What you’ll hear
What it usually means
Quick checks (1–2 minutes)
Fixes to try (safe first)
When to stop
Why this happens (simple)
AMI BIOS Beep Codes — Complete Reference (Tables & Audio)
AMI BIOS Beep Codes aim to help you troubleshoot your computer when it does not start properly. The Power-On Self Test checks your computer for hardware faults. If it detects any, it will make a sound. You need to know what that sound is, and what you can do about it.
TL;DR — AMI BIOS Beep Codes
- Type what you hear (e.g., 1 long, 2 short or 1-3-3-1) into the search box.
- Use 🔊 to preview the tone, 🔗 to copy a row link, and to open the deep-dive card.
- Mappings vary by OEM—always confirm with your board manual. Need steps? See the BIOS Update Guide.
AMI BIOS Beep Codes — What You Will Learn (in seconds)
- How to match a beep pattern to its likely cause across multiple manufacturers and BIOS developers, such as AMI/Aptio and Dell, HP Lenovo, and Mac.
- The fastest safe checks for each code (from the deep-dive cards).
- When to stop and switch to safe recovery (see the Guide).
Original Equipment Manufacturer’s (OEM) Variations — Beep Codes May Differ by Model
Dell and Apple (Mac) ship their firmware and may use mappings that differ from generic AMI/Aptio or Award/Phoenix lists.
Other OEMs can override or extend beep schemes, so a pattern on your board might not match a generic table exactly.
For accuracy, always cross-check your specific model’s manual/support page. If in doubt, use the BIOS Update Guide for safe checks and recovery options.
AMI BIOS Beep Codes – Full Reference Guide
- Beep codes vary by BIOS version and manufacturer — Even within AMI BIOS systems, the exact meaning of a pattern may differ slightly due to OEM customization.
- Some systems don’t include an internal speaker — If you hear no beeps, your system might lack the speaker needed to emit them.
- When in doubt — Use this guide as a baseline, but confirm specific codes with your motherboard manual or manufacturer support page.
Download: AMIBIOS8 Check Point & Beep Code List (PDF)
Download: AMI Aptio V — POST/Status & Beep Codes (PDF)
Need the step-by-step recovery & workflow? Open the BIOS Update Guide
Report a mismatch
How to use this page
- Listen carefully — Capture the exact beep pattern (e.g., 1 short, 1 long + 2 short, or 1-3-3-1). Record with your phone if needed.
- Find the match — Use the search bar or scan the intersactive tables below.
- Take action — Click 🔊 to hear the tone, 🔗 to copy a direct row link, and to open the deep-dive card.
Sources for this table (primary)
Legacy AMI (classic BIOS)
Modern UEFI (Aptio V / status & POST codes)
- AMI Aptio V — POST/Status & Beep Codes (PDF)
- Supermicro — AMI Aptio 5.x status code reference (example)
- Thomas-Krenn — overview (context)
OEM-specific (model-dependent)
- Dell Support — Beep/LED codes by model
- HP Support — Beep/LED codes by model
- Lenovo Support — Beep codes by model
- Apple Support — Mac startup tones
- RetroWeb — AMI beep & POST codes list
For detailed troubleshooting and recovery steps, see the BIOS Update Guide.
BIOS POST Beep Codes — Fast Diagnostic Flow Diagram
BIOS POST Beep Codes — Fast Diagnostic Flow DiagramBIOS / UEFI Beep Codes — Multi-Table Search
Below is a consolidated, annotated table of AMI BIOS beep codes, drawn from multiple reliable sources.
Search across AMI (AMIBIOS 8 / Aptio V), Award/Phoenix, Phoenix, IBM, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Macintosh, and board vendors (ASUS/MSI/Gigabyte/ASRock).
Click the 🔗 to copy a row link, the 🔊 to play the pattern, or the i to jump to a deep-dive.
