Direct Game Collection & PC KnowLedge

Each time you start the computer, the BIOS conducts a power-on self-test (POST). If the computer freezes or otherwise fails to boot, the CPU may be unable to communicate with one or more hardware components. The cause may be a faulty component, faulty installation or a problem with the BIOS. During the POST, a series of beeps may sound an audio code to indicate what problem has occurred. Most PCs beep once at the successful completion of the POST, some beep twice.


1 Beep

If the PC boots properly, then this beep is normal. It is an audio cue that the PC has passed the POST and started to boot.

* (AMI) Memory problem
* (AWARD) Memory problem

2 Beeps

* (AMI) Memory problem

3 Beeps

* (AMI) Memory or motherboard problem
* (AWARD) Video problem
* (IBM) Keyboard problem

4 Beeps

* (AMI) System timer failure
* (AWARD) Video Problem

5 Beeps

* (AMI) CPU or motherboard problem

6 Beeps

* (AMI) Keyboard or motherboard problem

7 Beeps

* (AMI) CPU or motherboard problem

8 Beeps

* (AMI) Video card or video memory problem

9 Beeps

* (AMI) Motherboard problem

10 Beeps

* (AMI) Motherboard problem

11 Beeps

* (AMI) Cache memory error

Continuous Beeping

* (AMI) Memory or Video Problem
* (AWARD) Memory or Video Problem
* (IBM) Power problem or loose card