My system has 16GB of DDR3 memory, an Intel i7-3770, a GTX 750 Ti, and a fairly new 500W power supply. On startup, the motherboard gives four beeps and does not properly initialize USB devices or other peripherals. The mouse LEDs do remain lit, though.
I tested the memory sticks individually in different slots, gently cleaned the contacts, and tried the usual RAM troubleshooting steps. I also removed the CMOS battery, waited, and reinstalled it, but the beeping continued. I tightened and checked the power cables as well. The graphics card and SSDs are currently disconnected while I troubleshoot. Could the four-beep code indicate something other than faulty RAM, and what should I test next?
2 Answers
Try a true minimum-hardware boot: disconnect the drives, graphics card, USB devices, and anything else unnecessary, then use one known-good memory stick and make sure the CPU power connector is plugged in. If the processor has integrated graphics, test the motherboard video output without the GTX 750 Ti. If the same four beeps remain after testing the memory and clearing CMOS correctly, the likely suspects are the motherboard, power supply, or CPU rather than the SSDs.
Four beeps do not have one universal meaning. Depending on the motherboard and BIOS, they can indicate a timer, motherboard, CPU, or memory initialization failure. The exact board model and beep pattern matter, so check its manual or the BIOS manufacturer’s beep-code list. Removing and reinstalling the battery only resets settings; it does not prove the battery is good or fix a failed component.
I’ve ordered a replacement CMOS battery, but I’ll also look up the board’s specific beep code instead of assuming it means RAM.
The GPU and SSDs are already disconnected, and I’ll test with only one stick and the onboard video if this CPU and board support it.