Bios post codes 3 long beeps

[grok]

So last nite I decided to revive an old P4 3Ghz that's been gathering dust - ASRock P4VM8 motherboard, AMI bios. It does not post, instead I get 3 long beeps, a break, then 3 long beeps, etc. continuously.

I know its an old board but I cannot seem to find a definitive answer - thus far it's either the VGA (old FX5500), memory or the keyboard. I thought these beeps are supposed to be helpful?

Problem is I don't have other components to swop out to test. I did remove all the peripherals & just left the mem & vga but I still get the 3 beeps. Also I reset the cmos in the hope it'll revert to the onboard graphics but still the same.

So anyone with any idea?

 

[biometrics]

My bet is the memory.

Edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power-on_self-test#POST_AMI_BIOS_beep_codes

Try reseating them or swapping them around.

 

[grok]

That link says 3 long beeps is 3270 keyboard card. See what I mean?

 

[demon angel]

That link says 3 long beeps is 3270 keyboard card. See what I mean?

I also heard mention of it being a keyboard error.

Has your motherboard got any swollen caps?

I also feel very strong about the ram perhaps being faulty.

 

[biometrics]

That link says 3 long beeps is 3270 keyboard card. See what I mean?

Check under the AMI section:

POST AMI 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)

As to this

* 12 - Mother board does not detect a RAM module (continuous beeping)

Try removing the memory and boot up. Do you get other than 3 beeps?

 

[SouthBit]

In my experience 3 beeps has been a RAM issue. But it's BIOS dependant, they have different beep codes.

Edit: I'm talking cr@p, it's continuous beeping. Sorry, brain fart. Been a long day.

 

[agentrfr]

It's your RAM. It's either blown or has come out of the sockets. Happened to me a few days ago.

 

[PostmanPot]

To make double sure check the post codes for your specific mobo's BIOS.

Probably RAM though. Test with 1 stick at a time.

 

[CriticalConsumer]

Hi to the OP.

Have you still got the manual? I was just on Asrocks site is this http://www.asrock.com/MB/manual.asp?Model=P4VM800 your mobo manual?

 

[drukkie]

if it's ram it's screwed...if you remove the screencard it will revert to onbaord...

 

[grok]

Hi to the OP.

Have you still got the manual? I was just on Asrocks site is this http://www.asrock.com/MB/manual.asp?Model=P4VM800 your mobo manual?

No it's this one .. http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=P4VM8

Try removing the memory and boot up. Do you get other than 3 beeps?

No, same 3 beeps with memory removed.

if it's ram it's screwed...if you remove the screencard it will revert to onbaord...

I removed *everything* except the CPU & still got the same 3 beeps. Starting to think it might be the PSU perhaps?

Problem is it's old stuff that I don't have spares for to swop out. Suppose I'll have to take it into a PC shop for testing.

 

[wheunis]

No it's this one .. http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=P4VM8
No, same 3 beeps with memory removed.
I removed *everything* except the CPU & still got the same 3 beeps. Starting to think it might be the PSU perhaps?
Problem is it's old stuff that I don't have spares for to swop out. Suppose I'll have to take it into a PC shop for testing.

Memory controller on motherboard faulty - Replace motherboard.
Damage may have been done to the Memory Modules via the Motherboard's fault as well, depending on cause of fault.

 

[stroebs]

I had an ASrock board which did the same, replaced everything except the motherboard, then realised it was the motherboard, so replaced the motherboard... And then realised I'd just upgraded my PC (Oh and replacing the motherboard worked)

 

[grok]

Update for reference:

It was the power supply. Had a friend hook it up to his 300w and 100% bootup!
Gonna repurpose it as a download box, or something.

Appreciate all the suggestions folks..
*

 

[stroebs]

Glad to hear it's sorted

 

[PostmanPot]