220-1101 Hardware Practice Question
A technician is building a new desktop computer for a graphic designer. After installing the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and a high-end discrete GPU, the system powers on (fans spin, LEDs light) but the monitor displays 'No Signal' when plugged into the GPU. The technician verifies the monitor works with another computer. Which of the following should the technician check FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see fans spinning and LEDs lit and assume the GPU has full power, leading them to skip the power cable check and jump to reseating the card or replacing cables, when in fact the GPU's auxiliary power is separate from its core display logic.
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
✓
Verify that the PCIe power cables from the power supply are properly connected to the graphics card
The most common cause of a 'No Signal' error when a discrete GPU is installed is that the PCIe power cables from the power supply are not connected or are insufficiently seated. High-end GPUs require dedicated 6-pin or 8-pin PCIe power connectors; without them, the card may power its fans and LEDs via the PCIe slot but cannot initialize the display output. Since the monitor works with another computer, the issue is isolated to the GPU's power delivery, making this the logical first check.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Verify that the PCIe power cables from the power supply are properly connected to the graphics card
Why this is correct
Discrete GPUs draw significant power through dedicated PCIe power connectors (6-pin, 8-pin, or 12VHPWR). If these supplemental cables are loose or unseated, the card may power on via the PCIe slot's 75W supply but fail to initialize, resulting in no display. Always confirm the cables click into place and are from the correct PSU modular ports.
- ✗
Reseat the graphics card in the PCIe slot
Why it's wrong here
Reseating the graphics card ensures that the PCIe x16 slot contacts are properly mated and that the retention clip is engaged, but it does nothing to verify the secondary power connection. A card can be perfectly seated in the slot yet still remain dark because neither its 6-pin nor 8-pin auxiliary power connector is attached. Since a loose power cable is more common and easier to check, reseating is an unnecessary action that risks static damage or slot wear before the power path is validated.
When this WOULD be correct
If the technician had already verified that PCIe power cables are connected and the system still shows 'No Signal' after a GPU swap, reseating the card would be the next step to ensure proper contact in the slot.
- ✗
Replace the HDMI or DisplayPort cable
Why it's wrong here
Because the monitor has been confirmed working with another computer, the HDMI or DisplayPort cable is not the primary failure point; a faulty cable would typically cause intermittent sync issues or reduced bandwidth, not a total absence of video. Even a completely defective cable cannot prevent a GPU from being recognized by the system if the card itself lacks power. Thus, replacing the cable is a redundant step that ignores the actual power-supply inadequacy.
When this WOULD be correct
If the monitor displayed 'No Signal' on a known-working computer as well, or if the cable was visibly damaged, then checking/replacing the cable would be the correct first step.
- ✗
Update the motherboard BIOS to the latest version
Why it's wrong here
A BIOS update changes firmware-level instructions that govern CPU microcode, memory training, and boot device initialization; it does not alter the physical power path to a graphics card. On a fresh build, the first step is to verify that all required PCIe power connectors are supplying voltage, as a missing cable is far more common than a firmware incompatibility. Flashing a BIOS also carries a bricking risk, so it should be deferred until hardware faults are eliminated.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 220-1101 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Verify that the PCIe power cables from the power supply are properly connected to the graphics cardCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Discrete GPUs draw significant power through dedicated PCIe power connectors (6-pin, 8-pin, or 12VHPWR). If these supplemental cables are loose or unseated, the card may power on via the PCIe slot's 75W supply but fail to initialize, resulting in no display. Always confirm the cables click into place and are from the correct PSU modular ports.
✗Reseat the graphics card in the PCIe slotWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The system powers on with fans spinning and LEDs lit, indicating the GPU is likely seated correctly. The most common cause of 'No Signal' with a new high-end GPU is missing or loose PCIe power cables, which should be checked before reseating.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the technician had already verified that PCIe power cables are connected and the system still shows 'No Signal' after a GPU swap, reseating the card would be the next step to ensure proper contact in the slot.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates often assume that a loose or improperly seated card is the primary cause of display issues, overlooking the power supply connection as a more frequent culprit in new builds.
✗Replace the HDMI or DisplayPort cableWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
The monitor works with another computer, so the cable is not the issue. The problem is likely power delivery to the GPU, not the video cable.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the monitor displayed 'No Signal' on a known-working computer as well, or if the cable was visibly damaged, then checking/replacing the cable would be the correct first step.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may assume a faulty cable is a common cause of 'No Signal' and overlook that the monitor was verified working, leading them to skip the more likely power issue.
Analysis generated from the official 220-1101blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
PSU Connector Types: 24-pin, PCIe, SATA
Key term
Dual In-line Memory Module
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) is a small circuit board that holds memory chips and plugs into a computer's motherboard to provide Random Access Memory (RAM).
Key term
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express
PCI Express (PCIe) is a high-speed expansion bus standard that connects internal hardware components like graphics cards, SSDs, and network adapters to a computer's motherboard.
About these practice questions
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1101 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1101 exam.