The answer is to inspect the HDMI port on the laptop for physical damage or debris. This is correct because the problem is isolated to the external monitor connection—the laptop’s built-in display works fine, and swapping both the cable and the monitor did not resolve the flickering. When an external monitor flickers intermittently despite these swaps, the root cause is almost always a compromised port, such as bent pins, a loose connection, or accumulated debris that interrupts the digital signal. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to follow a systematic troubleshooting methodology, specifically isolating hardware faults at the port level rather than jumping to driver or software fixes. A common trap is to immediately blame the GPU or update drivers, but the exam emphasizes checking physical connections first. Memory tip: “Swap the cable, swap the screen, if flickering still is seen, the port is likely unclean.”
220-1101 Display Devices Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that their external monitor connected to a laptop via HDMI flickers intermittently. The laptop's built-in display works fine. You have tried a different HDMI cable and a different monitor, but the flickering persists. What should you check next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Inspect the HDMI port on the laptop for physical damage or debris.
The issue is isolated to the external monitor connection, and swapping cable and monitor didn't help. This points to a defective or loose HDMI port on the laptop, which can cause intermittent signal loss. Testing with a known-good display on a different port or device confirms the port as the root cause.
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.
✗
Update the graphics driver to the latest version.
Why it's wrong here
Driver issues typically affect both displays, not just the external one; also, swapping components didn't resolve it.
✗
Replace the video cable with a DisplayPort cable.
Why it's wrong here
Changing cable type won't fix a hardware port issue; the laptop still uses the same HDMI port.
✓
Inspect the HDMI port on the laptop for physical damage or debris.
Why this is correct
A damaged or dirty port can cause intermittent connections; cleaning or replacing the port is the logical next step.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable the laptop's built-in display to force the external monitor as primary.
Why it's wrong here
This would not address the underlying hardware fault and may cause the external display to still flicker.
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.
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.
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: Inspect the HDMI port on the laptop for physical damage or debris. — The issue is isolated to the external monitor connection, and swapping cable and monitor didn't help. This points to a defective or loose HDMI port on the laptop, which can cause intermittent signal loss. Testing with a known-good display on a different port or device confirms the port as the root cause.
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.
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Question Discussion
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