When your system has a problem that won’t let it start up properly, the first thing you will hear is warning beeps. These could be because of hardware or even because of the BIOS itself.
Unfortunately, beep codes are not standardized across BIOS vendors and motherboard manufacturers. Below are mentioned the beep codes, along with the possible problem that could be causing the beep, and some suggestions towards resolution. These are for two popular BIOS vendors—AMI and Award. If your BIOS is from any other vendor, you will need to refer to the motherboard manufacturer’s or the BIOS vendor’s manual for details.
Also, motherboard manufacturers may modify the beep codes to their convenience and not maintain consistency. Keep an open mind when you decipher the beep, and don’t get into a tizzy if the codes don’t match what is in here or in the BIOS vendor’s manual! You should always try and contact the manufacturer to get the correct beep codes.
AMIBIOS (American Megatrends Inc.)
One beep: RAM failure
Problem: Motherboard problem or failed RAM.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard and/or the RAM.
Two beeps: Parity Circuit Failure
Problem: Motherboard problem or failed RAM.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard and/or the RAM.
Three beeps: Base 64K RAM failure
Problem: There is a failure within the first 64K of memory.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard and/or the RAM.
Four beeps: System Timer Failure
Problem: One or more of the system timers on the motherboard has failed; usually indicates motherboard failure.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard. You may need to replace it.
Five beeps: Processor Failure
Problem: The processor is generating an error condition. This does not mean that the processor is not working—with a dead processor, the computer won’t boot at all.
Solution: Check if the processor is overheating, and whether it is set correctly on the motherboard. Troubleshoot the motherboard.
Six beeps: Keyboard controller or gate A20 failure
Problem: Keyboard, keyboard controller or motherboard error.
Solution: Check if the keyboard is connected properly. Use another keyboard to see if the problem persists. If it does, look for the keyboard controller chip on the motherboard and see if it is seated properly and that it is not damaged. If the problem continues, troubleshoot the motherboard.
Seven beeps: Virtual mode exception error
Problem: This error is reported when testing the processor’s virtual mode. Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard/processor. Verify that all jumpers are properly configured.
Eight beeps: Display memory read/write failure
Problem: The BIOS is not able to read/write the display card’s memory.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard and/or display card.
Nine beeps: BIOS’ ROM checksum failure
Problem: The BIOS CMOS chip is most likely defective. May also be a problem with the motherboard.
Solution: The CMOS chip can be replaced, but replacing the motherboard is simpler and more cost-effective.
10 beeps: CMOS shutdown register read/write error
Problem: A motherboard component is creating an error when interacting with the CMOS.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard and verify that all components are properly set up and configured.
11 beeps: Cache memory error
Problem: There is an problem with the processor’s L2 cache.
Solution: Verify that the L2 cache chip is inserted correctly. Verify that all connections inside the PC are correct. Replace the cache module if the problem persists.
Continuous beeps: Video / Memory problem
Problem: A problem with the RAM, display card or motherboard.
Solution: Troubleshoot the RAM first, followed by the display card and then the motherboard.
Other beeps: Check motherboard manual
Problem: Check the motherboard manual or the vendor’s Web site for more information. Treat it as a motherboard problem.
Solution: Troubleshoot the motherboard.
Award BIOS Award has the least number of documented beep codes. They prefer to display an error message on the screen. Beep codes are used only if the BIOS can’t access the display subsystem.
One long beep: Memory problem
Problem: A problem with the memory or motherboard
Solution: Troubleshoot the memory and the motherboard
One long and two short beeps: Video error
Problem: The BIOS is not able to access the video sub-system
Solution: Troubleshoot the video card, and if the problem persists, go on to the motherboard.
One long and three short beeps: Video error
Problem: The BIOS is not able to access the video sub-system
Solution: Troubleshoot the video card, and the if problem persists, go on to the motherboard.
Continuous beeps: Video / memory problem
Problem: There is a problem with the RAM, display card or motherboard.
Solution: Troubleshoot the RAM first, followed by the display card and then the motherboard.
Other beeps: Check the motherboard manual
Problem: Check the motherboard manual or the vendor’s Web site for more information. Treat it as a motherboard problem.
Solution: Check the motherboard manual. Troubleshoot the motherboard.
