BIOS | MSI HQ User-to-User FAQ https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/ Here you will find most answers that are asked many times before. en-ca svet@forum.msi.com Copyright 2026 What do the BIOS 'beeps' and codes mean? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/bios-beeps-and-codes https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/bios-beeps-and-codes What do the different 'beep' codes mean?

If POST is successful, then you'll normally hear a single loud beep, and you'll see the POST screen or BIOS logo, and your system will boot normally.

However if you receive more than one loud beep and you get no display and your PC does not boot, then POST has failed, and the beeps indicate at what stage POST has failed.
 

AMI BIOS beep codes

Below are the AMI BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.
1 short - DRAM refresh failure
2 short - Parity circuit failure
3 short - Base 64K RAM failure
4 short - System timer failure
5 short - Process failure
6 short - Keyboard controller Gate A20 error
7 short - Virtual mode exception error
8 short - Display memory Read/Write test failure
9 short - ROM BIOS checksum failure
10 short - CMOS shutdown Read/Write error
11 short - Cache Memory error
1 long, 3 short - Conventional/Extended memory failure
1 long, 8 short - Display/Retrace test failed

For a detailed listing of AMI BIOS error codes (if your board has an LED display) and beep codes, refer to this PDF file:

For newer AMI Aptio EFI BIOS, refer to this PDF file:


AWARD BIOS beep codes

Below are Award BIOS Beep codes that can occur. However, because of the wide variety of different computer manufacturers with this BIOS, the beep codes may vary.

1 long, 2 short - Indicates a video error has occurred and the BIOS cannot initialize the video screen to display any additional information
Any other beep(s) - RAM problem.

If any other correctable hardware issues, the BIOS will display a message.

For more info on Award BIOS error messages and codes, look here:


There are several beeps, but my computer starts as normal?

On recent MSI boards, (and those from other manufacturers using AMIBIOS) as well as a single loud beep to indicate successful POST, you'll also hear some lower tone beeps. This is just the BIOS notifying you of USB devices connected as it looks for bootable USB devices, and input devices such as keyboards and mice. The number of beeps will change depending on how many USB devices you have connected. If you see the POST screen / BIOS logo and your system boots as normal, then you do not have a problem!
]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:50:42 +0100 What is the BIOS and what does it do? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/what-is-the-bios-and-what-does-it-do https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/what-is-the-bios-and-what-does-it-do What is a BIOS?

BIOS is an acronym for Basic Input / Output System. On virtually every computer available, the BIOS makes sure all the other chips, hard drives, ports and CPU function together. 

What BIOS Does

The BIOS software has a number of different roles, but its most important role is to load the operating system. When you turn on your computer and the microprocessor tries to execute its first instruction, it has to get that instruction from somewhere. It cannot get it from the operating system because the operating system is located on a hard disk, and the microprocessor cannot get to it without some instructions that tell it how. The BIOS provides those instructions. Some of the other common tasks that the BIOS performs include:
   
  • A power-on self-test (POST) for all of the different hardware components in the system to make sure everything is working properly

   
  • Activating other BIOS chips on different cards installed in the computer - For example, SCSI and graphics cards often have their own BIOS chips.

   
  • Providing a set of low-level routines that the operating system uses to interface to different hardware devices - It is these routines that give the BIOS its name. They manage things like the keyboard, the screen, and the serial and parallel ports, especially when the computer is booting.

   
  • Managing a collection of settings for the hard disks, clock, etc.

The BIOS is special software that interfaces the major hardware components of your computer with the operating system. It is usually stored on a Flash memory chip on the motherboard, but sometimes the chip is another type of ROM. 

When you turn on your computer, the BIOS does several things. This is its usual sequence:

   1. Check the CMOS Setup for custom settings
   2. Load the interrupt handlers and device drivers
   3. Initialize registers and power management
   4. Perform the power-on self-test (POST)
   5. Display system settings
   6. Determine which devices are bootable
   7. Initiate the bootstrap sequence 

The first thing the BIOS does is check the information stored in a tiny (64 bytes) amount of RAM located on a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip. The CMOS Setup provides detailed information particular to your system and can be altered as your system changes. The BIOS uses this information to modify or supplement its default programming as needed.