AMIBIOS 8 (Legacy)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | DRAM refresh failure | Reseat/replace RAM; test one DIMM in slot 0 |
2 short | Parity error (first 64 KB) | Test/replace RAM; check timings |
3 short | Base 64 KB memory failure | Test RAM; try different slot |
4 short | System timer failure | Reseat components; board likely |
5 short | Processor error | Check CPU seating/thermal; inspect pins |
6 short | Keyboard controller (Gate A20/BAT) error | Try another keyboard; board diag |
7 short | Virtual mode/processor exception | Check CPU/board; clear CMOS; minimal boot |
8 short | Display memory error | Reseat/replace GPU; check cable |
9 short | ROM BIOS checksum error | Reflash/recover BIOS |
10 short | CMOS shutdown R/W error | Clear CMOS; replace battery |
11 short | Cache memory bad | CPU/board service |
1 long, 2 short | Video adapter error | Reseat/replace GPU; test iGPU |
1 long, 3 short | Memory above 64 KB failure (varies) | Test DIMMs individually; check slots |
1 long, 8 short | Video test failure (deeper) | Try another GPU/monitor/cable |
Continuous short | No RAM/critical memory fault | Seat RAM; try known-good module |
AMI Aptio V (UEFI)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | POST status beep (varies: OK or minor notice) | Proceed; if no video, check display |
2 short | General POST/CMOS notice (board-specific) | Check on-screen message/LEDs |
3 short | Early DRAM init / base memory failure | Reseat/replace RAM; try single DIMM; update UEFI |
4 short | System timer / southbridge init (varies) | Minimal boot; reseat components |
5 short | Processor error | Check CPU power/thermal; inspect socket pins |
5 long | VGA not detected (board-specific) | Reseat GPU; try different slot/cable |
1 long, 2 short | Video adapter error (legacy mapping) | Try iGPU; reseat/replace GPU |
Continuous | No memory detected | Install/seat RAM; test known-good DIMM |
Alternating high/low | Overheat/thermal (some boards) | Check cooler/fans; reapply paste |
Award / Phoenix-Award
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | POST OK (typical) | Normal boot |
2 short | POST error displayed | Check error on screen |
1 long, 2 short | Video adapter error | Reseat/replace GPU; check cable |
1 long, 3 short | No video card / bad video RAM | Reseat/replace GPU |
Repeating short | Memory error | Reseat/replace RAM |
Continuous long | Power/board fault | Check PSU/board |
High-frequency while running | CPU overheat | Check cooler/fan; improve airflow |
Phoenix (classic dash-coded)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1-1-2 | CPU test in progress/failure | Power-cycle; check CPU seating/PSU |
1-2-1 | Programmable interval timer | Board/chipset diagnostics |
1-3-1 | DRAM refresh failure | Test DIMMs; try single stick |
1-3-3-1 | RAM 64 KB failure | Replace/seat RAM |
1-4-2 | Video test failure | Reseat/replace GPU |
2-2-3 | BIOS ROM checksum | Reflash/recover BIOS |
3-2-4 | Keyboard controller test failure | Try another keyboard; board diag |
IBM (POST beeps)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | POST OK (varies) | Normal boot |
2 short | POST error displayed | Check on-screen code |
3 short | Base memory failure | Test/replace RAM |
1 long, 2 short | Video error | Check GPU/monitor |
Continuous short | Power/system board issue | PSU/board diagnostics |
Dell (common beep sets)
–| Beep Count | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 | BIOS ROM failure | BIOS recovery / board service |
2 | No memory detected | Install/seat RAM; test single DIMM |
3 | System board / chipset error | Service board; run ePSA |
4 | RAM read/write failure | Test DIMMs/slots |
5 | Real-time clock failure | Replace CMOS battery; board diag |
6 | Video card/controller failure | Reseat/replace GPU / LCD cable |
7 | Processor failure | Check CPU; service if persists |
8 | Display failure | Check GPU/LCD/backlight |
HP (common desktop/laptop sets)
–| Beep/LED Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
2 short (often w/ LED blink) | BIOS corruption | HP BIOS recovery; reflash; board diag |
3 short | Memory (module) failure | Reseat/replace RAM; test single DIMM |
4 short | Graphics controller failure | Reseat/replace GPU/LCD cable |
5 short | General system board failure | Mainboard diagnostics/service |
