Technical information

Chapter 4 60
AMIBIOS Beep Codes
Except for beep code #8, these codes are always fatal.
Beep Description
1 beep Refresh failure
2 beeps Parity error
3 beeps Base 64K memory failure
4 beeps Timer not operational
5 beeps Processor error
6 beeps 8042-gate A20 failure
7 beeps Processor exception interrupt error
8 beeps Display memory read/write failure
9 beeps ROM checksum error
10 beeps CMOS shutdown register read/write error
11 beeps Cache memory bad
For 1 beep, 2 beeps, or 3 beeps try reseating the memory first. If the error still occurs, replace the
memory with known good chips.
For 4 beeps, 5 beeps, 7 beeps, or 10 beeps the system board must be sent in for repair.
For 6 beeps try reseating the keyboard controller chip. If the error still occurs, replace the keyboard
chip. If the error persists, check parts of the system relating to the keyboard, e.g. try another
keyboard, check to see if the system has a keyboard fuse.
8 beeps indicate a memory error on the video adapter. Replace the video card or the memory on the
video card.
9 beeps indicate faulty BIOS chip(s). It is not likely that this error can be corrected by reseating the
chips. Consult the motherboard supplier or an AMI product distributor for replacement part(s).
If no beeps are heard and no display in on the screen. The first thing to check is the power supply.
Connect an LED to the POWER LED connection on the motherboard. If this LED lights and the
drive(s) spin up then the power supply will usually be good.
Next, inspect the motherboard for loose components. A loose or missing CPI, BIOS chip, Crystal
Oscillator, or Chipset chip will cause the motherboard not to function.
Next, eliminate the possibility of interference by a bad or improperly set up I/O card by removing
all card except the video adapter. The system should at least power up and wait for a drive time-out.
Insert the cards back into the system one at a time until the problem happens again. When the
system does nothing, the problem will be with the last expansion card that was put in.
If the above suggestions fail to cause any change in the disfunction of the system, the motherboard
must be returned for repair.