Neutron2K's Computing Tutorials

Guide to Award BIOS Error Beep Codes

Depending on how long you have owned a computer, you have probably heard these. The dreaded error beep codes of when your computer has a hardware problem when you turn it on. Their a pain to track down because each BIOS type has its own set of Error Beep Codes.

The other problem is that when you start hearing beep codes, 90% of the time you will need to open your computer to check the hardware itself. The only time when a beep error code that springs to mind that will not require you to open the computers chassis, is when the CMOS battery temporarily flips and resets your BIOS. You will get a Checksum Error one time (usually) and never heard it again after that.

The aim of this guide is to list some of the known Error Beep Codes Associated with the AWARD BIOS chips. For other BIOS guides, check back in the tutorial section. Some will be written soon!

The error beep codes below are those outlined by Award and claim they are the only error beep codes.

Beep Code	Problem
1 Long 2 Short	Graphics Card problem. Either your graphics card is damaged, the monitor is not connected properly, or the graphics card is not seated correctly. Check the monitor is connected properly Open the computer and take the graphics card out, then re-seat it. Test the graphics card in another computer. Chances are, it has been damaged.
Repeating beeps	Memory Problem. Either the computers RAM has been physically damaged, or it is not seated correctly. Open the Computers Chassis and remove the RAM modules, then reseat them. If beeps persists, replace RAM.
Repeating Hi/Low Beeps	Over Heated / Damage CPU Either the fan on your Processors Heat Sink has stopped working efficiantly enough and the CPU is over heating, or the CPU itself has become damaged. Replace the fan and Heatsink on the CPU Replace the CPU.
Hi Frequency Beeps	Over Heating CPU Follow Steps 1 above.

If you come across any other beep codes not listed in this document, please use the contact form to send me an email describing the beep code and the problem.