- A
HDMI to DVI and DisplayPort to HDMI
Why wrong: While an HDMI-to-DVI cable works for the DVI monitor, a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable may not work if the source lacks DP++ support. The combination is less reliable than using an adapter, so it is not the best answer.
- B
Two HDMI cables, using a splitter
Why wrong: Using a splitter would clone the display, not extend, and requires both monitors to use HDMI, which is not possible here.
- C
DisplayPort to HDMI and VGA to DVI
Why wrong: VGA to DVI is an analog-to-digital conversion that requires an active converter and is not straightforward.
- D
HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
Correct. HDMI to HDMI connects the HDMI monitor directly. DisplayPort to DVI with a passive adapter connects the DVI monitor reliably, as DisplayPort can output DVI signals passively.
How to Connect Two Monitors with HDMI and DisplayPort: Cable and Adapter Guide
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 setting up a dual-monitor workstation for a financial analyst. The PC has one HDMI port and one DisplayPort. The monitors have HDMI and DVI inputs, respectively. Which cable combination will allow both monitors to display?
Quick Answer
The answer is an HDMI-to-HDMI cable for one monitor and a DisplayPort-to-DVI cable (or DisplayPort to HDMI with a DVI adapter) for the other. This works because HDMI and DisplayPort are both digital video standards, and DisplayPort is designed to drive DVI or HDMI signals through a passive adapter, requiring no active conversion. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of common video connector conversions and the fact that DisplayPort’s multi-mode capability allows it to output to DVI or HDMI without a powered converter. A common trap is assuming you need an active adapter for every cross-connection, but here the DisplayPort output natively supports DVI signaling, so a simple passive cable or adapter is sufficient. Memory tip: think of DisplayPort as the “universal donor” for digital video—it can speak HDMI or DVI with just a passive adapter, while HDMI cannot natively drive DisplayPort.
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
HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
The correct answer is D because it uses the PC's HDMI port to connect directly to the HDMI monitor with an HDMI-to-HDMI cable, and the PC's DisplayPort to connect to the DVI monitor using a DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter/cable. This is the standard method. Option A uses an HDMI-to-DVI cable for the DVI monitor and a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable for the HDMI monitor. While technically possible, the question asks for a cable combination, and HDMI-to-DVI cables are often considered adapters rather than standard cables. Additionally, DisplayPort-to-HDMI cables are less common than the direct approach in D. Therefore, D is the best choice.
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.
- ✗
HDMI to DVI and DisplayPort to HDMI
Why it's wrong here
While an HDMI-to-DVI cable works for the DVI monitor, a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable may not work if the source lacks DP++ support. The combination is less reliable than using an adapter, so it is not the best answer.
- ✗
Two HDMI cables, using a splitter
Why it's wrong here
Using a splitter would clone the display, not extend, and requires both monitors to use HDMI, which is not possible here.
- ✗
DisplayPort to HDMI and VGA to DVI
Why it's wrong here
VGA to DVI is an analog-to-digital conversion that requires an active converter and is not straightforward.
- ✓
HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter)
Why this is correct
Correct. HDMI to HDMI connects the HDMI monitor directly. DisplayPort to DVI with a passive adapter connects the DVI monitor reliably, as DisplayPort can output DVI signals passively.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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.
- →
Connectors — study guide chapter
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Connectors practice questions
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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: HDMI to HDMI and DisplayPort to DVI (with adapter) — The correct answer is D because it uses the PC's HDMI port to connect directly to the HDMI monitor with an HDMI-to-HDMI cable, and the PC's DisplayPort to connect to the DVI monitor using a DisplayPort-to-DVI adapter/cable. This is the standard method. Option A uses an HDMI-to-DVI cable for the DVI monitor and a DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable for the HDMI monitor. While technically possible, the question asks for a cable combination, and HDMI-to-DVI cables are often considered adapters rather than standard cables. Additionally, DisplayPort-to-HDMI cables are less common than the direct approach in D. Therefore, D is the best choice.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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