Interrupt handlers are small pieces of software that act as translators between the hardware components and the operating system. For example, when you press a key on your keyboard, the signal is sent to the keyboard interrupt handler, which tells the CPU what it is and passes it on to the operating system. The device drivers are other pieces of software that identify the base hardware components such as keyboard, mouse, hard drive and floppy drive. Since the BIOS is constantly intercepting signals to and from the hardware, it is usually copied, or shadowed, into RAM to run faster. 

Booting the Computer

Whenever you turn on your computer, the first thing you see is the BIOS software doing its thing, which is the Power On Self Test, shortened to POST. On many machines, the BIOS displays text describing things like the amount of memory installed in your computer, the type of hard disk and so on. It turns out that, during this boot sequence, the BIOS is doing a remarkable amount of work to get your computer ready to run.

On some systems, instead of seeing this POST screen, you may just see a 'BIOS logo' screen instead. You can usually press the Tab key to switch to the POST view, or you can turn off the BIOS logo in your BIOS settings.

After checking the CMOS Setup and loading the interrupt handlers, the BIOS determines whether the video card is operational. Most video cards have a miniature BIOS of their own that initializes the memory and graphics processor on the card. If they do not, there is usually video driver information on another ROM on the motherboard that the BIOS can load.

Next, the BIOS checks to see if this is a cold boot or a reboot. It does this by checking the value at memory address 0000:0472. A value of 1234h indicates a reboot, and the BIOS skips the rest of POST. Anything else is considered a cold boot.

If it is a cold boot, the BIOS verifies RAM by performing a read/write test of each memory address. It checks the PS/2 ports or USB ports for a keyboard and a mouse. It looks for a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus and, if it finds one, checks all the PCI cards. If the BIOS finds any errors during the POST, it will notify you by a series of beeps or a text message displayed on the screen. An error at this point is almost always a hardware problem.

The BIOS then displays some details about your system. This typically includes information about:
   
  • The processor
   
  • The floppy drive and hard drive
   
  • Memory
   
  • BIOS revision and date
   
  • Display

Any special drivers, such as the ones for small computer system interface (SCSI) adapters, are loaded from the adapter, and the BIOS displays the information. The BIOS then looks at the sequence of storage devices identified as boot devices in the CMOS Setup. Boot refers to the process of launching the operating system. The BIOS will try to initiate the boot sequence from the first device. If the BIOS does not find a device, it will try the next device in the list. If it does not find the proper files on a device, the startup process will halt.

Configuring BIOS

In the previous list, you saw that the BIOS checks the CMOS Setup for custom settings. Here's what you do to change those settings.

To enter the CMOS Setup, you must press a certain key or combination of keys during the initial startup sequence. Most systems use "Esc," "Del," "F1," "F2," "Ctrl-Esc" or "Ctrl-Alt-Esc" to enter setup. There is usually a line of text at the bottom of the display that tells you "Press ___ to Enter Setup."

Once you have entered setup, you will see a set of text screens with a number of options. Some of these are standard, while others vary according to the BIOS manufacturer. Refer to the manual for your particular motherboard for which options are available.

Be very careful when making changes to setup. Incorrect settings may keep your computer from booting. When you are finished with your changes, you should choose "Save Changes" and exit. The BIOS will then restart your computer so that the new settings take effect.

The BIOS uses CMOS technology to save any changes made to the computer's settings. With this technology, a small lithium or Ni-Cad battery can supply enough power to keep the data for years.

Updating Your BIOS

Occasionally, a computer will need to have its BIOS updated. Newer CPUs or memory may need a BIOS update in order to be correctly recognised. Or there may be a minor flaw or other particular issue or problem that a new BIOS update has addressed. Since the BIOS is stored in some form of ROM, changing it is a bit harder than upgrading most other types of software. 

