1. #1

    Beep codes for Sandy Bridge MSI mobos

    Anyone have any information on beep codes for MSI Sandy Bridge/EFI BIOS? Just built my new comp; Getting three beeps on startup (non POST), which - based on their other products - might mean RAM failure.

    Can post build info in a bit, filling out customer service request with MSI at the moment. Any leads on information will be helpful

  2. #2
    It should say what that code means in your motherboard's manual

  3. #3
    It's likely your ram. Make sure it's seated properly. Also make sure your video card is seated properly as well. If it persists, try using only 1 module at a time.

  4. #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Adappy View Post
    It should say what that code means in your motherboard's manual
    As he said. May be shocking, but the instruction manual was printed for this very reason.

  5. #5
    Heh.. This is actually my first time building a computer, and since screwing up was the last thing I wanted to do, I read through the manual twice, at work, before starting.. and then twice again while working on it.. and then a fifth time when I started having this problem Unfortunately I did not see any information in the manual or on the manufacturer's website for my BIOS's beep codes. However, I will give it a fresh look today!

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizey View Post
    It's likely your ram. Make sure it's seated properly. Also make sure your video card is seated properly as well. If it persists, try using only 1 module at a time.
    I was inclined to think this as well. I only have two slots, so last night I tested it by switching the placement of each, trying each in both slots (one at a time), and trying it with none inserted at all. Having none inserted did not give me the three, short beeps I had been experiencing up until that point. Having any inserted in any slot gave me the three beeps. I did make sure to check that the clips were fully locked each time.

    So, I don't know. I am hoping the RAM was DoA and can be replaced. I find it odd that I don't get the beeps with no RAM inserted, however.

    For reference:
    Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130569
    CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115073
    RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231396
    GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127510
    Last edited by hedral; 2011-03-15 at 02:14 PM.

  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by hedral View Post
    Heh.. This is actually my first time building a computer, and since screwing up was the last thing I wanted to do, I read through the manual twice, at work, before starting.. and then twice again while working on it.. and then a fifth time when I started having this problem Unfortunately I did not see any information in the manual or on the manufacturer's website for my BIOS's beep codes. However, I will give it a fresh look today!



    I was inclined to think this as well. I only have two slots, so last night I tested it by switching the placement of each, trying each in both slots (one at a time), and trying it with none inserted at all. Having none inserted did not give me the three, short beeps I had been experiencing up until that point. Having any inserted in any slot gave me the three beeps. I did make sure to check that the clips were fully locked each time.

    So, I don't know. I am hoping the RAM was DoA and can be replaced. I find it odd that I don't get the beeps with no RAM inserted, however.

    For reference:
    Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813130569
    CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115073
    RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231396
    GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127510
    That's kind of funny... might want to RMA the motherboard as well, it's supposed to have a kniption if there's no RAM installed at all. I guess things change, eh? In that case, if you get the POST beeps with RAM installed, and no beeps without RAM installed, it's your RAM.

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Cantii View Post
    That's kind of funny... might want to RMA the motherboard as well, it's supposed to have a kniption if there's no RAM installed at all. I guess things change, eh? In that case, if you get the POST beeps with RAM installed, and no beeps without RAM installed, it's your RAM.
    My friend also suggested RMA'ing the motherboard as well. I've already submitted a ticket to the mobo manufacturer, and I figured I'd see what they suggested first before ripping everything apart and mailing it back. I'd hate to take it apart just to put it all back together if it was only a RAM issue after all, heh.


    Quote Originally Posted by Alric View Post
    POST BIOS beep codes

    * 1 - Memory refresh timer error
    * 2 - Parity error in base memory (first 64 KiB block)
    * 3 - Base memory read/write test error
    * 4 - Mother board timer not operational (check all PSU to MB connectors seated)
    * 5 - Processor failure
    * 6 - 8042 Gate A20 test error (cannot switch to protected mode)
    * 7 - General exception error (processor exception interrupt error)
    * 8 - Display memory error (system video adapter)
    * 9 - AMI BIOS ROM checksum error
    * 10 - CMOS shutdown register read/write error
    * 11 - Cache memory test failed
    * 12 - Mother board does not detect a RAM module (continuous beeping)
    Just curious, where did you get that information from?

  8. #8
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    You've gotta really press hard on the RAM to make sure it's fully in the socket all the way across, harder than most people realize in their first time building. Make sure it's all the way down first.

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