Motherboard manufacturers include beep codes in their motherboards to ensure that all computer hardware is functioning correctly before the computer powers up.
However, there are numerous different beep codes, each with its own meaning and pattern.
So in this article, I will explain all of the beep code patterns and their meanings.
Let’s get started.
Why do Beep Codes Exist in Computers?
Beep code exists in computers to ensure that all computer components are operational before powering up. Beep codes typically detect faults with the CPU (Processor), Motherboard, RAM (Memory), as well as Video Card and provide signals via beep sounds.
Before diving into the beep codes, it’s essential to understand a procedure known as POST or Power-on-self-test. BIOS collects data on the significant parts of the system and runs a unique diagnostic test known as the Power On Self Test to ensure that each device is correctly operating.
It’s similar to a computer analytical exam. If the BIOS detects a hardware failure during this assessment, it will display a warning message known as a POSTCODE on the screen.
Nevertheless, the fault will not be visible if the mistake occurs within the POST phase before any displaying message is sent.
When a computer is unable to provide a visual signal, it will deliver beep codes as an audio signal to warn the user of a problem found within the components.
What do Motherboard Beep Codes Indicate?
Motherboard beep codes indicate different types of hardware failures in computers. The sound pattern varies depending on the hardware that isn’t working correctly. Motherboard manufacturers use various beep patterns for their beep signals.
Note: Before the beep codes seem reasonable, you must understand your BIOS model. Because only Dell and Apple build their own motherboards and BIOS, other manufacturers utilize separate BIOS for their motherboards.
If your computer won’t boot up and makes beep sounds, use the list below to figure out what the beep pattern signifies and take appropriate action.
Here’s what the different BIOS beep code pattern means:
Beep Codes for AMI BIOS
AMI BIOS is a primary input/output module (BIOS) microchip created and marketed by American Megatrends Inc. It utilizes different beep patterns to indicate computer hardware issues.
Here are the beep codes for AMI BIOS:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Beep | Failure to Refresh | Change memory and diagnose the motherboard. |
| 2 Beeps | Failure of the integrity circuit. | Reinstall memory and inspect the motherboard. |
| 3 Beeps | Problem in Memory (first 64KB). | Memory should be reseated or replaced. |
| 4 Beeps | Breakdown of the system timer. | Examine the motherboard. |
| 5 Beeps | Cpu malfunction. | Examine the Processor and the motherboard. |
| 6 Beeps | Failed Keyboard Interface | Examine the keyboard and the circuit. |
| 7 Beeps | Exception problem in Virtual Mode | Diagnose the motherboard and Processor. |
| 8 Beeps | Graphical memory Testing failure for read/write operation. | Repair the motherboard and video card. |
| 9 Beeps | Error in ROM BIOS Cryptographic signature. | Check the motherboard and change the ROM BIOS. |
| 10 Beeps | Failed CMOS Shutdown Register. | Examine the motherboard and replace the CMOS battery. |
| 11 Beeps | L2 Cache Error | Investigate the motherboard and L2 cache. |
| Continuous Beeps | Failures in memory or videos. | Examine the motherboard, video card, and RAM. |
| 1 lengthy and 2 short beeps | Memory problem with the graphics card. | Check the video card and replace it with a higher-memory graphic card. |
| 1 lengthy and 3 short beeps | Failure of traditional/extended memory | Examine the Memory and troubleshoot the motherboard. |
| 1 lengthy and 8 short beeps. | The display/retrace test was unsuccessful. | Examine the display and reconnect it. |
| Siren with two tones | Weak CPU fan velocity, voltage level problem. | Examine the power source and the fan. |
Beep Codes for Dell BIOS
Dell BIOS includes UEFI programming, which is loaded on a tiny microchip on a computer’s mainboard. It uses a brief beep sequence to indicate computer hardware problems.
The following are the Dell BIOS beep code patterns:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Beep | BIOS ROM damage or malfunction. | Reset the jumper and replace the CMOS battery. |
| 2 Beeps | Memory (RAM) is not recognized. | Replace or reinstall RAM. |
| 3 Beeps | Motherboard malfunction. | Troubleshoot the motherboard. |
| 4 Beeps | Failure of the memory (RAM). | Examine and troubleshoot the RAM. |
| 5 Beeps | CMOS battery malfunction. | Inspect and replace the CMOS battery. |
| 6 Beeps | Failure of the graphics card. | Check and replace the video card. |
| 7 Beeps | Processor failure (CPU). | Examine and change the processor. |
Beep Codes for Award BIOS
Award BIOS is designed by Award Software, which was later purchased by Phoenix Technologies. It combines two distinct types of beeps to identify computer hardware faults.
