Question 193 of 1,020

Mobile Device Accessories →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

USB-C to HDMI Flickering: Loose Connection

This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device accessories. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 reports that their laptop's external monitor connected via USB-C to HDMI adapter flickers intermittently. The adapter works fine with other devices. What is the most likely cause?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

A
The HDMI cable is defective.
Why wrong: If the adapter works with other devices, the HDMI cable is likely fine; the issue is specific to this laptop.
B
The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection.
This is correct; a loose port can cause intermittent signal loss, leading to flickering.
C
The monitor's refresh rate is set too high for the adapter.
Why wrong: While possible, flickering due to refresh rate mismatch is usually constant, not intermittent.
D
The laptop's graphics driver is outdated.
Why wrong: Outdated drivers can cause issues, but intermittent flickering is more hardware-related, and the adapter works elsewhere.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

Quick Answer

The answer is a loose connection at the laptop’s USB-C port. Intermittent flickering on an external monitor almost always points to a physical connectivity issue rather than a driver or software fault, because a stable digital video signal requires continuous electrical contact. Since the USB-C to HDMI adapter works fine with other devices, the adapter and cable are ruled out, isolating the problem to the laptop’s port. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to troubleshoot display issues by methodically swapping components—a common trap is blaming the adapter or cable first, but the key clue is that the flickering only occurs with one specific laptop. Remember the memory tip: “If it flickers on one, check the port—it’s the connection that’s undone.”

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

✓

The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection.

The correct answer is B because the adapter works fine with other devices, which isolates the problem to the laptop's USB-C port. A loose connection in the port can cause intermittent signal loss, leading to flickering. This is a common hardware issue with USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output.

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.

✗
The HDMI cable is defective.
Why it's wrong here
If the adapter works with other devices, the HDMI cable is likely fine; the issue is specific to this laptop.
✓
The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection.
Why this is correct
This is correct; a loose port can cause intermittent signal loss, leading to flickering.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The monitor's refresh rate is set too high for the adapter.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, flickering due to refresh rate mismatch is usually constant, not intermittent.
✗
The laptop's graphics driver is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
Outdated drivers can cause issues, but intermittent flickering is more hardware-related, and the adapter works elsewhere.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

The CompTIA A+ exam often tests the distinction between hardware and software issues by presenting a symptom that seems like a driver or cable problem, but the key clue is that the adapter works elsewhere, pointing to a port-level hardware fault.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode use dedicated pins (SBU1/SBU2) for video signal transmission. A loose connection in these pins can cause intermittent loss of the DisplayPort link, resulting in flickering as the monitor repeatedly renegotiates the connection. This is distinct from a driver or cable issue because the problem is hardware-level and port-specific.

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

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 220-1201 question test?

Mobile Device Accessories — This question tests Mobile Device Accessories — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The USB-C port on the laptop has a loose connection. — The correct answer is B because the adapter works fine with other devices, which isolates the problem to the laptop's USB-C port. A loose connection in the port can cause intermittent signal loss, leading to flickering. This is a common hardware issue with USB-C ports that support DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output.

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.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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