Intel Bios Codes

This document gives troubleshooting tips for when you hear beep codes and your desktop board does not boot up successfully.

You are getting 1, 2, or 3 beeps that indicate a memory failure.

1 beep - Refresh Error (with nothing on the screen and it is not a video problem)

2 beeps - Parity Error

3 beeps - Base 64 K memory failure

* 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. Note: Some systems might need to have 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.
* Trying known good memory in the system.
* Check the power supply and check for power fluctuations.
* If the steps above do not resolve the problem, the desktop board may be defective. Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 4 beeps indicating a timer not operational:

* Check for foreign objects such as screws that may ground the desktop board and make sure that screws that hold the motherboard are not too tight.
* Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 5 beeps indicating a processor error:

* Check for foreign objects such as screws that may ground the desktop board and make sure the screws that hold the board are not too tight.
* Make sure the processor is seated properly.
* Try a different processor.
* Remove the desktop board from the chassis and reinstall it.
* If the steps above do not resolve the problem, the desktop board may be defective. Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 6 beeps indicating 8042 - gate A20 failure:

* Check for foreign objects such as screws that may ground the desktop board and make sure the screws that hold the motherboard are not too tight.
* Try a different keyboard.
* Try a different processor.

You are getting 7 beeps indicating processor exception interrupt error

* Make sure the processor is seated properly.
* Try a different processor.
* Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 8 beeps indicating display memory read/write failure

* Make sure that you have a video card on your system.
* If possible, swap the memory on the video card.
* Try a different video card.
* Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 9 beeps indicating ROM checksum error

* Try reflashing the system BIOS.
* If possible, try reseating the system BIOS chip.
* Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 10 beeps indicating CMOS shutdown register read/write error

* Try a different desktop board.

You are getting 11 beeps indicating cache memory bad

* Make sure the system is configured properly (CMOS Setup Program and jumpers on the board) for the RAM cache.
* If possible, replace the RAM cache.
* Try a different processor.
* Try a different desktop board.