What is Beep Code?

“Beep Code” is the name for the sound patterns that a computer’s motherboard makes through the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) when there’s a hardware issue during start-up. These beep codes are essentially the computer’s way of communicating problems with essential hardware parts like memory, video cards, or the motherboard itself.

Each manufacturer of BIOS systems has their distinct set of beep codes, which differ in the number and sequence of beeps, with each unique pattern pointing to a specific type of error.

For example, a single beep often means everything is in order, while a series of different beeps can signal various issues, such as memory failure or problems with the video card. To decode these beeps, users can consult the manual that came with their motherboard or visit the manufacturer’s website. This helps in pinpointing the specific hardware problem the computer is trying to indicate.

Beep Code Meanings for Different BIOS

Beep codes vary significantly between BIOS manufacturers, and each pattern can signify a specific hardware issue. Here below we have listed all the beep codes and their meaning of the number of beeps signal –

Beep codes can vary significantly between different BIOS manufacturers, and each pattern can signify a specific hardware issue. Below, we have listed some common beep code meanings for a few of the major BIOS manufacturers: AMI (American Megatrends Inc.), Award, Dell, Mcintosh and Phoenix.

AMI BIOS Beep Codes

• 1 Short Beep: System is okay.
• 2 Short Beeps: Parity error in the first 64 KB of memory.
• 3 Short Beeps: Base 64 KB memory failure.
• 4 Short Beeps: System timer not operational.
• 5 Short Beeps: Processor error.
• 6 Short Beeps: Keyboard controller Gate A20 error.
• 7 Short Beeps: Processor exception interrupt error.
• 8 Short Beeps: Display memory read/write error.
• 9 Short Beeps: ROM BIOS checksum error.

Award BIOS Beep Codes

• 1 Long, 2 Short Beeps: Display adapter problem (MDA, CGA).
• 1 Long, 3 Short Beeps: Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA).
• Continuous Beeping: Memory or video memory error.

Phoenix BIOS Beep Codes

Phoenix BIOS beep codes are sequences of sounds emitted by the motherboard during the Power-On Self Test (POST) when a potential issue is detected. These codes help in identifying specific hardware problems –

• 1-1-1-3: Verify real mode.
• 1-1-2-1: Get CPU type.
• 1-1-2-3: Initialize system hardware.
• 1-1-3-1: Initialize chipset registers with initial POST values.
• 1-1-3-3: Set in POST flag.
• 1-1-4-1: Initialize CPU registers.
• 1-3-1-1: Test DRAM refresh.
• 1-3-1-3: Test 8742 Keyboard Controller.
• 1-3-4-1: Set ES segment register to 4 GB.
• 1-3-4-3: Size memory in 64 KB blocks.

DELL Beep codes

Dell beep codes are all the same length. To identify the error, listen for how often a beep is repeated after a pause. The beeps come in segments.

• 1 – 1 – 2 (“beep – beep – beep beep”): Microprocessor register failure
• 3 – 2 – 4: Keyboard controlled test failure
• 3 – 3 – 1: NVRAM power loss
• 3 – 3 – 4: Video memory test failure
• 3 – 4 – 1: Screen initialization failure
• 4 – 2 – 2: Shutdown failure
• 4 – 4 – 4: Cache test failure

Macintosh beep codes

• One beep every 5 seconds: No RAM installed
• 3 short beeps, 5 second pause, 3 short beeps: RAM did not pass integrity check
• 3 long, 2 short, 3 long beeps: EFI ROM error or Mac is in EFI ROM recovery mode

MR beep codes

MR systems use high (H) and low (L) beeps. The dashed indicate pauses.

• LH – LLL – BIOS failure, replacement required
• LH – HLL: DMA page register failure
• LH – LHL: Keyboard controller self-test failure
• LH – HHL: RAM seated incorrectly
• LH – LLH: Mainboard failure
• LH – LLL: Memory bank 0 pattern failure
• LH – LHLLH: CMOS RAM read/write test failure
• LH – HHLLH: Real-time clock failure
• LH – LLHLH: BIOS/RAM failure with graphics card
• LH – HLHLH: Keyboard controller failure
• LH – LHHLH – RAM parity error.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beep codes are essential diagnostic tools used by a computer’s BIOS to alert users to potential hardware issues during the startup process. These auditory signals serve as a first line of defense in troubleshooting problems with memory, video cards, CPUs, and other critical components.

By understanding the different beep code patterns specific to BIOS manufacturers like AMI, Award, and Phoenix, users can quickly identify and address system malfunctions. Consulting the motherboard manual or visiting the manufacturer’s website for detailed beep code interpretations is highly recommended to ensure effective hardware troubleshooting and maintenance.

What is Beep Code? – FAQs

What is the meaning of beep codes?

A beep code is the audio signal from a computer when it first powers on to give the Power-On Self-Test (POST) result. Typically, one short beep means that it passed the test successfully or a series of beeps means that something is wrong with the computer hardware.

What is the beep code in BIOS?

One beep – It occurs if the BIOS is damaged or failed. 2 beep – Occurs when the RAM is not recognized. 3 beep – If the failure occurs in the motherboard. 4 beep – If the failure occurs in RAM.

What is the full form of beep?

The Blocks Extensible Exchange Protocol (BEEP) is a framework for creating network application protocols.

What is 5 beeps on startup?

5 beeps = cpu. The motherboard has a fault warning system on board which is designed to help you troubleshoot the issue. In this case your motherboard is telling you that there is something wrong with the processor.