What should be checked first if a user's monitor is not displaying anything after a hardware change?

When a user's monitor is not displaying anything following a hardware change, the video cable connection should be checked first because it serves as the crucial link between the monitor and the graphics output of the computer. If the video cable is disconnected, damaged, or improperly seated, the monitor will not receive any signal, resulting in a blank screen. Ensuring that this connection is secure and intact can often resolve the display issue quickly.

The other options, while important, are generally not the first point of troubleshooting in this specific scenario. The power connection can be checked subsequently, as it ensures that the monitor is receiving electricity, but if there is no signal, the cable is typically prioritized. Monitor settings are relevant when the display has power but is not showing the correct input or image; these settings would not be the initial concern if there’s no display at all. Checking the graphics card installation is also necessary, particularly if the hardware change involved the graphics card itself, but this step comes after confirming that the cable connections are secure. Thus, starting with the video cable connection is the most logical approach in troubleshooting display issues.