- A
Connect both monitors directly to the laptop using two separate USB-C to HDMI cables.
Why wrong: The scenario specifies daisy-chaining, not direct connections; also HDMI is not used here.
- B
Use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second.
This daisy-chain configuration works if both monitors support DisplayPort MST, allowing video to pass through the first monitor to the second.
- C
Use a USB-C hub with two HDMI ports.
Why wrong: A hub would allow two separate connections, but the scenario requires daisy-chaining, not a hub.
- D
Use a single USB-C to DisplayPort cable that splits into two DisplayPort connectors.
Why wrong: Such splitters exist but are not standard for daisy-chaining; they may not support MST or 4K resolution on both monitors.
Thunderbolt 3 Daisy Chain Dual 4K Monitors via DisplayPort
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of mobile device connection methods. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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's laptop has a USB-C port that supports Thunderbolt 3. They want to connect two 4K monitors daisy-chained. The monitors have DisplayPort inputs. Which cable configuration is required?
Quick Answer
The correct cable configuration is a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a standard DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second. This works because Thunderbolt 3 supports daisy-chaining through DisplayPort over USB-C, relying on Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to split the single video signal across both 4K displays. Each monitor must have a DisplayPort input and support MST for the chain to function. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this tests your understanding of Thunderbolt 3’s video capabilities and the distinction between passive adapters and active MST hubs—a common trap is assuming you need a Thunderbolt 3 dock or a splitter. Remember the memory tip: “USB-C to DP first, then DP to DP—MST makes the chain work.”
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
Use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second.
Option B is correct because Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C supports DisplayPort daisy-chaining (Multi-Stream Transport, MST). A USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor carries the video signal, and a standard DisplayPort cable from the first monitor's DisplayPort out to the second monitor's DisplayPort in completes the chain. This configuration leverages the MST capability inherent in Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort 1.2 or later, allowing two 4K monitors to be driven from a single port.
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.
- ✗
Connect both monitors directly to the laptop using two separate USB-C to HDMI cables.
Why it's wrong here
The scenario specifies daisy-chaining, not direct connections; also HDMI is not used here.
- ✓
Use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second.
Why this is correct
This daisy-chain configuration works if both monitors support DisplayPort MST, allowing video to pass through the first monitor to the second.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a USB-C hub with two HDMI ports.
Why it's wrong here
A hub would allow two separate connections, but the scenario requires daisy-chaining, not a hub.
- ✗
Use a single USB-C to DisplayPort cable that splits into two DisplayPort connectors.
Why it's wrong here
Such splitters exist but are not standard for daisy-chaining; they may not support MST or 4K resolution on both monitors.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common misconception is that a simple splitter cable (Option D) can drive two independent displays, when in fact MST requires active daisy-chaining or a hub with MST support, not a passive Y-cable.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
The scenario specifies daisy-chaining, not direct connections; also HDMI is not used here.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Thunderbolt 3 uses DisplayPort 1.2 or 1.4 internally, which supports Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to combine multiple video streams into a single cable. In a daisy-chain, the first monitor must have a DisplayPort output (often labeled 'DP Out') to pass the second stream to the next monitor. This configuration is common in professional setups where cable management is critical, and it relies on the monitors supporting MST, which is standard on most modern 4K displays with DisplayPort inputs.
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.
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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: Use a USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor, then a DisplayPort cable from the first monitor to the second. — Option B is correct because Thunderbolt 3 over USB-C supports DisplayPort daisy-chaining (Multi-Stream Transport, MST). A USB-C to DisplayPort cable from the laptop to the first monitor carries the video signal, and a standard DisplayPort cable from the first monitor's DisplayPort out to the second monitor's DisplayPort in completes the chain. This configuration leverages the MST capability inherent in Thunderbolt 3 and DisplayPort 1.2 or later, allowing two 4K monitors to be driven from a single port.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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