How to interpret BIOS beeps when starting your PC

Booting up your computer and hearing a series of beeps can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you have no idea what your PC is trying to communicate. Often, these BIOS beeps They're not accompanied by any on-screen messages. You can't even access the operating system to investigate what's going on. ¿Qué se puede hacer?

There's no need to worry. This little "concert" your motherboard plays when you boot up your computer is a traditional (and very effective!) way of letting you know that something is wrong. Although it may sound like Chinese, deciphering what the beeps on the BIOS It's easier than it looks, and best of all, it can save you hours of random testing and unnecessary headaches.

What are BIOS beeps and why do they exist?

The BIOS beeps (or “beeps”) are audible messages emitted by the motherboard just after turning on the computer, long before you see anything on the screen or load the operating system. Their function is indicate the result of the POST call (Power On Self Test), the hardware self-diagnostic test the system performs as soon as it receives power. Why use beeps instead of on-screen messages? Because if the error is serious, the video card or hard drive may not even work, so the beeps allow the PC to warn you of faults. even though there is no way to display anything on the monitor.

Each beep pattern (number, duration, sequence) has a very specific meaning: Depending on the sequence you hear, you'll know if the problem is in the RAM, graphics card, CPU, power supply, or even the motherboard itself.

Of course, forget about learning a single list of “universal” beeps: The code system varies depending on the BIOS manufacturerFor example, it is not the same thing a ASUS motherboard than any other manufacturer.

How are BIOS beeps generated? The speaker's role and new diagnostic systems

Traditionally, beeps are emitted through the piezoelectric speaker or speaker that are included (or were included) in motherboards. This small device is usually connected via specific pins. On modern models, especially high-end hardware, Some plates replace the beep system with LCD or LED displays. that display error codes, making it much easier to identify the problem without relying solely on sound. If your PC isn't beeping or displaying anything on the screen, first check that the speaker is properly connected and that the power supply is working properly.

On older computers, the absence of beeps usually indicates a serious problem: it could be the power supply, the motherboard, or a missing speaker. On newer hardware, if the visual diagnostic system is working, you may not hear the traditional beeps. Don't be surprised!

General BIOS Beep Patterns

Although each manufacturer has its own tables, there are common patterns that appear in most cases:

• One short beep: Correct start, everything in order.
• Several short beeps: Problem with RAM memory.
• Long beep followed by short beeps: Problems with the graphics card, video memory, or CPU/keyboard failure.
• Continuous beeps: Serious error in power supply or basic components.

Beep codes by BIOS manufacturer: all the details

To be more specific, we have compiled below the meaning of the BIOS beeps according to the manufacturer:

1. AMI BIOS (American Megatrends)

The boards with AMI BIOS They are very common on both personal computers and laptops and servers. They have a wide variety of codes, so it's important to identify the pattern correctly. Here are the most common ones:

• 1 short beep: RAM refresh failure (installation problems or damaged module).
• 2 short beeps: Parity error in memory.
• 3 short beeps: Problem in the first 64 KB of RAM.
• 4 short beeps: System timer error (base plant).
• 5 short beeps: Processor (CPU) failure.
• 6 short beeps: Problem with the keyboard controller (Gate A20).
• 7 short beeps: Error in virtual memory or CPU, usually faulty.
• 8 short beeps: Video memory error.
• 9 short beeps: Checksum error in BIOS.
• 10 short beeps: Problem in CMOS memory or reading the shutdown register.
• 11 short beeps: Cache error.
• 1 long and 3 short: Problem in conventional or extended RAM.
• 1 long and 8 short: Graphics card or video adapter failure.
• Two-tone siren: Voltage problems or fans spinning too slowly.

2. Award/Phoenix BIOS

Many older computers use these BIOSes, with codes that generally match, although with variations:

• 1 cortico: Successful boot (no errors).
• 2 shorts: Error on screen, more details in visual.
• One long and two short ones: Problem with the graphics or video card.
• One long and one short: RAM or motherboard error.
• One long and two short ones: Graphic or keyboard failure.
• 3 lengths: Error in connection between plate and keyboard.
• One long and two short ones: Problem in the BIOS.
• Alternating high and low beeps: Critical processor failure or overheating.

3. IBM BIOS

For classic IBM PCs, common sounds are:

• No beep: Critical power problem or no graphics card.
• 1 short: Boot without errors.
• 2 shorts: Fault detected, with information on screen.
• Continuous or short beeps in succession: Problem in current or graph.
• A long: Motherboard problem.
• 2 shorts and 1 long: Graphics card failure.
• 3 shorts and 1 long: Graphics card problem.
• 3 lengths: Keyboard or controller error.

4. Dell BIOS

For Dell computers, BIOS beep codes are usually short and simple:

• 1 beep: Problem in the ROM BIOS.
• 2 beeps: RAM not detected.
• 3 beeps: Motherboard failure.
• 4 beeps: RAM problem.
• 5 beeps: CMOS battery failure.
• 6 beeps: Graphics card problem.
• 7 beeps: CPU problem.

