PC beeps – There are several hardware issues that can occur when your PC performs a POST. And this is indicated by beep signals.
You power up your PC and are greeted with mysterious beeping sounds? Then there is a problem. If everything goes smoothly during POST, your computer boots straight into Windows without any problem. However, each motherboard or BIOS manufacturer has its own beep codes that notify you when a hardware component is faulty.
- What is a POST?
- How to find out why your PC beeps
Also Read : How to Check CPU temperature on PC or laptop
Table of Contents
What is a POST?
The power-on self-test is a self-test of your computer that verifies that each component is fully functional or defective. Everything is OK, your computer boots in Windows. However, if the POST detects a memory, cache, or processor error, a certain number of beeps will sound depending on the problem.
Sometimes the solution is quite simple, such as a misused memory or a loose cable. But in other cases, the CPU could have failed. In any case, the beeps indicate that something is wrong so you can diagnose and correct the problem.
However, many motherboards today no longer have speakers so you may not hear a beep when the PC starts up. Instead, many motherboards have small displays displaying an error code for the problem.
How to find out why your PC beeps
- Restart your computer or run a restart by if the computer is already on.
- Have paper and pen ready. Now listen carefully to the order of signals your computer makes. If necessary, restart your computer if you are not sure. This hardly makes the already existing problem worse. Write down the sequence of tones you hear in passing. Is it long or short notes? Is there a break in between? How often does the computer beep?
- Unfortunately, the computer industry has not agreed on a consistent way of communicating with beeps, so you now need to find out which manufacturer your BIOS chip is from. This is located on your motherboard . The easiest way to find the manufacturer is to look into the user manual of your computer or, if you have assembled it yourself, into that of the motherboard. If you do not have them at hand, you have to open your PC for better or worse and have a look yourself. The BIOS chip is usually located at the bottom of the motherboard, next to the CMOS button battery, next to the PCI Express slots or below the chipset.
- Once you have found out the manufacturer, choose the appropriate one from the following troubleshooting tips:
- AMI / American Megatrends Inc.
- Award Software
- Phoenix Technologies
Note: Remember, however, that you should always seek help from an expert before attempting to solve the problem as an amateur.
AMI
- 1 short beep : Replace the memory or motherboard.
- 2 short beeps : Replace the memory.
- 3 short beeps : Replace the main memory.
- 4 short beeps : Remove the memory and then reinsert it. If that does not work, replace it. Otherwise, replace the motherboard.
- 5 short beeps : Remove the processor and then reinsert it. If the problem is not resolved, replace it.
- 6 short beeps : Remove the keyboard. Verify that no pins on the motherboard are bent or broken. Otherwise, replace the motherboard.
- 7 short beeps : Replace the motherboard or processor.
- 8 short beeps : Check if the graphics card is properly seated in your slot. Otherwise, replace them.
- 9 short beeps : Reset the CMOS, the memory containing the BIOS settings. To do this, remove the motherboard’s battery and reinsert it after a few minutes. If this does not work, replace the motherboard.
- 10 short beeps : Remove all plug-in cards and then insert them again. Also reset the CMOS. If that did not help, replace the motherboard.
- 11 short beeps : There is a hardware error that is mostly caused by the motherboard. If necessary, replace it.
- 1x long, 2x short : Remove the graphics card and insert it again. Also check that the card is properly seated in the slot. Otherwise, swap out the memory.
- 1x long, 8x short : Check if the graphics card is connected to the power supply and may not get enough power. If possible, use two instead of one cable.
Was your code not included? Here you will find the official manual.
Award
- 1x long, 2x short : Check if the graphics card is in the slot correctly. Otherwise, replace them.
- 1x long, 3x short : Remove the graphics card and insert it again. Make sure it is anchored properly.
- 1 high tone, 1 low tone (repeating) : The CPU may overheat or otherwise be faulty.
- 1 high tone (repeating) : The CPU overheats. Shut down the computer immediately and check the fans.
- Other: Replace the memory.
Phoenix
- continuous sound : Remove the CPU and reinsert it.
- 1x short, 1x long : exchange the main memory.
- 1x long, 2x short : Replace the motherboard.
- 4 consecutive tones / 1-1-1-1 pattern : Replace the memory.
- 1-2-2-3 pattern : Replace the motherboard.
- 1-3-1-1 pattern : Check all riser cards and memory. If necessary, replace the motherboard.
- 1-3-1-3 pattern : Remove the keyboard.
- 1-3-4-1 Pattern : Replace the memory.
- 1-3-4-3 Pattern : Replace the memory.
- 2-1-2-3 pattern : Replace the motherboard.
- 2-2-3-1 pattern : Check the riser cards and remove them if necessary.
You did not find your beep code? Look over here.
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