POST Beep Code Reference

Look up what a POST beep pattern means, and what to try first.

What you provide

Result

11 codes listed for AMI

Beep codes point at a subsystem, not at a component. A memory code means the board could not talk to memory, which is caused by a bad stick, a dirty contact, a slot that is not making connection, or a processor with a bent pin in the memory controller. Reseating is free and fixes a large share of them, so it comes first. These patterns also vary by board and by firmware revision, so treat the table as a starting point and check the manual for the specific board where you can.

AMI beep codes
1                  Memory refresh failure
2                  Memory parity error
3                  Base memory failure in the first 64 KB
4                  System timer failure
5                  Processor failure
6                  Keyboard controller failure
7                  Processor exception error
8                  Display memory failure
9                  BIOS checksum error
1 long, 3 short    Memory test failure
1 long, 8 short    Display test failure
Diagnostic telemetry
1Reseat the memory. If it repeats, test one stick at a time in the first slot.
Memory refresh failure
2Reseat the memory, then swap sticks to find which one fails.
Memory parity error
3Almost always the memory itself. Test each stick individually.
Base memory failure in the first 64 KB
4A board-level fault. Clear CMOS first, but expect to replace the board.
System timer failure
5Reseat the cooler and check the CPU power connector before condemning the processor.
Processor failure
6Unplug all USB devices and retry with nothing attached.
Keyboard controller failure
7Reseat the processor and inspect the socket pins under a light.
Processor exception error
8Reseat the graphics card, or try a different one.
Display memory failure
9Clear CMOS and replace the coin cell. If it persists, the BIOS chip is failing.
BIOS checksum error
1 long, 3 shortReseat and test memory one stick at a time.
Memory test failure
1 long, 8 shortReseat the graphics card and check the monitor cable.
Display test failure

What this cannot tell you

  • A reference table, not a diagnosis. Nothing here reads your machine, and no web page can hear your motherboard.
  • Beep patterns vary by board and by firmware revision even within one BIOS vendor, and they may change between revisions. Verify with vendor documentation for your specific board, since a code that means memory on one board can mean something else on another.

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