As with changes to the CMOS Setup, be careful when upgrading your BIOS. Make sure you are upgrading to a version that is compatible with your computer system. Otherwise, you could corrupt the BIOS, which means you won't be able to boot your computer.

If your system is running fine with no issues, then you do not need to update the BIOS. You do not always need the latest BIOS update for your computer to run smoothly.
 ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:55:16 +0100 What is CMOS? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/what-is-cmos https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/what-is-cmos CMOS is an acronym for Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor, (a term you really don't need to learn since it’s not a computer term but a description of a semiconductor technology). The CMOS stores pertinent system configuration information and other BIOS settings when system power is off. ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:56:14 +0100 When should I upgrade my BIOS? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/when-should-i-upgrade-my-bios https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/when-should-i-upgrade-my-bios The process of flashing the BIOS is only about 98% foolproof. Every time you flash your BIOS there's a small chance that you'll end up with a corrupted BIOS and a system that is disabled until you can buy a new BIOS chip. So we recommend flashing your BIOS only when necessary to solve a compatibility issue, solve a technical glitch, or to support new features that you need. A new BIOS revision rarely enhances performance. ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:57:16 +0100 What is EFI? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/what-is-efi https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/what-is-efi EFI is an Intel idea that will supposedly eventually replace the BIOS as we know it. EFI stands for Extensible Firmware Interface. You can read more about it at Intels site here.

The main idea is that the BIOS has been around for so long its just not useful to todays computers. It slows them down. For instance a standard BIOS can only address 128K of option rom space. Most devices have option roms. So if you have an Adaptec scsi, a ATI video card and an Intel NIC. The BIOS loads these devices into memory. But lets say that the Adaptec device takes up 76K of option rom, the Intel NIC takes up 48K then there isnt enough for the video card or USB or any other devices etc(128K limit).

Common tricks to get around this limitation are to change the PCI scan order or disable some devices in the BIOS. The bottom line is the whole boot process and interaction between BIOS and the OS will be smoother, more efficient and faster. 

AMI has a version of EFI called Aptio. Read about it here. ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:57:51 +0100 Can I upgrade straight to the latest version? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/can-i-upgrade-straight-to-the-latest-version https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/can-i-upgrade-straight-to-the-latest-version Yes, as all fixes from previous versions are included in the most recent version. ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:58:41 +0100 How to identify your BIOS version https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-identify-your-bios-version https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-identify-your-bios-version Upon boot-up, the 1st line appearing after the memory count is the BIOS version. It is usually in the format:
A6590VMS V5.2 091096 where:

1st digit refers to BIOS maker as A = AMI W = AWARD
2nd - 5th digit refers to the model number of the MB (here is MS-6590)
6th digit refers to the chipset of the MB (example: V = VIA, S = SiS, I = Intel, A = AMD/ATI)
7th - 8th digit refers to the customer as MS = all standard customers (ie retail board). If these two digits are NOT 'MS', then you have an OEM board and should read this topic
V5.2 refers to the BIOS version.
091096 refers to the date this BIOS is released.



If you see a logo instead of the POST screen, press [Tab] key to display. You can press the [Pause|Break] key on your keyboard to halt the POST screen if it disappears too quickly for you. ]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:00:36 +0100 How to clear the CMOS https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-clear-the-cmos https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-clear-the-cmos Here are is the basic procedure to clearing your CMOS.

MSI Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdHH9KrceR0


It is important to understand that clearing the CMOS will:
-Restore the default settings in all BIOS menus.


It is important to understand that clearing the CMOS will not:
-Restore the original BIOS code (will not revert back to the original bios version).

Old CMOS clearing method

Step 1:
Disconnect the main AC power by either shutting off the power button on the back of your power supply or simply pulling out the power cable.

Step2:
Wait a minute to be sure all the capacitors and coils have discharged.
To be really safe you can press the power button which will drain the capacitors for sure.

