- A
USB-C to USB-C cable
Why wrong: A USB-C to USB-C cable would only work if the display also supports USB-C video input, which is not specified.
- B
USB-C to HDMI cable
This cable directly uses the laptop's DisplayPort Alt Mode to output video to the display's HDMI port, requiring no additional adapters.
- C
USB-C to DisplayPort cable
Why wrong: While technically possible, the display supports HDMI, and using DisplayPort would require an adapter or different cable, making it less straightforward.
- D
USB-C to VGA cable
Why wrong: VGA is an analog standard and would require active conversion, reducing quality and reliability; HDMI is the better choice.
Question 586 of 1,020
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode to HDMI Cable
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. 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 setting up a conference room where a laptop must connect to a large display for presentations. The display supports HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. The laptop only has a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. Which cable should the technician use to connect the laptop to the display?
Quick Answer
The answer is a USB-C to HDMI cable. This is correct because a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode can transmit video signals directly through the cable, allowing a simple USB-C to HDMI connection to carry both video and audio to the display without needing any adapters or converters. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of USB-C Alt Mode capabilities, specifically that not all USB-C ports output video—only those labeled with a DisplayPort or Thunderbolt icon. A common trap is choosing a USB-C to USB-C cable, which would only work if the display also supported USB-C video input, but since the display supports HDMI, the direct USB-C to HDMI cable is the simplest and most reliable solution. Memory tip: “Alt Mode” means alternate video output—so if the port has it, you can go straight to HDMI.
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
✓
USB-C to HDMI cable
The laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, which allows it to output a video signal over the USB-C connection. The display supports HDMI, so a USB-C to HDMI cable is the correct choice because it converts the DisplayPort Alt Mode signal from the laptop into an HDMI-compatible signal for the display, without needing any active adapter or additional power.
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.
- ✗
USB-C to USB-C cable
Why it's wrong here
A USB-C to USB-C cable would only work if the display also supports USB-C video input, which is not specified.
- ✓
USB-C to HDMI cable
Why this is correct
This cable directly uses the laptop's DisplayPort Alt Mode to output video to the display's HDMI port, requiring no additional adapters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
USB-C to DisplayPort cable
Why it's wrong here
While technically possible, the display supports HDMI, and using DisplayPort would require an adapter or different cable, making it less straightforward.
- ✗
USB-C to VGA cable
Why it's wrong here
VGA is an analog standard and would require active conversion, reducing quality and reliability; HDMI is the better choice.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a USB-C to USB-C cable is the universal solution for any USB-C device, but the trap here is that the display's USB-C port may not support video input (it might be for data or power only), so the safest and most compatible choice is to use an adapter cable that matches a known video input on the display, such as HDMI.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C allows the USB-C connector to carry native DisplayPort signals, which can be adapted to HDMI using a passive cable because HDMI and DisplayPort share similar TMDS signaling for video (though HDMI uses a different connector and protocol for audio and CEC). In practice, a USB-C to HDMI cable contains a small chip that negotiates the Alt Mode and presents the laptop as an HDMI source, while a USB-C to DisplayPort cable would simply pass the native DisplayPort signal without conversion. The key subtlety is that many USB-C to HDMI cables are passive for single-link HDMI (up to 4K@30Hz) but require active electronics for higher resolutions or HDR, so the technician should verify the cable's specifications match the laptop's output capabilities.
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.
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
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
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Mobile Device Connection Methods — This question tests Mobile Device Connection Methods — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: USB-C to HDMI cable — The laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, which allows it to output a video signal over the USB-C connection. The display supports HDMI, so a USB-C to HDMI cable is the correct choice because it converts the DisplayPort Alt Mode signal from the laptop into an HDMI-compatible signal for the display, without needing any active adapter or additional power.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 220-1201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K external monitor for a presentation. The laptop has USB-C ports, and the monitor supports HDMI and DisplayPort. Which adapter or cable should the technician recommend for the best video quality?
easy- A.USB-C to VGA adapter
- B.USB-C to HDMI adapter
- ✓ C.USB-C to DisplayPort cable
- D.USB-C to DVI adapter
Why C: Option C is correct because a USB-C to DisplayPort cable supports native DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C, which can deliver uncompressed 4K video at 60Hz or higher without conversion. This provides the best video quality for a 4K external monitor, as DisplayPort is designed for high-bandwidth video and supports higher refresh rates and color depths than HDMI in many implementations.
Variation 2. A user wants to connect their laptop to a 4K external monitor using a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. The monitor has only HDMI input. Which adapter or cable is required?
easy- A.USB-C to USB-A adapter
- ✓ B.USB-C to HDMI adapter
- C.USB-C to DisplayPort cable
- D.USB-C to VGA adapter
Why B: Option B is correct because the laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort Alt Mode, which can carry a DisplayPort signal over the USB-C connector. Since the monitor only has HDMI input, a USB-C to HDMI adapter converts the DisplayPort signal from Alt Mode into an HDMI-compatible signal, enabling the 4K video output.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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