Continuous | Thermal/CPU fan not detected (model-specific) | Check fan connection/cooler |
Lenovo (Think* common)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1-3-3-1 | Conventional memory failure (64 KB) | Reseat/replace RAM |
1-4-2 | Video init/test failure | Check GPU/connection |
1 long, 2 short | Video error (many Think* models) | External display; reseat; board repair if BGA |
Continuous short | Power/board fault | Remove battery/AC, reset; service |
Macintosh (startup tones)
–| Tone Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 beep every 5 s | No RAM detected | Install compatible RAM; reseat firmly |
3 beeps, 5 s pause, repeat | RAM failed integrity check | Reseat/replace modules; try Apple-specified RAM |
One long tone | EFI firmware update/CMOS condition (older Macs) | Allow to finish; power-cycle if stuck |
ASUS (AMI/Aptio-based)
–| Beep/Tone | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | POST OK (typical) | Normal boot |
No beep | CPU/RAM may not initialise (if speaker present) | Check CPU power/seat; try 1 DIMM in A2 |
1 long, 2 short | Video error (common legacy mapping) | Reseat GPU; test iGPU |
3 short | DRAM init failure | DRAM training; clear CMOS; enable XMP later |
MSI (AMI/Aptio-based)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | Refresh/POST OK (legacy) | Normal boot / check display if no video |
3 short | Base 64 KB failure | Test DIMMs/slots; update UEFI |
5 short | Processor error | Check CPU seating/thermal; clear CMOS |
Gigabyte (typically AMI/Aptio)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
1 short | POST success (common) | Normal boot |
5 short | CPU error (on some models) | Check CPU power/thermal; reseat |
10 short | CMOS error (AMI heritage) | Clear CMOS; replace battery |
ASRock (AMI reference)
–| Beep Pattern | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
8 short | Display memory error | Check/replace GPU |
9 short | ROM BIOS checksum error | Reflash/recover UEFI |
10 short | CMOS shutdown R/W error | Clear CMOS; replace battery |
11 short | Cache memory bad | CPU/board service |
Table Filters
Tick to include rows from these tables in the search.
Deep Dive: Each Beep Code Explained
Each beep pattern is linked to detailed guidance covering:
- 🔈 What the Beep Sounds Like
- 🧠 What It Indicates (hardware component at fault)
- 🛠️ Fixes You Can Try Safely
- Plus when to stop and get help
AMI BIOS Beep Codes — Frequently Asked Questions
Why can “1 short beep” mean different things?
Different AMI cores and OEM-customised firmware map it differently. Older AMIBIOS often used 1 short for a DRAM refresh error; many modern Aptio boards use a single short to signal POST OK. Always confirm with your board manual or OEM page.
What if there are no beeps at all?
Confirm an internal speaker is installed. Some newer computers and laptops don’t include one. If silent, the system may not reach POST (power/CPU/board fault).
Are continuous or alternating beeps always memory issues?
Often they indicate memory or power faults, but behaviour varies by BIOS/UEFI and OEM. Use the table on this page to match the exact pattern, then follow the safe checks.
The beep code doesn’t match anything in your list.
Your OEM may use a custom mapping. Check your motherboard manual or support site.
I’ve reseated everything. Still stuck. What now?
Try minimal boot with just CPU + one stick of RAM. Eliminate variables. If problem persists, swap known-good parts or seek repair.
AMI BIOS Beep Codes — Key Takeaways
-
Think of beep codes as your motherboard’s way of talking to you.
- Patterns first: type the exact pattern (e.g. 1 long, 2 short or 1-3-3-1) into Search, then open the deep-dive card (). Think of beep codes as your motherboard’s way of talking to you.
- OEMs vary: Dell/Apple and other OEMs can override AMI/Aptio/Award mappings—always cross-check your model’s manual.
- Most common culprits: RAM seating/compatibility, video initialisation, CMOS/battery. Start with a minimal boot and one known-good DIMM.
- No beeps? Some systems don’t include an internal speaker — If you hear no beeps, your system might lack the speaker needed to emit them.
- When unsure: follow safe recovery steps in the BIOS Update Guide or see OEM notes.
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