Step3:
Move the CMOS jumper to the clear position, this is usually done on MSI boards by moving JBAT1 from it's original 1-2 position to 2-3 position as demonstrated in the photo below.
If you are not sure or have a non MSI board you must find the correct jumper in your motherboard manual.

*Note to all nForce2 users, your board usually has a special "safe mode" jumper for the FSB. You should also set it to the safe setting in case you have been overclocking since the normal clear CMOS jumper will not reset the frequency settings on these boards. You may refer to your user manual.

Step4:
Wait a minute to be sure the CMOS has been cleared.

Step 5:
Return the CMOS jumper to it's original position.

Step6:
Restore power to the system.


* New CMOS clearing method *

Step 1:
Disconnect the main AC power by either shutting off the power button on the back of your power supply or simply pulling out the power cable.

Step2:
Wait a minute to be sure all the capacitors and coils have discharged.
To be really safe you can press the power button which will drain the capacitors for sure.

Step3:
Press the clear CMOS button on the back of the I/O panel.

Step4:
Wait a minute to be sure the CMOS has been cleared.

Note: It is also recommended to remove CMOS battery to ensure 100% CMOS clear on Big Bang X & Intel 6x Sandy Bridge MB's. If date/time do not revert to original time of MB manufacture then you didn't get a complete clear CMOS.

Step5:
Restore power to the system.
]]> Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:01:35 +0100 Raid Mode with 2.2Tb HDD on AMD w/EFI https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/raid-mode-with-22tb-hdd-on-amd-wefi https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/raid-mode-with-22tb-hdd-on-amd-wefi




]]> Wed, 16 Jan 2013 04:26:53 +0100 How to change voltage values in Cell Menu which are greyed out https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-change-voltage-values-in-cell-menu-which-are-gre https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-change-voltage-values-in-cell-menu-which-are-gre Just read the manual and use correct keys!!

NumPad's +/- or PageUp/PageDown if you want to adjust values.

 ]]> Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:14:26 +0100 How to recover the BIOS https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-recover-the-bios https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-recover-the-bios In many cases, provided the 'bootblock' of your BIOS is not corrupted during a bad flash, the BIOS can often be recovered by following the recovery procedures detailed below. NOTE: this recovery method should not be followed for normal practice of updating your BIOS! As you will be invariably forced to flash from a floppy disk, you'll need both a known good working floppy drive (non-USB) and a good floppy disk.



 For Award BIOS

Make a bootable floppy disk*
Copy the Award flash utility & BIOS file to the said floppy disk
Create an autoexec.bat with "Award_Flash_Utility BiosFilename" in the content (e.g. awdfl823K w6378vms.130)
Sample on how to create an autoexec:
a. On Windows, open the notepad
b. On the notepad, write "awdfl823K w6378vms.130" (without the " ")**
c. Save the file as autoexec.bat

Boot up system with the said floppy (it will take less than 2 minutes before screen comes out)

Re-flash the BIOS & reboot.

*Need a bootable floppy disk? Look here: http://www.bootdisk.com
**Make sure you enter the correct filenames for your flasher program and BIOS ROM file!

 For AMI BIOS

Rename the desired AMI BIOS file to AMIBOOT.ROM and save it on a floppy disk. e.g. Rename A569MS23.ROM to AMIBOOT.ROM

Insert this floppy disk in the floppy drive. Turn On the system and press and hold Ctrl-Home to force update. It will read the AMIBOOT.ROM file and recover the BIOS from the A drive.

When 4 beeps are heard you may remove the floppy disk and restart the computer.


 For new boards with AMI BIOS core 8 (4MB)

Discovered by Jack The Newbie:

Of course, the steps are similar to the standard AMI BIOS Recovery Procedure for internal floppy drives (rename corresponding BIOS File to AMIBOOT.ROM, hit CTRL + HOME after starting the system).

