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Beep Code Troubleshooting

The document describes beep codes and their meanings for AMI BIOS, Award BIOS, and Phoenix BIOS systems. A single beep usually indicates systems are functioning normally, while multiple beeps signify an error involving components like memory, video cards, CPUs, or motherboards. Troubleshooting steps include reseating or replacing the faulty hardware.

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Leo HiddenValley
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207 views

Beep Code Troubleshooting

The document describes beep codes and their meanings for AMI BIOS, Award BIOS, and Phoenix BIOS systems. A single beep usually indicates systems are functioning normally, while multiple beeps signify an error involving components like memory, video cards, CPUs, or motherboards. Troubleshooting steps include reseating or replacing the faulty hardware.

Uploaded by

Leo HiddenValley
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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AMIBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting

1 Beep
A single beep from an AMI based BIOS means there has been a memory refresh timer error. The solution
is often to replace the RAM in the computer.

2 Beeps
Two beeps means there has been a parity error in base memory. This is an issue with the first 64KB
block of memory in your RAM. The solution is usually to replace the memory.
3 Beeps
Three beeps means there has been a base memory read/write test error. Replacing the RAM usually
solves this AMI beep code.

4 Beeps
Four beeps means that the motherboard timer is not working properly. A hardware failure with an
expansion card or the motherboard itself could be the cause of this beep code.

5 Beeps
Five beeps means there has been a processor error. A damaged expansion card, the CPU, or the
motherboard could be prompting this AMI beep code.

6 Beeps
Six beeps means that there has been an 8042 Gate A20 test error. This beep code is usually caused by an
expansion card that has failed or the motherboard that is no longer working.

7 Beeps
Seven beeps indicates a general exception error. This AMI beep code could be caused by an expansion
card problem, a motherboard hardware issue, or a damaged CPU. Replacing the faulty hardware usually
fixes the cause of this beep code.

8 Beeps
Eight beeps means that there has been an error with the display memory. This beep code is usually
caused by a faulty video card. Replacing the video card usually clears this up.

AwardBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting

1 Short Beep
A single, short beep from an Award based BIOS is actually an "all systems clear" notification.
In other words, this is a beep code you want to hear and that you've probably been hearing
each time your computer comes on since the day you purchased it. No troubleshooting
necessary!

1 Long Beep, 2 Short Beeps


One long beep followed by two short beeps indicates that there has been some kind of error
with the video card. Replacing the video card is usually the most you'll have to do to fix this
one.
1 Long Beep, 3 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by three short beeps means that either the video card isn't installed
or the memory on the video card is bad. Reseating or replacing the video card will typically fix
the cause of this Award beep code.
1 High Pitched Beep, 1 Low Pitched Beep (Repeating)
A repeating high pitched / low pitched beep pattern is an indication of some kind of CPU
problem. The CPU could be overheating or malfunctioning in some other way.
1 High Pitched Beep (Repeating)
A single, repeating, high pitched beeping sound means that the CPU is overheating. You'll
need to figure out why the CPU is getting too hot before this Award beep code will go away.

Important: Turn your computer off immediately if you hear this beep code. The longer your
CPU is running hot, the higher the chance that you'll permanently damage this expensive part
of your system.
All Other Beep Codes
Any other beep code pattern you hear means that there has been some kind of memory
problem. Replacing your RAM is the most you'll need to do to fix this problem.

PhoenixBIOS Beep Code Troubleshooting

1 Beep
A single beep from a Phoenix based BIOS is actually an "all systems clear" notification. Technically, it's
an indication that the Power On Self Test is complete. No troubleshooting necessary!

1 Short Beep, 1 Long Beep


One short beep followed by one long beep also isn't an officially listed Phoenix beep code but two
readers have let me know about this one. In both cases, the problem was bad RAM which replacing
obviously solved.

1 Long Beep, 2 Short Beeps


One long beep followed by two short beeps indicates that there has been a checksum error. This
means that there is some kind of motherboard issue. Replacing the motherboard should fix this
problem.

1-1-1-1 Beep Code Pattern


Technically, a 1-1-1-1 beep code pattern doesn't exist but I've seen it and many readers have too.
Most often, it's a problem with the system memory. This Phoenix BIOS issue is usually corrected by
replacing the RAM.

1-2-2-3 Beep Code Pattern


A 1-2-2-3 beep code pattern means that there has been a BIOS ROM checksum error. Literally, this
would indicate an issue with the BIOS chip on the motherboard. Since replacing a BIOS chip is often
not possible, this Phoenix BIOS issue is usually corrected by replacing the entire motherboard.

1-3-1-1 Beep Code Pattern


A 1-3-1-1 beep code pattern on a PhoenixBIOS system means that there has been an issue while
testing the DRAM refresh. This could be a problem with the system memory, an expansion card, or
the motherboard.

1-3-1-3 Beep Code Pattern


A 1-3-1-3 beep code pattern means that the 8742 keyboard controller test has failed. This usually
means that there is a problem with the currently connected keyboard but it could also indicate a
motherboard issue.

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