Official GIGABYTE Forum
Questions about GIGABYTE products => Motherboards with Intel processors => Topic started by: Hagroth on September 30, 2011, 09:04:07 am
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So, to make a long story short: When I first tried to install the OS and everything, I got the question whether I wanted to use XHD for my hard drives. It had a countdown that, once it reached "8", made the computer reset. I don't get that question anymore, so my computer doesn't have any problems anymore. But I still get the same beep code I've always had:
I installed Windows 7 and everything and it all works fine. I've done some video editing and there are no problems at all, simply because I don't get the question about XHD anymore (because I said "No"), and there was something that caused it to reset when the countdown for the question reached "8". However, I still get the weird beep code when booting:
Check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNHoM6I5zYM
Thanks in advance!
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Beep code not audible in the video....can you describe it in words.....short.....long......what combination?
Aussie Allan
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Your youtube video doesn't let the sound be heard but I notice that the title mentions that all your lights come on, well that is the correct thing. They should illuminate all the LEDs which should go out as POST progresses. This is normal.
What beep do you get on starting ? It should be just a single short beep at the end of POST to indicate that everything has passed.
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You can hear it, just use earphones because it's barely audible. The first beep is at 0:03:90, the last one is at about 0:07:50.
It goes like this ("-": longer pause, they're all short):
dark light light - light - light light
Keep in mind that the fourth signal (the single one in the middle), isn't audible. You can kind of hear it if you really concentrate, but I know it's there since I've heard it in real life of course. It's always the same beep code, and Gigabyte support didn't have a clue, and Phoenix or Award BIOS don't seem to have their own customer support.
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One...... do you have a buzzer installed.....and 2.....when I said describe......is it 2 short and 1 long........3 short and one long?
Aussie Allan
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Normally any beep code that is out of the ordinary means a memory problem, so if you go on that assumption try removing all the modules bar one in the first slot and see if that makes any difference.
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Hi,
If it is memory why not run memtest just to verify this, 10 passes per module and then take it from there.
Teknology9
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Yes that is another option of course as teknology9 suggests. Make sure that you run Memtest with the modules singly, one at a time for ten full loops/cycles.
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One...... do you have a buzzer installed.....and 2.....when I said describe......is it 2 short and 1 long........3 short and one long?
Aussie Allan
I had no idea what a buzzer was but I looked it up and it turns out it's a small loudspeaker such as the one on the motherboard, correct? Well, currently, when I need audio, I plug my speakers into the output (headphones) of the case. Other than that I have not installed any audio devices at all, the only thing that's audible without any speakers plugged in is the motherboard buzzer but it's in there from start.
They're all equally long: It's one dark signal followed by two light ones, then a pause, then a light one, then another pause, followed by two more light ones. So if it's any of those you mentioned it's definitely "3 short and one long", but that's not entirely correct either. And the first note is darker than the other ones.
I'll check Memtest out!
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The "three short and one long" beeps are not a known standard code so as I mentioned earlier so I would be looking at a memory problem.
The buzzer is not the same as your audio outputs like speakers as it only beeps and will give the codes from the motherboard. The two are not interchangeable. You need both. It is only very cheap anyway at about a pound.
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1 Long, then 3 Short Beeps: Video error
Explanation: The BIOS is unable to access the video system in order to write any error messages to the screen.
Diagnosis: This is usually caused by a problem with the video card, or the memory on the video card. It can also be a motherboard issue.
Recommendation:
Troubleshoot the video card.
If the video card is not at fault, troubleshoot the motherboard.
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OR
1 long three short could be Either the memory chips are not seated properly, or they are not compatible.
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OR
from the Award Bios beep code index......
1 Long Beep, 3 Short Beeps
One long beep followed by three short beeps means that either the video card isn't installed or the memory on the video card is bad. Reseating or replacing the video card will typically fix the cause of this Award beep code.
You do need to have a speaker installed if the board doesnt have one ..... your speakers or head set will not be active during post and boot .... relax....there really cheap!
Award BIOS beep code list......http://www.computerhope.com/beep.htm
Aussie Allan
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No worries, of course my motherboard has a buzzer, otherwise I wouldn't be hearing the beeping, would I? ???
