By tehnofest When a motherboard encounters an issue during the boot process, it often produces a series of beep codes to indicate the nature of the problem. These beep codes vary depending on the BIOS manufacturer (such as AMI, Award, or Phoenix), but they generally follow some common patterns. Here’s a breakdown of what these beep codes typically mean:
1. AMI BIOS Beep Codes
- 1 Beep: DRAM refresh failure. The memory refresh circuitry is faulty.
- 2 Beeps: Parity circuit failure. A parity error was detected in the first 64 KB of memory.
- 3 Beeps: Base 64 KB memory failure. The first 64 KB of memory has failed.
- 4 Beeps: System timer failure. A problem exists with one of the timers that control functions on the motherboard.
- 5 Beeps: Processor failure. The CPU has generated an error.
- 6 Beeps: Keyboard controller failure. The keyboard controller is faulty or not present.
- 7 Beeps: Virtual mode exception error. The CPU has generated an interrupt failure.
- 8 Beeps: Display memory read/write test failure. There’s an issue with the graphics card or the memory on the card.
- 9 Beeps: ROM checksum error. The BIOS ROM has failed.
- 10 Beeps: CMOS shutdown register read/write error. The shutdown register for the CMOS has failed.
- 11 Beeps: Cache memory error. The L2 cache on the motherboard has failed.
2. Award BIOS Beep Codes
- 1 Long Beep: Memory problem. The memory installed is either faulty or not correctly seated.
- 1 Long, 2 Short Beeps: A problem with the video card.
- 1 Long, 3 Short Beeps: A problem with the video card, specifically the EGA/VGA part of the card.
- Continuous Beeps: Power supply, motherboard, or system memory problem.
3. Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes
- Phoenix BIOS uses a more complex beep code system, typically using a sequence of beeps with pauses in between (e.g., 1-1-2-1).
- 1-1-2: CPU register failure.
- 1-1-3: CMOS read/write failure.
- 1-2-1: Programmable interval timer failure.
- 1-3-1: DRAM refresh failure.
- 1-3-4: Display memory failure.
- 1-4-1: Cache test failure.
4. General Troubleshooting Tips
- No Beep: Ensure the system has power, and the power supply is functioning. If the fans spin and lights are on, but there are no beeps, it might be a problem with the power supply, motherboard, or CPU.
- Multiple Beeps: Generally indicate an issue with memory (RAM) or graphics card. Ensure these components are properly seated and not damaged.
- Continuous Beeps: Usually a sign of a memory or power issue.
Important Notes:
- Reference the Manual: Always consult the motherboard’s manual, as different manufacturers may use different codes.
- Visual Indicators: Many modern motherboards also have LEDs or small screens that can display error codes in conjunction with beep codes.
Understanding these beep codes can help you diagnose issues with your motherboard and determine whether it’s a problem you can resolve or if you need to replace a component.