Here are the beep code patterns for Award BIOS:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lengthy and 2 short beeps | Shows that a visual fault has happened and that the BIOS cannot configure the video feed to present any extra information. | Examine the video output and troubleshoot the motherboard. |
| 1 lengthy and 3 short beeps | Graphics card was not identified. | Reinstall the video card. |
| Beeps that never stop | Memory (RAM) errors. | Reinsert the RAM or change it. |
| Repeatedly loud beeps while the computer is running | Processor (CPU) overheating. | Change thermal paste or improve air circulation. |
| Repeating high- and low-frequency beep sounds | Potentially malfunctioning processor (CPU) problems. | Examine and change the processor (CPU). |
Beep Codes for IBM BIOS
IBM uses UEFI-based BIOS, just like Dell BIOS. It uses a combination of long and short beep patterns to identify computer errors.
The IBM BIOS beep code patterns are as follows:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Beep | Fine POST, PC is operational. | None |
| 2 Beeps | POST problem. Look at the screen for the error code. | Look at the computer display to find out the error text. |
| Continuous beep | There is no energy, loose cord. | Check your power source and loose cable. |
| 1 lengthy beep and 1 short beep | A problem with the motherboard. | Examine and troubleshoot the motherboard. |
| 1 lengthy beep and 2 short beeps | Problem with the video (Mono/CGA display circuits). | Check display output. |
| 1 lengthy beep and 3 short beeps | Error in the video (EGA) display circuitry. | Troubleshoot video adapter. |
| 3 long beeps | Problem with the keyboard or keyboard card. | Examine and change the keyboard. |
Beep Codes for Insyde BIOS
For many years, Insyde BIOS has been a prominent supplier of UEFI BIOS and system administration software. It utilizes a series of beep patterns to identify a computer’s hardware fault.
The beep patterns for the Insyde BIOS are listed below:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 5 short beeps and 1 lengthy beep.. | There is an issue with the DMA page registries. | Reset DMA page registries. |
| 4 short beeps, 1 lengthy beep, and 1 short beep. | The circuitry for reloading RAM is not functioning. | Troubleshoot the motherboard and examine the RAM. |
| 4 short beeps and 2 short beeps | BIOS ROM checksum error. | Troubleshooting the motherboard. |
| 3 brief beeps, 1 long beep, and 2 short beeps. | Failure of the CMOS RAM check. | Check the motherboard. |
| 3 short beeps, 1 long beep, 1 short beep, 1 long beep | Failure of the DMA controller | Reset DMA controller. |
| 3 short beeps, 2 lengthy beeps, and 1 short beep | Interrupt controller malfunction. | Reconfigure controller. |
| 3 short and 3 lengthy beeps | Problem with the keyboard's self-test. | Reinstall the driver and examine the motherboard. |
| 2 brief, 1 long, and 3 short beeps | No graphics card was detected. | Reinsert the graphic card or Troubleshoot PCI slots. |
| 2 short beeps, 1 long beep, 2 short beeps, 1 long beep | RAM is not connected or is not detected. | Changing the RAM slot and switching the RAM. |
Beep Codes for Macintosh
Although Macbooks do not include BIOS, they do feature an identical boot program known as Open bios. They perform the same function as BIOS. Instead of beeps, Mac uses tones.
Here are the beep code patterns for Macintosh:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Error sound with two distinct types of notes | Issue with the motherboard or on the SCSI bus. | Troubleshoot the motherboard. |
| There is no display, only a startup sound, and drive spins. | There is an issue with the display controller. | Examine the video controller or repair it. |
| Powers are turned on, but there is no tone | An issue with the logic board. | Troubleshoot or change the motherboard. |
| Four louder tones | SIMM issue. | Reset SIMM. |
Beep Codes for Phoenix BIOS
Phoenix became the first business to commercially create the BIOS for the Computer, creating the way for the Computer industry. It employs a multiple-beeping sequence to identify system errors.
