Question 94 of 1,020
ConnectorshardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Connecting DisplayPort to DVI-D Monitor: Using a Direct Cable

This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of connectors. 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.

A technician is deploying a new thin client in a hospital room. The thin client has a DisplayPort output, but the existing monitor only has a DVI-D input. The technician needs a single cable to connect them without adapters. Which cable type should be used?

Quick Answer

The correct cable to use is a DisplayPort to DVI-D cable, as it directly connects the thin client’s DisplayPort output to the monitor’s DVI-D input without requiring any adapters. This works because both DisplayPort and DVI-D are purely digital standards; the cable simply maps the digital signals from one interface to the other, so no active conversion or power is needed. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of video interface compatibility and the difference between digital and analog signals—a common trap is confusing DVI-D (digital) with DVI-A (analog) or DVI-I (integrated), which would require an active converter for DisplayPort. A solid memory tip is to remember that “D” in DVI-D stands for “digital,” and DisplayPort is also digital, so a direct cable works like a handshake between two digital friends.

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

DisplayPort to DVI-D cable

DisplayPort and DVI-D are both digital standards. A DisplayPort to DVI-D cable can directly connect the two, as DisplayPort is compatible with DVI-D signals. No active conversion is needed because both are digital.

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.

  • DisplayPort to VGA cable

    Why it's wrong here

    VGA is analog, while DVI-D is digital. This cable would not work without an active converter, and the monitor does not have VGA.

  • HDMI to DVI-D cable

    Why it's wrong here

    This cable would require an HDMI output from the thin client, but it has DisplayPort, not HDMI.

  • DisplayPort to DVI-D cable

    Why this is correct

    This cable connects the thin client's DisplayPort to the monitor's DVI-D input directly, using a compatible digital signal.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • DVI-D to DVI-D cable

    Why it's wrong here

    The thin client does not have a DVI-D output, so this cable cannot connect.

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

    This cable would require an HDMI output from the thin client, but it has DisplayPort, not HDMI.

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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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1201 question test?

Connectors — This question tests Connectors — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: DisplayPort to DVI-D cable — DisplayPort and DVI-D are both digital standards. A DisplayPort to DVI-D cable can directly connect the two, as DisplayPort is compatible with DVI-D signals. No active conversion is needed because both are digital.

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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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026

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This 220-1201 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 220-1201 exam.