- A
Replace the entire laptop.
Why wrong: Replacing the entire laptop is unnecessary and expensive when only the screen is damaged.
- B
Replace the LCD panel.
A cracked LCD panel requires replacement of the panel itself, which is the standard repair.
- C
Replace the display cable.
Why wrong: A cracked screen is physical damage, not a cable issue.
- D
Use an external monitor permanently.
Why wrong: While possible, this is not a repair and is less convenient than replacing the panel.
Question 831 of 1,020
Cracked Laptop Screen: Why You Replace the LCD Panel
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. 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's laptop screen has a small crack in the corner, and the display shows lines and discoloration in that area. The rest of the screen works. What is the most cost-effective solution?
Quick Answer
The answer is to replace the LCD panel. A cracked laptop screen involves physical damage to the liquid crystal display layer itself, which cannot be repaired by simply replacing a glass digitizer or applying adhesive; the entire LCD panel must be swapped out because the crack has compromised the internal liquid crystals, causing the lines and discoloration. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this question tests your knowledge of hardware repair and cost-effective troubleshooting for display issues, often appearing as a trap where students mistakenly think a loose cable or inverter can fix physical cracks. Remember, any visible crack or pressure damage to the screen means the LCD panel is broken, not just the outer glass. Memory tip: “Cracked glass is cosmetic, cracked LCD is catastrophic—replace the whole panel.”
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
✓
Replace the LCD panel.
The LCD panel contains the glass substrate and liquid crystal layer that physically cracks, causing localized lines and discoloration. Replacing just the LCD panel (the display assembly) is the most cost-effective solution because it restores full functionality without the expense of a new laptop or the inconvenience of a permanent external monitor. The display cable is unlikely to cause a crack or localized discoloration, as cable damage typically affects the entire screen or causes intermittent issues.
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.
- ✗
Replace the entire laptop.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the entire laptop is unnecessary and expensive when only the screen is damaged.
- ✓
Replace the LCD panel.
Why this is correct
A cracked LCD panel requires replacement of the panel itself, which is the standard repair.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Replace the display cable.
Why it's wrong here
A cracked screen is physical damage, not a cable issue.
- ✗
Use an external monitor permanently.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this is not a repair and is less convenient than replacing the panel.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a cracked screen always requires a full laptop replacement, when in fact the LCD panel is a modular, replaceable component that is far cheaper to swap out.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Modern laptop LCD panels use embedded DisplayPort (eDP) or LVDS interfaces, where the panel itself integrates the timing controller (TCON) and backlight. A physical crack severs the thin-film transistors (TFTs) and liquid crystal alignment in that region, causing dead pixels, lines, and color distortion. Replacing the panel requires matching the exact model number, resolution, and connector type (e.g., 30-pin eDP vs. 40-pin LVDS) to ensure compatibility with the laptop's motherboard and inverter/backlight driver.
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.
- →
Display Devices — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Display Devices practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 220-1201 questions
1,020 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
220-1201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 220-1201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Mobile Device Hardware Servicing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Hardware Servicing.
Mobile Device Connection Methods practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Connection Methods.
Mobile Device Accessories practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Accessories.
Mobile Device Network Connectivity practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Network Connectivity.
Mobile Device Application Support practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Mobile Device Application Support.
Network Protocols practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Protocols.
TCP & UDP Ports practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to TCP & UDP Ports.
Wireless Networking Technologies practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Wireless Networking Technologies.
Network Services practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Services.
Network Configuration Concepts practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Network Configuration Concepts.
Common Networking Hardware practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to Common Networking Hardware.
IP Addressing practice questions
Practise 220-1201 questions linked to IP Addressing.
Practice this exam
Start a free 220-1201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Replace the LCD panel. — The LCD panel contains the glass substrate and liquid crystal layer that physically cracks, causing localized lines and discoloration. Replacing just the LCD panel (the display assembly) is the most cost-effective solution because it restores full functionality without the expense of a new laptop or the inconvenience of a permanent external monitor. The display cable is unlikely to cause a crack or localized discoloration, as cable damage typically affects the entire screen or causes intermittent issues.
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 →
Keep practising
More 220-1201 practice questions
- During a network cable installation, a technician needs to verify that a newly run Cat6 cable is properly terminated and…
- A user connects a 4K monitor to their laptop using a USB-C port. The monitor is detected, but the resolution is stuck at…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that will not charge. The battery is removable, and the power adapter works on…
- A customer brings in a smartphone with a broken charging port. They want the port replaced. During disassembly, the tech…
- A user reports that their laptop's keyboard types random characters when certain keys are pressed. The laptop has not be…
- A technician is troubleshooting a laptop that shuts down randomly after a few minutes of use. The fan is spinning, and t…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.