The Phoenix BIOS tone code patterns are shown below:
| Beep Code | Explanation | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1-1-1 | RAM issue. | Reinsert or change RAM modules. |
| 1-1-1-3 | Check the genuine mode. | None. |
| 1-1-2-1 | Determine the CPU type. | None. |
| 1-1-2-3 | Set up the system hardware. | None. |
| 1-1-3-1 | Set the first POST settings in the chipset registers. | None. |
| 1-1-3-2 | Activate the POST flag. | None. |
| 1-1-3-3 | Set up the CPU registers. | None. |
| 1-1-4-1 | Set up the CPU registers. | None. |
| 1-1-4-3 | Set the cache to the default POST values. | None. |
| 1-2-1-1 | Set up I/O. | None. |
| 1-2-1-2 | Set up power management. | None. |
| 1-2-1-3 | Load original Post data into other registers. | None. |
| 1-2-2-1 | Navigate to UserPatch0. | None. |
| 1-2-2-3 | Set up the keyboard controller. | None. |
| 1-2-3-1 | Checksum for the BIOS ROM. | None. |
| 1-2-3-3 | Set up the 8254 timer. | None. |
| 1-2-4-1 | Set up the 8237 DMA controller. | None. |
| 1-3-1-1 | Reload the programmable interrupt controller. | None. |
| 1-3-1-3 | Examine DRAM refresh. | None. |
| 1-3-2-1 | Verify 8742 keyboard controller. | None. |
| 1-3-3-1 | Setup the ES section to register 4 GB. | None. |
| 1-3-3-3 | DRAM autosizing. | None. |
| 1-3-4-1 | Wipe the 512K base RAM. | None. |
| 1-3-4-3 | Check 512 core address lines. | None. |
| 1-4-1-3 | Evaluate 512 K main memory. | None. |
| 1-4-2-4 | Check the frequency of the CPU bus clock. | None. |
| 1-4-3-1 | Reconfigure the chipset. | None. |
| 1-4-3-2 | BIOS ROM for the shadow system. | None. |
| 1-4-3-3 | Reinstall the cache. | None. |
| 1-4-4-1 | Cache auto-sizing. | None. |
| 1-4-4-2 | Setup advanced chipset registers. | None. |
| 2-1-1-1 | Refill alternate registers with CMOS data. | None. |
| 2-1-1-3 | Set the starting CPU speed. | None. |
| 2-1-2-1 | Set the interrupt vectors. | None. |
| 2-1-2-3 | Setup BIOS interrupts. | None. |
| 2-1-2-4 | Examine the ROM Copyright notice. | None. |
| 2-1-3-1 | Set up the manager for PCI option ROMs. | None. |
| 2-1-3-2 | Verify the video setup against the CMOS. | None. |
| 2-1-3-3 | Set up the PCI bus and devices. | None. |
| 2-1-4-1 | Configure all of the system's video adapters. | None. |
| 2-1-4-3 | Shadow video BIOS ROM. | None. |
| 2-2-1-1 | Show copyright notice. | Check the registry and reset it. |
| 2-2-1-3 | Showing a copyright notice. | Troubleshoot registry. |
| 2-2-2-1 | Show the CPU kind and frequency. | None. |
| 2-2-2-3 | Check the keyboard. | None. |
| 2-2-3-1 | If activated, configure key click. | None. |
| 2-2-3-3 | Turn on the keyboard. | None. |
| 2-2-4-1 | Examine for unexpected interruptions. | None. |
| 2-3-1-1 | Show a message Enter SETUP by pressing F2. | None. |
| 2-3-1-3 | RAM within 512 and 640 k should be tested. | None. |
| 2-3-2-1 | Experiment with extended memory. | None. |
| 2-3-2-3 | Measure the length of the memory address lines. | None. |
| 2-3-3-1 | Navigate to UserPatch1. | None. |
| 2-3-3-3 | Set up the advanced cache registers. | None. |
| 2-3-4-1 | Activate the CPU and external caches. | None. |
| 2-3-4-3 | Show external cache size. | None. |
| 2-4-1-1 | Show shadow message. | None. |
| 2-4-1-3 | Show non-disposable segments. | None. |
| 2-4-2-1 | Show error messages. | None. |
| 2-4-2-3 | Look for configuration mistakes. | None. |
| 2-4-4-1 | Examine the real-time clock. | None. |
| 2-4-4-3 | Verify for keyboard mistakes. | None. |
| 3-1-1-1 | Configure the hardware interrupt vectors. | None. |
| 3-1-1-3 | Examine the coprocessor if any. | None. |
| 3-1-2-1 | Deactivate the internal I/O ports. | None. |
| 3-1-2-3 | Find and install any external RS232 ports. | None. |
| 3-1-3-1 | Discover and set up external parallel ports. | None. |
| 3-1-3-3 | Reset the internal I/O ports. | None. |
| 3-1-4-1 | Set the BIOS data area to zero. | None. |
| 3-2-1-1 | Activate the enlarged BIOS data area. | None. |
