- A
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and one via DVI-D
Why wrong: Incorrect: DVI-D single-link does not support 4K resolution; it is limited to 1920x1200.
- B
Use a DisplayPort hub to connect all three monitors to the single DisplayPort
Why wrong: Incorrect: A passive DisplayPort hub does not increase bandwidth; it only splits the signal, but the total bandwidth of one DisplayPort 1.4 port (32.4 Gbps) is insufficient for three 4K monitors without compression. An active MST hub with Display Stream Compression might work, but the option does not specify active hub and is generally considered impractical for three 4K monitors.
- C
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third
Correct: As explained, using the HDMI port for one monitor, and an MST hub on the DisplayPort for the other two (one direct DisplayPort, one via DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter), achieves three 4K displays.
- D
Replace the graphics card with one that has three DisplayPorts
Why wrong: Incorrect: This is a valid solution but not the only one and may be unnecessary if an MST hub is used. The question asks which configuration will work among the given options, and C is feasible.
Connecting Three 4K Monitors: Adapter Solutions
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: displayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST). 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 graphic designer wants to connect three 4K monitors to a single workstation for a video editing suite. The workstation has a graphics card with one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one DVI-D port. The monitors all support HDMI and DisplayPort. Which configuration will allow all three monitors to display at 4K resolution simultaneously?
Quick Answer
The correct configuration is to connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third. This works because both HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 natively support 4K resolution at 60Hz, while the DVI-D port on the graphics card is the bottleneck—it maxes out at 2560x1600 and cannot drive a 4K display. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of video port capabilities and adapter limitations, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly try to use the DVI port for 4K. The key takeaway is that when connecting three 4K monitors, you must rely on the two ports that handle 4K (HDMI and DisplayPort) and use an active adapter to convert the second DisplayPort signal to HDMI for the third screen. Memory tip: “DVI dies at 4K—stick to HDMI and DP for the triple play.”
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
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third
Option C is correct because the graphics card has one HDMI 2.0 port and one DisplayPort 1.4 port. While the card has only one DisplayPort, it can support multiple displays through a DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) hub. By using an MST hub, you can connect a monitor directly via DisplayPort and another via a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, both using the single DisplayPort port. The HDMI port connects the third monitor. All connections support 4K at 60 Hz: HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 natively, and the DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, if active and HDMI 2.0 compliant, preserves 4K resolution. The DVI-D port is single-link DVI and limited to 1920x1200, so it cannot drive a 4K monitor.
Key principle: DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and one via DVI-D
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: DVI-D single-link does not support 4K resolution; it is limited to 1920x1200.
- ✗
Use a DisplayPort hub to connect all three monitors to the single DisplayPort
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: A passive DisplayPort hub does not increase bandwidth; it only splits the signal, but the total bandwidth of one DisplayPort 1.4 port (32.4 Gbps) is insufficient for three 4K monitors without compression. An active MST hub with Display Stream Compression might work, but the option does not specify active hub and is generally considered impractical for three 4K monitors.
- ✓
Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third
Why this is correct
Correct: As explained, using the HDMI port for one monitor, and an MST hub on the DisplayPort for the other two (one direct DisplayPort, one via DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter), achieves three 4K displays.
Related concept
DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)
- ✗
Replace the graphics card with one that has three DisplayPorts
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: This is a valid solution but not the only one and may be unnecessary if an MST hub is used. The question asks which configuration will work among the given options, and C is feasible.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the misconception that DVI-D can support 4K resolution, or that a passive DisplayPort hub can magically multiply bandwidth, leading candidates to choose Option A or B without considering the bandwidth limitations of MST and DVI. However, option C is viable when using an active MST hub to split the single DisplayPort into two usable connections.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DisplayPort 1.4 supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST), which allows daisy-chaining or using a hub, but the total bandwidth of 32.4 Gbps (HBR3) is shared across all displays. Three 4K@60 Hz streams require approximately 54 Gbps (18 Gbps each), exceeding the limit, so MST would force a lower resolution or refresh rate. An active DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter uses the full bandwidth of the DisplayPort output and converts it to HDMI 2.0, which supports 4K@60 Hz, making it a viable solution for the third monitor.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)
- HDMI 2.0
- DVI-D single-link
- Active adapter
TExam Day Tips
- 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
DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)
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. DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) 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.
Review displayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST), then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST).
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connect one monitor via HDMI, one via DisplayPort, and use a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter for the third — Option C is correct because the graphics card has one HDMI 2.0 port and one DisplayPort 1.4 port. While the card has only one DisplayPort, it can support multiple displays through a DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST) hub. By using an MST hub, you can connect a monitor directly via DisplayPort and another via a DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, both using the single DisplayPort port. The HDMI port connects the third monitor. All connections support 4K at 60 Hz: HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 natively, and the DisplayPort-to-HDMI adapter, if active and HDMI 2.0 compliant, preserves 4K resolution. The DVI-D port is single-link DVI and limited to 1920x1200, so it cannot drive a 4K monitor.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review displayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST), then practise related 220-1201 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
DisplayPort Multi-Stream Transport (MST)
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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