Computer motherboard signals: features, diagnostics, process

Sound signals from the speaker of the motherboard is a great way to diagnose computer malfunctions. A specific set allows you to identify both problems in the operating system and errors in the operation of connected equipment. Further in the material will be given their main varieties, methods for determining and description of the diagnostic process by signals.

Since many users are aware of how to find out the BIOS version, talking about this is the last thing to do. Let us first analyze the signals themselves.

Phoenix

It’s worth starting with it, because this BIOS version has a rather unique and different notification system from the rest. If in standard systems there is a simple set, then it is necessary to calculate by type.

Signal List

The further list will be divided into subsections to make it easier for the reader to navigate the system. But first, a simple example is worth giving. The very first type of motherboard signal is 1-1, example 1-1-2. All signals are short. The number indicates the number of repetitions, and the symbol “-” is a pause. Let's get started.

1-1:

• 1-1-2. PSU malfunctions detected.
• 1-1-3. There is no way to write data to CMOS. The motherboard battery is exhausted or the part itself is physically damaged.
• 1-1-4. The BIOS BIOS cop has encountered an error.

1-2:

• 1-2-1. PTP encountered an error.
• 1-2-2. There is a malfunction in the DMA controller.
• 1-2-3. DMA controller error while reading or writing.

1-3:

• 1-3-1. There was a problem generating memory.
• 1-3-2. Cannot test live recorder.
• 1-3-3 and 1-3-4. A critical RAM error has occurred.

1-4:

• 1-4-1. A malfunction was detected in the address bar of the online recorder.
• 1-4-2. RAM parity malfunction detected.

3-2:

• 3-2-4. A malfunction was detected during the connection of the keyboard.

3-3:

• 3-3-1. It is necessary to replace the battery located in the motherboard.
• 3-3-4. An error was detected while diagnosing the video card.

3-4:

• 3-4-1. Video adapter malfunction.

4-2:

• 4-2-1. The system timer has stopped functioning due to a critical error.
• 4-2-2. The failure of the CMOS termination process.
• 4-2-3. An error has been detected that interferes with the operation of the keyboard controller.
• 4-2-4. A critical error has appeared in the functioning of the CPU.

4-3:

• 4-3-1. An error occurred while performing an online recording test.
• 4-3-3. During the operation of the personal computer, a timer violation occurred.
• 4-3-4. An error occurred while running RTC.

4-4:

• 4-4-1. When diagnosing the operation of the serial port, an error was detected.
• 4-4-2. A parallel port problem has been identified that interferes with its functioning.
• 4-4-3. There were diagnosed problems with the social processor.

American Megatrends, Inc.

Most often found under the name AMI BIOS. For over sixteen years it has been almost the most popular developer of this program. According to the standard, this manufacturer has one common motherboard signal (both Asus and other manufacturers). Next, the repeating signals of this developer will be considered.

First type

Repeating sound alerts are also often called simple. This is explained by the fact that they consist of a certain number of sounds of equal length. The following is a list and a detailed description of the motherboard signals when the operating system boots up and their detailed interpretation:

• 2 short. When starting the system, an error was detected, the cause of which was the parity of the RAM.
• 3. The first 64 KB of the same part also encountered a malfunction when starting the computer.
• 4 short beeps. The system timer is damaged.
• 5 signals. There is a critical CPU error that caused it to stop working. The possibility of physical damage is not excluded.
• 6 short signals of the motherboard. The keyboard controller is damaged.
• 7. Running on-board diagnostics of the motherboard detected a malfunction.
• 8 short sounds. Damage to the video card memory.
• 9 signals of the motherboard MSI or any other manufacturer. BIOS checksum failure.
• 10 signals. Recording in CMOS will not be made due to a malfunction.
• 11. A malfunction has occurred in the random access memory.
• 3 long signals of the motherboard. During a routine check, when starting up the system, malfunctions related to RAM were detected.
• Long uninterrupted. Damage to the power supply or an excess of the temperature acceptable for the computer was detected.