5. Apple/Macintosh BIOS

On older Macs, the most common beep codes are:

• Two different tones: Problems with the logic board or SCSI bus.
• A short: Video card failure.
• No beeps: Faulty logic board.
• Four high tones followed by even higher tones: RAM error.
• 3 shorts and 5 second pause: No memory installed.
• One long beep: EFI update in progress.
• 3 long, 2 short and 1 long: EFI-ROM error.

6. Codes on modern motherboards (ASUS, GIGABYTE, MSI, ASRock)

Each manufacturer has simplified or adapted their own systems, but the most common codes on high-end, gaming, or professional motherboards are:

ASUS (ROG, STRIX, TUF, PRIME)

• No beep, Power light on: CPU or RAM problems.
• 1 short: Correct POST.
• One long and two short ones: RAM error.
• One long and two short ones: Graphics or video failure.
• One long and two short ones: CPU or fan problem.

GIGABYTE (AORUS, ELITE, PRO, GAMING)

• 1 short: Correct start.
• 2 shorts: CMOS or battery error.
• One long and one short: RAM problem.
• One long and two short ones: Graphics card error.
• One long and two short ones: Error on old plates.
• One long and two short ones: RAM problems or faulty module.
• A long and steady tones: RAM incorrectly installed.
• Constant beeps: Power supply failure.

ASRock (Extreme, Phantom Gaming, Taichi)

• Short, steady beeps: RAM problem.
• 2 shorts: RAM parity error.
• 3 shorts: RAM read/write failure.
• 4 shorts: Problem with system clock.
• 5 shorts: CPU problem.
• 6 shorts: Keyboard driver error.
• 7 shorts: General error in CPU or RAM.
• 8 shorts: Graphics card error.
• 9 shorts: ROM failure.
• 10 shorts: ROM read/write error.
• 11 shorts: Cache problems.

MSI (MAG, PRO, MPG)

• 1 short: Boot ok.
• 2 shorts: CMOS error, clear stack.
• One long and one short: RAM error.
• One long and two short ones: Error in graphics or monitor.
• One long and two short ones: Keyboard error.
• One long and two short ones: Problems in BIOS.
• Constant short beeps: Damaged RAM.
• Rapid beeps: Problems with feeding.
• CPU Pattern (repeated): Overheating or overvoltage.

EVGA (DARK, Classified)

• A long: POST passed, boot successful.
• A short: Memory error.
• 2 shorts: RAM parity problems.
• 3 shorts: General problem in RAM memory.
• 4 shorts: System clock error.
• 5 shorts: CPU problems.
• 6 shorts: Keyboard driver problems.
• 7 shorts: Error in virtual mode.
• 8 shorts: Faulty or incorrectly installed graphics card.
• 9 shorts: ROM error, do Clear CMOS.
• 10 shorts: Serious ROM failure, send for repair.
• One long and two short ones: Problems in the graph.
• One long and two short ones: No graphics card detected.

How to interpret and fix BIOS beeps: practical steps and tips

Gathering information is key, but knowing how to do it is equally important. How to act when your PC beepsHere's the definitive guide:

1. Identifies the BIOS manufacturer (in manual, BIOS if it boots, on the manufacturer's website or with programs like CPU-Z).
2. Listen carefully to the number and pattern of beeps, whether they are long, short or combined.
3. Look in the tables above for the corresponding error..
4. To RAM problems: Turn off, remove and replace modules, clean contacts, test one by one and replace if failed.
5. To graphics card problems: Check that it is properly inserted, clean contacts, check power cables.
6. To CPU: Make sure it's properly mounted, with no bent pins, and the correct heatsink and thermal paste. Adjust voltages if necessary.
7. To keyboard or controller errors: Try other keyboards or check connections.
8. To power failures: Check cables, power supply, and power button; try another power supply if possible.
9. In case of Corrupt BIOS or checksum error: Perform a Clear CMOS (remove the battery for a few minutes) or update the BIOS following the manufacturer's instructions.
10. If problems persist, consult a technician.

What if you don't hear any beeps or see anything on the screen?

In some cases, the device does not beep or display anything on the screen. This is likely due to Power problems, dead motherboard, or speaker not connectedBefore you give up, check:

• That the source is connected and turned on.
• That the rear switch is in the on position.
• Make sure the cables in the box are properly connected, especially the power button.
• That the speaker is installed and working.
• That there are no short circuits due to screws or loose parts.
• If your plate has diagnostic display or LEDs, check its meaning in the manual.

On modern motherboards, diagnostic systems with LEDs or displays show codes that help identify internal faults before loading the operating system, complementing or replacing traditional beeps.

Quick BIOS Beep Reference Tables by Manufacturer and Model

Below are several tables summarizing the codes and their meaning by manufacturer, for easy reference:

AMI BIOS

Beep sequence	Meaning
1 short beep	RAM refresh failed
2 short beeps	RAM parity error
3 short beeps	Failure in first 64 KB of RAM
4 short beeps	System timer error
5 short beeps	CPU failure
6 short beeps	Keyboard controller error
7 short beeps	Virtual memory or CPU error
8 short beeps	Video memory error
9 short beeps	BIOS checksum error
10 short beeps	CMOS error
11 short beeps	Cache error
1 long + 3 short	RAM problem
1 long + 8 short	Graphics card error
Two-tone siren	Voltage or fan problems