- A
The graphics card driver is outdated.
Why wrong: While outdated drivers can limit resolution, the card supports 4K, so the cable is a more immediate suspect.
- B
The monitor's refresh rate is set too high.
Why wrong: A high refresh rate might limit resolution, but the default settings usually don't cause this; the cable bandwidth is the primary issue.
- C
The DisplayPort cable is not rated for 4K.
DisplayPort cables have bandwidth limits; a cable rated for lower resolutions (e.g., 1080p) will not pass 4K signal. Upgrading to a high-speed DisplayPort cable is needed.
- D
The monitor's input is set to HDMI.
Why wrong: If the monitor is connected via DisplayPort, its input should be set to DisplayPort. Incorrect input selection would show 'No Signal', not a lower resolution.
Quick Answer
The most likely cause is using a DisplayPort cable that is not rated for 4K resolution. DisplayPort cables are built to different version specifications—such as 1.2, 1.4, or 2.0—and each version supports a maximum data bandwidth. An older or lower-rated cable, even if physically identical, cannot carry the higher data throughput required for 4K at 60Hz or above, forcing the monitor to fall back to 1080p. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that cable capabilities, not just connector shape, determine supported resolutions. A common trap is assuming any DisplayPort cable works for 4K, or blaming the graphics card or monitor settings first. Remember the memory tip: “Cable version dictates resolution—check the rating before you start connecting.”
220-1101 Display Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices 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 hardware installation, you connect a new 4K monitor to a desktop PC using DisplayPort, but the display is stuck at 1080p resolution. The graphics card supports 4K. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The DisplayPort cable is not rated for 4K.
This question tests knowledge of display cable capabilities. DisplayPort cables come in different versions, and older cables may not support 4K at higher refresh rates. The most likely cause is using a DisplayPort cable that does not meet the required bandwidth for 4K.
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.
- ✗
The graphics card driver is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
While outdated drivers can limit resolution, the card supports 4K, so the cable is a more immediate suspect.
- ✗
The monitor's refresh rate is set too high.
Why it's wrong here
A high refresh rate might limit resolution, but the default settings usually don't cause this; the cable bandwidth is the primary issue.
- ✓
The DisplayPort cable is not rated for 4K.
Why this is correct
DisplayPort cables have bandwidth limits; a cable rated for lower resolutions (e.g., 1080p) will not pass 4K signal. Upgrading to a high-speed DisplayPort cable is needed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The monitor's input is set to HDMI.
Why it's wrong here
If the monitor is connected via DisplayPort, its input should be set to DisplayPort. Incorrect input selection would show 'No Signal', not a lower resolution.
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
If the monitor is connected via DisplayPort, its input should be set to DisplayPort. Incorrect input selection would show 'No Signal', not a lower resolution.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Display Devices Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Display Devices Troubleshooting — This question tests Display Devices Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DisplayPort cable is not rated for 4K. — This question tests knowledge of display cable capabilities. DisplayPort cables come in different versions, and older cables may not support 4K at higher refresh rates. The most likely cause is using a DisplayPort cable that does not meet the required bandwidth for 4K.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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