- A
HDMI to VGA adapter
Why wrong: VGA is analog and requires an active converter; it will not work with a digital DisplayPort monitor directly.
- B
HDMI to DisplayPort adapter
HDMI and DisplayPort use similar digital signaling, so a passive adapter can convert the signal for the monitor.
- C
DisplayPort to USB-C adapter
Why wrong: This adapter would connect a DisplayPort source to a USB-C monitor, but the PC has HDMI, not DisplayPort.
- D
DVI to HDMI adapter
Why wrong: This adapter would connect a DVI source to an HDMI monitor, but the PC has HDMI output, not DVI.
Question 785 of 1,020
HDMI to DisplayPort Adapter: Passive vs Active Conversion
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 user is setting up a new monitor that uses a DisplayPort connection, but their desktop PC only has an HDMI port. They have an adapter. Which adapter type will allow the monitor to display correctly?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is a passive HDMI to DisplayPort adapter because both HDMI and DisplayPort are digital video standards that are electrically compatible for video signals, meaning a passive adapter can simply rewire the pins without needing active signal conversion. This works because the underlying TMDS (Transition Minimized Differential Signaling) protocol used by HDMI is natively supported by DisplayPort’s dual-mode capability, allowing a direct electrical handshake between the two ports. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your understanding of digital vs. analog signal paths and the common trap of assuming all adapters need active conversion—especially when VGA or USB-C is involved, which often do. A key memory tip: if both ends are digital and the adapter is just a simple cable or dongle, it’s likely passive; if one end is analog (like VGA), you need an active converter. Remember the mnemonic “Digital Direct, Passive Perfect” to recall that HDMI-to-DisplayPort works passively for video.
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 DisplayPort adapter
The correct answer is B because DisplayPort and HDMI are both digital video standards, and a passive adapter can convert between them without signal loss. This tests knowledge that DisplayPort and HDMI are electrically compatible for video, unlike VGA (analog) or USB-C (which may require active conversion).
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 VGA adapter
Why it's wrong here
VGA is analog and requires an active converter; it will not work with a digital DisplayPort monitor directly.
- ✓
HDMI to DisplayPort adapter
Why this is correct
HDMI and DisplayPort use similar digital signaling, so a passive adapter can convert the signal for the monitor.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DisplayPort to USB-C adapter
Why it's wrong here
This adapter would connect a DisplayPort source to a USB-C monitor, but the PC has HDMI, not DisplayPort.
- ✗
DVI to HDMI adapter
Why it's wrong here
This adapter would connect a DVI source to an HDMI monitor, but the PC has HDMI output, not DVI.
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 adapter would connect a DVI source to an HDMI monitor, but the PC has HDMI output, not DVI.
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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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 DisplayPort adapter — The correct answer is B because DisplayPort and HDMI are both digital video standards, and a passive adapter can convert between them without signal loss. This tests knowledge that DisplayPort and HDMI are electrically compatible for video, unlike VGA (analog) or USB-C (which may require active conversion).
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
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 a new monitor to their desktop PC. The monitor has a DisplayPort input, and the PC has an HDMI output. Which cable type will work without additional adapters?
easy- A.HDMI to HDMI cable
- B.DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable
- ✓ C.HDMI to DisplayPort cable
- D.VGA to HDMI cable
Why C: HDMI and DisplayPort are different standards, but many cables are available with HDMI on one end and DisplayPort on the other. A bidirectional cable can connect an HDMI source to a DisplayPort monitor.
Variation 2. A user reports that their new monitor, which uses a DisplayPort connection, shows no signal. The technician finds the monitor is connected to the PC's HDMI port via a passive adapter. What is the most likely issue?
easy- A.The HDMI cable is faulty
- B.The monitor is set to the wrong input source
- ✓ C.The passive adapter cannot convert HDMI to DisplayPort
- D.The graphics driver is outdated
Why C: Passive DisplayPort to HDMI adapters often require an active adapter to convert the signal properly, especially if the source only outputs HDMI. This tests understanding of signal conversion and adapter types. The monitor's DisplayPort input needs a compatible signal from the PC's HDMI output.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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