BIOS error beeps explained
The error beeps of the motherboards are diagnostic audio signals that provide information about the status of the system when the computer is switched on (POST - Power-On Self-Test). Different types of bios (e.g. AMI, Award, Phoenix) use different codes of beeps.
If the beep does not correspond to the standard interpretation, it is recommended to check in the manual delivered to the motherboard or system manufacturer. Different BIOS can have different interpretations of the same audio codes.
| Number of beeps | Possible problem |
|---|---|
| Without | Motherboard is not powered or faulty. The power source may be damaged or incorrectly connected. Check the power cord. The processor or RAM may be incorrectly fitted. |
| 1 x short | System is fine. POST (Power-On Self-Test) took place successfully. This signal indicates a successful hardware test and launch BIOS. |
| 2 x short | POST error is displayed on the monitor. Check the error message on the screen. BIOS configuration problem. Error detecting disk, RAM or other hardware. |
| 3 x short | Motherboard error. Check and replace the motherboard. |
| 4 x short | System Timer Failure. Check and replace the motherboard. |
| 5 x short | Processor error. The processor is not properly fitted. Damage to the processor or its power supply. Check and replace the processor. |
| 6 x short | Keyboard Controller Failure. Check the keyboard connection or replace it. Check the ports or try another. If the problem persists, replace the motherboard. |
| 7 x short | Virtual memory error or missing memory. Check the memory modules for properly fitted. Test the memory modules. |
| 8 x short | Display Memory Read/Write Test Failure. Check the graphics card and RAM. Check the graphics card connection or replace it. |
| 9 x short | BIOS error or ROM. Check and update the BIOS. Replace the motherboard if the problem persists. |
| 10 x short | CMOS battery error or configuration. Check and replace the CMOS battery. Reset BIOS settings to default. |
| 11 x short | Short memory buffer error (Cache Memory Error). Check the compatibility and functionality of the CPU. |
| 3 x long | Keyboard error (3270 Keyboard Card). Check the keyboard connection. Try another keyboard or port. |
| Repeated | Incorrectly powering the motherboard Check the power supply and connect to the motherboard. Try another power supply. |
| 1 x long, 1 x short | Motherboard error. Damaged parts of the motherboard. Incorrect hardware installation. Check all connected devices. Replace the motherboard if the problem is repeated. |
| 1 x long, 2 x short | Graphics card error (adapter display - MDA, CGA). Damaged graphics card. Check the graphics card installation or replace it.Problem with a monitor connection. Try another graphics card or monitor. |
| 1 x long, 3 x short | EGA graphical adapter error. Check the installation and compatibility of the graphics card. |
| Continuous | Supply of motherboard (poor source voltage). Check the power supply and connect to the motherboard. |