What has to be done (tested on P45 Platinum):

1. An optical SATA Drive needs to be connected to one of the Intel ICH10R SATA ports. {After a lot of testing, I found that it does not work with the same optical drive connected to the SATA Ports hosted by the secondary JMicron Controller.  Also, using an optical drive on the JMicron IDE/PATA port does not help either.}

2. A proper BIOS File has to be renamed to AMIBOOT.ROM and burned on an empty CD.

3. CMOS-Clear with main A/C power cable removed from PSU has to be performed. {If this step is not done, the system will reboot after pressing CTRL + Home and will not proceed with recovery procedure.}
 
4. Press CTRL + Home to trigger BIOS Recovery.  -> The system should enter BIOS Recovery Routine. {Will basically work with both USB & PS/2 keyboard.  However, a PS/2 Keyboard is recommended as the system will respond earlier to PS/2 Keyboard than to USB Devices.}

What should happen now:

1. After pressing CTRL + HOME the LED Status should change to "Intializing Hard Disk Controller" and there should be access to the optical drive connected to the Intel ICH10R SATA ports.

2. It can take up to 30+ seconds until the BIOS File that was renamed to AMIBOOT.ROM is found. {Drive Bay can be opened to try a different CD without turning off or restarting the system.}

3. When the system finds the BIOS File, LED Status will change to "Testing RTC" and there should be a message on the screen indicating that the Flash Recovery Procedure has started.

4.  Since the BIOS File is 4MB in size, it will take a while until the BIOS is actually reflashed.


Its also possible that BIOS recovery on boards with AMIBIOS8 can be done using a FAT-formatted USB stick, containing the renamed BIOS file. Be warned, in some circumstances it may take several moments before recovery procedure actually begins. 


If recovery does not work...

Locate the BIOS chip on your mainboard. If it is soldered directly to the PCB like...

...then you have no choice but to return the board to your supplier, or to MSI, for replacement.


If your BIOS chip is in a socket, like...

...then you may be able to source a replacement BIOS chip, either from MSI, or from a website such as www.badflash.com
]]> Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:13:50 +0100 How to flash the BIOS successfully https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-flash-the-bios-successfully https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/how-to-flash-the-bios-successfully We do not recommend using the MSI LiveUpdate tool to update your BIOS! It may be okay for updating your drivers, but please do not use it to flash the BIOS in Windows! It is also not recommended to flash BIOS direct from a floppy disk, as a bad floppy can cause a bad flash which will kill your board!

Windows-based flashing - If you REALLY insist on flashing the BIOS under Windows, if you encounter any error during flashing, whatever you do, DON'T restart your PC! Try again until the flash is successful, otherwise your board will not start!

Boards with built-in M-Flash function - While this is a nice idea, at the moment we are seeing many cases of users using M-Flash to update their BIOS and having problems, so at present we don't recommend people use M-Flash either!


The safest way to flash your BIOS is to use our own MSI HQ Forum USB BIOS Flash Tool, developed by our own Svet.

If you are unable to use our flash tool, because you have no Windows operating system installed, or you have no acccess to another computer using an MSI mainboard, there are some alternative methods available:



]]> Sat, 19 Mar 2011 16:35:46 +0100 Flash tool for MSI UEFI BIOS [from UEFI Shell] https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/flash-tool-for-msi-uefi-bios-from-uefi-shell https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/flash-tool-for-msi-uefi-bios-from-uefi-shell This tool will allow automated flashing >MSI boards> from UEFI Shell.>>Important>:
Do NOT use it on a MSI AMD boards from 3xx boards Series. [like X370/B350]>>(its OK to use for X399 AMD models as 3xx exception)>>>It's OK to use for any other newer than [X370/B350] MSI AMD boards or Intel boards.>>>>16mb.jpg>>>32mb.jpg>>>>
>>V1.13 Add extra support for ME FW Update for all MSI Z490 Series:>>MPG Z490 CARBON EK X>>MEG Z490 UNIFY>>MEG Z490I UNIFY>>MPG Z490 GAMING CARBON WIFI>>Z490-A PRO>>MPG Z490 GAMING EDGE WIFI>>MPG Z490 GAMING PLUS>>MAG Z490 TOMAHAWK>>MEG Z490 GODLIKE>>MEG Z490 ACE>>MPG Z490M GAMING EDGE WIFI>>>How to use:
Prepare an USB key and format it in FAT32
Download the tool from the link:

https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/forum-uefi-shell-flash-tool-v1-14-for-msi-boards.343010/>>>and extract all contents over the USB key, [FAT32 formatted]
copy/extract the folder structure As Is to the USB key.
Do not omit the folders and sub-folders.
I.e: USB key root structure should looks:

then also add/copy/extract desire MSI UEFI BIOS that you want flash,
on USB key main/root (\) folder.
for example i want to flash a E7A34AMS.M90 BIOS,
and copied the BIOS file on USB key main/root folder/directory:

Next reboot computer,
and ensure in BIOS Setup:
UEFI Boot is allowed,
and Secure Boot disabled.

Then boot from USB key,
in UEFI Mode,
You can press F11 during BIOS post/logo screen, then when BBS popup after a while,
choose the prepared USB key with UEFI in front as name.
i.e: choose to boot from:
UEFI USB your drive

then wait, and you will see the BIOS version shown that is going to be flashed.
and you can press a key to proceed with flashing.
If you don't want to proceed with flashing,
you can press "q" to abort at that point.

when flashing starts,
wait patiently to finish,
ensure successfully message on the screen then reboot or power off the computer.

Note1: Be sure to place only one BIOS file on the USB key at the time, before proceed with flashing.
Note2: Due BIOS flashing nature, (which consider every flashing as potential dangerous)
Flash and use at own risk as usual.
Note3: You can use it to downgrade the BIOS too.
]]> Tue, 08 May 2018 03:39:27 +0200 CPU Lite Load – What does it do? https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/cpu-lite-load https://forum-en.msi.com/faq/article/cpu-lite-load What is TDP (Thermal Design Power)?
Theoretically, it refers to “Maximum heat generated by computer chip”.
Intel has mentioned the TDP of 9900K is 95W but here are some test results, When “Intel Turbo Boost” is disabled, if we run prime95 small FFT, the result power consumption is 83.3W and Vcore is 0.96V. This follows the intel TDP specification. However, once we enable “Intel Turbo Boost” (Default is enabled), if we do the same thing again with same configuration, power consumption will jump to 211.4W and Vcore will also bump to 1.219V. As a result, we conclude TDP is mainly talking about power consumption when CPU is not in turbo frequency.

CPU Lite Load (BIOS\Overclocking\CPU Feature\CPU Lite Load)
“CPU Lite Load” can adjust CPU vcore/power consumption slightly according to CPU quality. Due to lack of CPU samples, MSI fine tune the optimal default settings but it may not apply to all the CPU. Some users might experience BSOD at default settings and usually that is because of the margin CPU quality. Among all the CPU samples that are owned by MSI, there was one time that MSI has to adjust CPU Lite Load to maximum mode (Mode 20) to successfully bench a CPU.

Does CPU Lite Load work?
Based on previous experiment, default power consumption and vcore when Intel turbo boost is enabled is 211.4W and 1.219V. However, if we change CPU Lite Load Mode to 4, with same configuration, it will change to 147W/1.1V, but since the vcore and power supply is too low, the system eventually BSOD.

What should you do when you experience BSOD with 9th Gen CPU?
That means your CPU might need more power from motherboard. Try to gear up CPU Lite Load option in BIOS and eventually you will find a mode that gives you trouble free. For those people who have stable system but concern about power consumption, they can also gear down CPU Lite Load so to try to decrease the overall CPU power consumption. You will eventually find the best mode for your CPU (lowest power consumption with best CPU performance).

Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaXSs_U0HhI ]]> Mon, 24 Feb 2020 09:47:00 +0100