I downloaded Memtest86, extracted the ISO, burned it to a DVD-R (didn't have any CDs) using IMGBurn and booted from the DVD afterwards. It went on for 11 tests but didn't find any errors at all. I don't know what they mean by "iterations" though. I only did one cycle for each unit since I don't have the possibility of leaving it on during the day or night because I actually live in another house.
1: Iterations: 100 Errors: 0 11 tests (pass complete, no errors)
2: Iterations: 100 Errors: 0 11 tests (pass complete, no errors)
I'll do some more cycles tomorrow.
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"Iteration" means the act of repeating a process .... well that cuts the memory dimms out if they pass ten loops/ no errors
Buzzer, pezo, I've gotta remember to get my head around all giga-boards have pezos :D
I think it comes down to your GPU next .... can you get your hands on another GPU of any description that will fit your board to test ?
if you can do this and it's still there, .....Motherboards the culprit me thinks.
Aussie Allan
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I would still like to see the memory tested fully. That was only a quick test and not thorough. Single stick in first slot and ten full loops. Then next. It does take a while but there are no shortcuts.
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I left one of them on for six consecutive cycles yesterday - no errors. I tested the second one today, left it running for five hours maybe. This is what happened:
http://imgur.com/kWVjw
What is that supposed to mean? ???
When running a single cycle (14 mins) everything's fine, not clutter on the screen and no errors reported. But after leaving it on for hours it's full of jibberish. Also, why do six cycles take three hours when the first cycle only takes 14 mins? That's not math as I know it! The second cycle took 38 minutes (still no errors)!
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So that is confoirming that you have memory problems. That was even before the full ten loops as well!
You will need to RMA all your memory together as it is a matched kit.
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So that is confoirming that you have memory problems. That was even before the full ten loops as well!
You will need to RMA all your memory together as it is a matched kit.
(Let's call them "A" and "B"): Stick A completed 6 cycles without any errors or problems.
Stick B was in a five-six hour long test process and somehow this cryptic clutter turned up. Since one cycle (after the first one) takes 40 minutes, it must've been through about 8 cycles maximum when this happened. Are you sure this is what happens when the memory is faulty? Isn't that an odd way of showing it? I mean, why would the program fill the screen with nonsense instead of just displaying "Errors: x"?
Another weird thing, perhaps related to the problem, is that the BIOS says my case is open when it's not (in "PC Health Status": "Case Opened Yes").
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You can disable the opotion to check for the case being open. It thinks iyt is because you haven't got a switch there so it sees it as an open circuit. Go into the BIOS and you will find the option to disable.
I don't know what else I can tell you but the memory is faulty.
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Second opinion ..... The memory's faulty
Aussie Allan
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Ok, that's oddly relieving. I was worried it was the motherboard ;D
There isn't a third opinion then? lol
Thanks a lot to both of you *applause*
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Third opinion!...... Definitely the Memory! ..... but you can even buy a car with more then one problem .... All where saying is you have a defective module.
Once you plug in the newbies .....Well ..... that's when the PC God steps in ;)
Aussie Allan's third opinion brother
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I did some experimenting now and whatever I do, be it remove both modules altogether, having them in slots 2 and 4 rather than 1 and 3, just having one of them in different slots, just having the other one in different slots, the beep code remains. Common sense implies it can't be the RAM. I mean, why would it beep like that even though I have no modules in it?
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Hagroth ......I think we have one foot nailed to the floor!
I mean, why would it beep like that even though I have no modules in it?........
Right , so you just got a beep code because you don't have memory in the machine when you booted it ::)
And it was the same beep code you have been complaining about for the last 19 posts..................... ::)
And you still say that it cannot be the memory but some other problem........................................ ::)
You even posted a video where a dimm was shown to have failed big time but it can't be the memory...... ::)
When running a single cycle (14 mins) everything's fine, not clutter on the screen and no errors reported. But after leaving it on for hours it's full of jibberish
When running memtest.....there is no hard drives in the loop ......only the memory and the CPU.......if there is errors ,....it will record them as the "X" you so desperately want to see ...... if the memory is "Big time Failed or Not Compatible" it can and will turn the screen to gibberish or even BSOD
You cannot use an external stereo speaker or a head set.......it will not be active during the boot phase
It's been 11 days since your last post ..... all you had to do in that time is beg, borrow, steal a different branded memory module, even a 1GB dimm to test in your system......If we can rule out the memory absolutely.......then you/we can move on in trouble shooting your apparent problem.
