Macintosh beep codes
- One beep every 5 seconds: No RAM installed
- 3 short beeps, 5 second pause, 3 short beeps: RAM did not pass integrity check
- 3 long, 2 short, 3 long beeps: EFI ROM error or Mac is in EFI ROM recovery mode
What is Beep Code?
“Beep Code” is the name for the sound patterns that a computer’s motherboard makes through the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) when there’s a hardware issue during start-up. These beep codes are essentially the computer’s way of communicating problems with essential hardware parts like memory, video cards, or the motherboard itself.
Each manufacturer of BIOS systems has their distinct set of beep codes, which differ in the number and sequence of beeps, with each unique pattern pointing to a specific type of error.
For example, a single beep often means everything is in order, while a series of different beeps can signal various issues, such as memory failure or problems with the video card. To decode these beeps, users can consult the manual that came with their motherboard or visit the manufacturer’s website. This helps in pinpointing the specific hardware problem the computer is trying to indicate.