AMI BIOS Beep Codes

Author: Benjamin Luck – Synworks Development Group

Synworks DG Website http://www.synworks.info/

Email: contact@synworks.info

1 Short Beep Everything is ok, that is if you see things on the screen. If you don't see anything, check
your monitor and video card first.
2 Short Beeps Two beeps means there has been a parity error in base memory. This is an issue with the
first 64KB block of memory in your RAM. The solution is usually to replace the
memory.
3 Short Beeps Basically the same thing as 2 beeps. Follow that diagnosis above. Three beeps means
there has been a base memory read/write test error. Replacing the RAM usually solves
this AMI beep code.
4 Short Beeps Basically the same thing as 2 beeps. Follow that diagnosis above. It could also be a bad
timer Four beeps means that the motherboard timer is not working properly. A hardware
failure with an expansion card or the motherboard itself could be the cause of this beep
code.
5 Short Beeps Your motherboard is complaining. Try reseating the memory and rebooting. If that
doesn't help, you should consider another motherboard. You could probably get away
with just replacing the CPU, but that's not too cost-effective. Its just time to
upgrade! Five beeps means there has been a processor error. A damaged expansion card,
the CPU, or the motherboard could be prompting this AMI beep code.
6 Short Beeps The chip on your motherboard that controls your keyboard (A20 gate) isn't working.
First try another keyboard. If it doesn't help, reseat the chip that controls the keyboard, if
it isn't soldered in. If it still beeps, replace the chip if possible. Replace the motherboard
if it is soldered in. Six beeps means that there has been an 8042 Gate A20 test error. This
beep code is usually caused by an expansion card that has failed or the motherboard that
is no longer working.
7 Short Beeps Seven beeps indicates a general exception error. This AMI beep code could be caused by
an expansion card problem, a motherboard hardware issue, or a damaged CPU.
Replacing the faulty hardware usually fixes the cause of this beep code.
8 Short Beeps Eight beeps means that there has been an error with the display memory. This beep code
is usually caused by a faulty video card. Replacing the video card usually clears this up.
9 Short Beeps Your BIOS is bad. Reseat or Replace the BIOS. Nine beeps means that there has been an
AMIBIOS ROM checksum error. Literally, this would indicate an issue with the BIOS
chip on the motherboard. However, since replacing a BIOS chip is sometimes
impossible, this AMI BIOS issue is usually corrected by replacing the motherboard.
10 Short Beeps Ten beeps means that there has been a CMOS shutdown register read/write error. This
beep code is usually caused by a hardware issue with the AMI BIOS chip. A
motherboard replacement will usually solve this problem, although it could be caused by
a damaged expansion card in rare situations.
11 Short Beeps Your problem is in the Cache Memory chips on the motherboard. Reseat or Replace
these chips.Eleven beeps means that the cache memory test has failed. Some piece of
failing hardware is usually to blame for this AMI BIOS beep code.
1 Long, 3 Short Beeps Generally this is caused by a memory chip that is not seated properly. Reseat the
memory chips.
1 Long, 8 Short Beeps Display / retrace test failed. Reseat or replace the video card.