Mixed

Quite often they are known as complex or compound. They are a set of long and short signals of the BIOS of the motherboard. The following is a list of them:

• 1 long and 1 short. PSU damage detected.
• 1 long and 2 short. There is also a combination of 1 long and 3 short. Indicates a malfunction in the video card or a malfunction of the online recording device.
• 1 long and 4 short. The video card is not installed (incorrect connection is possible).
• 1 long and 5 short signals of the motherboard. No OD was detected.
• 1 long and 8 short. Lack of monitor connection or malfunction of the video card.

Award

One of the most famous and popular software manufacturers around the world. The advantage of this system is a great similarity with the original structure and appearance of the BIOS program. At the same time, there is one drawback. The interface and the inside of the software have not been processed for more than ten years.

First type of signals

This system has its own unique set of motherboard signals. But at the same time, the overall system is no different from other manufacturers (unlike Phoenix). The following is a list of BIOS signals:

• 1 short signal of the motherboard at boot. The diagnostics carried out at the start of the personal computer were successfully completed and did not reveal any problems.
• 1 short repeating sound. During operation of the power supply, a critical malfunction was detected.
• 1 long repeating signal. During the diagnosis, an error was detected in the operation of the operational recording device.
• 2 short signals of the motherboard. An ongoing system check revealed some non-critical errors.
• 3 long beeps. The keyboard controller is faulty and cannot continue.
• Continuous signal. A critical damage to the power supply has been detected, which impedes further operation of the computer.

Second type of signals

Next, composite signals and their decoding will be considered. The list includes:

• 1 long and 1 short. A critical damage to the online recorder was detected, resulting in a malfunction.
• 1 long and 3 short beeps of the motherboard. A malfunction has been identified that impedes the operation of the video card. It may also indicate a malfunction in the keyboard.
• 1 long and 9 short. A critical error occurred while reading data from a permanent recorder.

Solving Some Problems and Important Tips

After all the main types of BIOS program manufacturers have been disassembled, as well as the sound signal systems known today, it is necessary to talk about how to fix some of the errors that arise. The following is a list of some useful recommendations on how to properly correct the situation:

• The first and most important thing to know is that many of these problems can be fixed with a hard restart of the computer.
• If you encounter one of the signals, then it is worth trying to remove the motherboard and clean it from dust. In this case, it is necessary to use only either special equipment or a thin brush so as not to damage anything.

• In the event that when you start the device you received a signal that corresponds to one of the critical errors, then you should immediately but carefully disassemble your computer and check all the details for the integrity and quality of the connection. ATTENTION! Do not inspect the insides if you do not have enough experience. Better take the computer to a special workshop where the wizards will diagnose and accurately identify the cause of the breakdown.

• If you are able to perform the test yourself, but you do not find any physical damage, just return all the BIOS specifications to the factory ones. This is done using the switch, which is located on the motherboard next to the battery. You need to switch it from the current position to the previous one, wait half a minute and return it to its place.
• During the diagnosis, metal objects cannot be used. If you need to clean the contacts, use a soft eraser.
• Most importantly, if the warranty period has not yet expired when one of the signals appears on your computer, just take it to the repair center of the store where you purchased it.

How to determine the model of the necessary signals?

Before determining the cause of the malfunction by the type of signals on the motherboard, you must determine the manufacturer of the BIOS program on your computer. There are several options for how to do this:

1. Use the download screen. When you start the computer, pay attention to the screen. Most often, the logo of the BIOS software manufacturer is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. But since it quickly switches, click on the pause key or Tab.
2. You can also use the Run program. First you need to start it using the standard Win + R. Next, in the window that appears, enter msinfo32 and press the enter key. After that, you will go to the system information window. On the left side of the screen will be a list of the necessary information. It will contain a line with BIOS version information.
3. The third option also involves the use of the "Properties" program. To do this, you will need to run the "Search" program, its window is located on the taskbar. Enter the word "Properties" there and among the results find the necessary subroutine.
4. The last option. At the moment, it is not very relevant. In the start menu, find the "All Programs" subsection. Next, proceed to the section of standard utilities, and then open the directory with utility utilities. Find the System Information program there.

Summary

As you can see, there are many signals that allow you to almost completely determine the malfunction of a computer with absolute accuracy. But still remember, if you encounter one of the sound signals and the subsequent breakdown, then just immediately take the device to a service center, where professionals will deal with it.