections and software settings before considering hardware replacement.

• ✗

  Update the BIOS

  Why it's wrong here

  Updating the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is generally not required for a newly installed graphics card to produce basic display output, especially if the system is otherwise POSTing. While a BIOS update might address compatibility issues with very new or specific card models, it's a higher-risk procedure that should only be considered after simpler troubleshooting steps, such as verifying connections and drivers, have been exhausted. It is not the primary cause of a blank screen immediately after installation.

• ✓

  Check that the monitor cable is connected to the graphics card, not the motherboard

  Why this is correct

  This is the most common oversight when installing a new discrete graphics card. Many motherboards are configured to automatically disable their integrated graphics processing unit (iGPU) when a dedicated PCIe graphics card is detected and installed. If the monitor cable remains connected to the motherboard's video output ports instead of the new graphics card's ports, the system will attempt to output video through the now-inactive iGPU, resulting in a blank screen despite the discrete card being powered on.

• ✗

  Reseat the RAM

  Why it's wrong here

  Reseating the RAM (Random Access Memory) is an inappropriate initial troubleshooting step for a blank screen when the system fans are spinning. Issues with RAM modules, such as improper seating or failure, typically manifest as system instability, repeated reboots, or, more commonly, specific beep codes from the motherboard indicating a memory error, or a complete failure to POST (Power-On Self-Test). A blank screen with active fans usually points to a display output problem rather than a fundamental memory access issue.

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