P.S ....This one of those times where frustratingly one of fifty possible reasons has to be explained to get people moving in the right direction.....
"QUOTE"
having them in slots 2 and 4 rather than 1 and 3, just having one of them in different slots, just having the other one in different slots, the beep code remains. Common sense implies it can't be the RAM.
"END QUOTE"
One of thirty possible explanations........... if the memory has been installed and registered in the BIOS .....untill you clear CMOS/BIOS or load "OPTIMIZED DEFAULTS"......the Bios will not hunt for a different memory module or different slot position but use the signature that it already has.
UNTIL THEN ......IT'S THE MEMORY!
Aussie Allan
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Perfect logic Allan!
Why is it only me and thee can see it ?
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Hmm, so BOTH modules are faulty then? Because you don't HAVE to have two modules do you? I mean, both of them "produced" this beep signal even when alone, in any slot.
The reason for this big pause is that I haven't had time to bother testing them out like this until now.
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You didn't read ( or understand ) my reply post.......once again!.......
...... One of thirty possible explanations........... if the memory has been installed and registered in the BIOS .....untill you clear CMOS/BIOS or load "OPTIMIZED DEFAULTS"......the Bios will not hunt for a different memory module or different slot position but use the signature that it already has.
"both of them "produced" this beep signal" ........ unless you install dimm one.....and load optimized defaults .......so you refresh ALL the Bios data......and then do it Again for Dimm2 between testing........
All I'm saying is DM and I share 17,000+ posts between us......if it quacks like a duck, .....looks like a duck, ......sounds like a duck!.......but if you think it's a Dog .......who am I to argue!
Aussie Allan
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Hello Hagroth,
I have read this thread through a few times and, from the information you have given, it is as Aussie Allan and DM have said.....memory.
The best course of action to take is to buy some new compatible memory for your MB clear the CMOS and insert the new modules you have purchased. If you read your motherboard manual it clearly explains the procedure, if you are not sure about which memory to choose a memory configurator can be found here:
http://www.corsair.com/learn_n_explore/
Well this is my take on the situation and Aussie Allan and DM have brought this to your attention so you can get your pc functioning again.
@Aussie Allan.......yes it is a duck!!! :)
Teknology9
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Or maybe it only looks like a duck but is a dog in disguise! :-\ I'm getting confused now. :-\
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Canine Duck!.......Caninoruos.Duckerous......Has hair instead of feathers........will attack when shot......has sharp teeth Approach with caution! ;D
AA
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Oh, I see. I apologize if I have dishonored you with my ignorance, eternal master! *bows*
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A bit of light heartedness often helps keep everyone sane! It is good to have a laugh sometimes. ;)
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Well said that man!!! :)
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H-U-M-O-U-R ..... at no time have I or DM been rude or derogatory ..... in fact in trying to give you the help you asked for......I have spent a great deal of time in trying fixing your problem
Yes I understand it's highly frustrating when your PC goes tits up ...... Oh, I see. I apologize if I have dishonored you with my ignorance, eternal master! *bows* ....
Very sad if this is how you thank people for all the help they have offered when you asked for help
Aussie Allan
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To be honest Allan, I thought that the OP was entering into the spirit as well with his post. Maybe I got it wrong? :-\
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Well I have been wrong before.......Many times says the Wife........how about it " Hagroth ".....How they hangin! :D
Aussie Allan
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Oh, you're getting it all wrong. I was NOT being rude or anything haha. It was just an attempt apologizing for not reading your post thoroughly in a humourous way, nothing else.
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Good to hear Hagroth :)
It's hard enough to put into words what we think in English......when we have to cross borders,cultures and languages as well. :o
Let us know how the PC get on and how it eventually gets fixed :)
Aussie Allan
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Oh, you're getting it all wrong. I was NOT being rude or anything haha. It was just an attempt apologizing for not reading your post thoroughly in a humourous way, nothing else.
That was what I thought and glad to hear that I was right, there. Sometimes it is hard to know if someone is having a laugh or being serious, that is where the emoticons can be useful.
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Yeah, I guess they might come in handy sometimes!
Thanks, I will carry out some more testing soon. ;D
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Hey Hagroth, head over to the caption competition and have a laugh with us.
http://forum.giga-byte.co.uk/index.php/topic,7140.0.html
Teknology9