Rank: Guru
Rating: 88%, 94 votes
Hello there james_wheele.
.
Here's your geek-steer ...
Those beeps you hear ... they are a very, very good thing. It's a pre-coded little diagnostic result report your motherboard (MB) is trying to tell you about in the only language she knows.
Presuming you have Award BIOS, the following are the "official" beep codes:
- 1 long, 2 short = Video adapter error: Either video adapter is bad or is not seated properly. Also, check to ensure the monitor cable is connected properly.
Repeating (endless loop) = Memory error: Check for improperly seated or missing memory.
- 1 long, 3 short = No video card or bad video RAM: Reseat or replace the video card.
- High frequency beeeps while running = Overheated CPU: Check the CPU fan for proper operation. Check the case for proper air flow.
- Repeating High/Low = CPU: Either the CPU is not seated properly or the CPU is damaged. May also be due to excess heat. Check the CPU fan or BIOS settings for proper fan speed.
Do your beep sequences match any one of these? If so, follow-up with the appropriate suggested corrective action.
If that's a "WTF ???" coming out of your thought bubble, post back and I'll see about giving you some links to pictures of your motherboard, coupled with some instruction, tips, advice on how to perform your particular actions properly.
Good luck, and please post back ...
- to let me (and interested others) know how things worked out,
- if you have any further questions,
- to provide clarification or feedback.
"Today's the best day of my life ... and NOW you're part of it!"
Via-con-
Dios and Godspeed --
Geekinator (aka Craig) Puget Sound, WA USA
