Ultra-X, Inc. Name Image
PROFESSIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS
Support Article

BIOS Beep Codes for Intel® Desktop Boards

MISC Troubleshooting Guides, ReferencesReferencesUpdated 6/14/2019

You can hear the beep codes through the onboard piezoelectric speaker. For Intel® Desktop Boards without the onboard speaker, you can hear the beeps through a speaker attached to the line out audio jack on the board.

Beep Code Sequence/Pattern Meaning Troubleshooting Steps
Single beep One 0.5 second beep F2 Setup / F10 Boot Menu prompt This short beep occurs when the BIOS is ready to accept keyboard input. No action needed.
2 beeps

On-off (1.0 second each) two times, then 2.5-second pause (off).

The pattern repeats once.

Then the computer continues to boot.

Video error (no add-in graphics card installed)
  • Reseat add-in graphics card.
  • Make sure a compatible processor is installed.
Related topics
No video and two beeps during boot
Intel® Processors and Boards Compatibility Tool
3 beeps

On-off (1.0 second each) three times, then 2.5-second pause (off).

The pattern repeats until the computer is powered off.

Memory error
  • Reseat the memory.
  • Make sure that the contacts on the memory and the socket are clean.
  • Try removing one bank of memory modules at a time. (Some systems can require a memory module in Bank 0.)
  • Try using memory modules from the same manufacturer with the same part number and speed.
  • Check for a faulty memory module by trying the memory in a known good system.
High/low beeps

Alternate high and low beeps (1.0 second each) for 8 beeps.

Then the computer shuts down.

CPU thermal trip warning
  • Check that the processor heatsink/fan is properly installed.
  • Check that the thermal interface material is sufficient and is spread evenly.