CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)HardwareMedium
A technician is installing a new graphics card into a desktop computer. The graphics card has multiple display outputs, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D. The client's monitor only has a VGA input. Which of the following adapters is REQUIRED to connect the new graphics card to the client's monitor?
- AVGA to DisplayPort cable
- BHDMI to VGA adapter
- CDVI-D to DVI-I adapter
- DDisplayPort to DVI-D adapter
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. HDMI to VGA adapter
HDMI, DisplayPort, and DVI-D are all digital video signals, while VGA is an analog signal. To convert a digital signal to an analog signal, an active adapter is required. An HDMI to VGA adapter performs this conversion.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A VGA to DisplayPort cable would convert analog to digital, which is the opposite direction needed, and implies an active converter, not just a cable.
- C. DVI-D is digital, DVI-I supports both digital and analog; this adapter would not convert a digital signal to VGA.
- D. A DisplayPort to DVI-D adapter converts between two digital signals, which is not what is needed for a VGA monitor.
Digital to Analog Video Conversion
The process of transforming a digital video signal (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D) into an analog video signal (e.g., VGA), which typically requires an active adapter.
- Digital: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI-D.
- Analog: VGA.
- Active adapter needed for digital to analog conversion.
- Passive adapters often work for analog to analog or digital to digital if compatible.
Memory trick: Digital to Analog, active adapter's the call, or your screen won't show it all.