| 3-2-1-2 | Set up the floppy controller. | None. |
| 3-2-1-3 | Activate the hard disk controller. | None. |
| 3-2-2-1 | Set up the hard disk controller on the local bus. | None. |
| 3-2-2-3 | Navigate to UserPatch2. | None. |
| 3-2-3-1 | Turn off the A20 address line. | None. |
| 3-2-3-3 | Eliminate the large ES segment register. | None. |
| 3-2-4-1 | Look for alternative ROMs. | None. |
| 3-2-4-3 | Shadow ROM options. | None. |
| 3-3-1-1 | Configure Power Management. | None. |
| 3-3-1-3 | Turn on hardware interruptions. | None. |
| 3-3-3-1 | Specific time of day. | None. |
| 3-3-3-3 | Test the key lock. | None. |
| 3-3-4-1 | Remove the F2 prompt. | None. |
| 3-3-4-3 | Check for the F2 keystroke. | None. |
| 3-4-1-1 | Start the CMOS setup. | None. |
| 3-4-1-3 | POST flag cleared | None. |
| 3-4-2-1 | Verify for mistakes. | None. |
| 3-4-2-3 | After POST, get ready to boot the OS. | None. |
| 3-4-3-1 | One beep. | None. |
| 3-4-4-1 | Verify password. | None. |
| 3-4-4-3 | Deleting the global descriptor table | None. |
| 3-4-4-4 | Uncluttered parity checkers. | None. |
| 4-1-1-1 | Clear display. | None. |
| 4-2-1-1 | Verify the backup and virus alerts. | None. |
| 4-2-1-3 | Attempt to boot using INT 19. | None. |
| 4-2-2-1 | Error handling interrupts. | Examine registry. |
| 4-2-2-3 | Unidentified interrupt error | Troubleshoot the motherboard. |
| 4-2-3-1 | Unresolved interrupt problem. | Check connectivity. |
| 4-2-3-3 | Problem in initializing the ROM option. | Change the motherboard or troubleshoot it. |
| 4-2-4-1 | Problem in shutdown. | Change the RAM slot or change it. |
| 4-3-1-3 | Stretched block movement. | None. |
| 4-3-1-4 | Problem 10 in shutdown. | Replace memory or change slot. |
| 4-3-2-1 | Chipset initialization. | None. |
| 4-3-2-2 | Start the refresh counter. | None. |
| 4-3-2-3 | Verify for forced flash. | None. |
| 4-3-2-4 | Verify the ROM's HW condition. | None. |
| 4-3-3-1 | Everything is good with the BIOS ROM. | None. |
| 4-3-3-2 | Run a thorough RAM test. | None. |
| 4-3-3-3 | Initialize the OEM. | None. |
| 4-3-3-4 | Prepare the interrupt controller for use. | None. |
| 4-3-4-1 | Interpret bootstrap code. | None. |
| 4-3-4-2 | Initiate each vector. | None. |
| 4-3-4-3 | Start the flash application. | None. |
| Two-tone siren | Issues with voltage level and low CPU fan speed. | Examine the power supply and check cable connectivity. |
What are the Alternatives to Motherboard Beep Code?
LED indicator lights are alternatives to motherboard beep codes. The LED indicator lights scan the computer for hardware problems and display the problem by blinking the LED light. LED lights are positioned on the bottom of the components depending on the parts.
When a user starts his computer, the LED light begins to blink, but this is not a warning. If any of the components fail, the LED light will turn on and stay on until the user resolves the problem. Typically, an LED light will turn red when it detects a hardware issue with the computer. 
The following are the LED light indicator meanings for various components:
| Red Light | Meaning | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Boot | This indicates that there is an issue with the hard drive/SSD. | Remove and reconnect the HDD/SSD. |
| VGA | Shows that the video card has not been identified. | Reinstall your video card. |
| DRAM | This signifies that no RAM is connected. | Reinstall your RAM. |
| CPU | It can imply anything ranging from a power outage to faulty connections. | CPU should be reseated or replaced. |
Conclusion
Knowing the motherboard beep codes can significantly help users understand their hardware problems and solve them based on the codes.
So, in this article, I’ve gone over each BIOS code available for motherboards and the solutions to the problems that match the code.
If you have any questions or feedback about this topic, feel free to share them in the section below.