Sometimes when i turn on my iMac it makes this beeping sound but when I unplug the power and put it back in it work why does this happen?
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iMac startup sound
- Thread starter kobefan234
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Other then the startup bong sound, Mac's can make a series of beeps to indicate a power on self test (POST) failure. The pattern of the beeps indicates the type of failure.
Here are the beep patterns and their cause
1 beep = no RAM installed
2 beeps = incompatible RAM types
3 beeps = no good banks of RAM
4 beeps = no good boot images in the boot ROM (and/or bad sys config block)
5 beeps = processor is not usable
Other then the startup bong you should not hear any beeps. If you have any accessories connected (aside form mouse and keyboard) try booting without them connected.
Did you read gehrbox's reply? Next time it happens, count the beeps. They usually repeat after a few seconds. That'll tell you what the problem is. If it is RAM related, you might need to re-seat the memory.
My favorite startup sound was the "car crash" that the first PowerMacs made when something went wrong...
It happened again and I counted the beeps there was a beep,beep,beep then a pause then a beep, beep ,beep it kept on doing this about 12 times i took the power out restarted the mac, and it was fine??
still i want to why and if it is common with iMac's
still i want to why and if it is common with iMac's
Try reading above again. Seriously.
3 beeps means there are no good banks of RAM when the iMac tries to POST (again see above). This means that there is an intermittent problem with your iMac's RAM modules or logic board.
If you have installed 3rd party RAM, try re-seating the modules incase you did it wrong, then if it still does it request warranty replacement of the RAM modules from the supplier as they are possibly faulty.
If it is stock, or it is still happening after replacing 3rd party RAM, take it into your nearest Apple Store after booking a Genius Bar appointment.
3 beeps means there are no good banks of RAM when the iMac tries to POST (again see above). This means that there is an intermittent problem with your iMac's RAM modules or logic board.
If you have installed 3rd party RAM, try re-seating the modules incase you did it wrong, then if it still does it request warranty replacement of the RAM modules from the supplier as they are possibly faulty.
If it is stock, or it is still happening after replacing 3rd party RAM, take it into your nearest Apple Store after booking a Genius Bar appointment.
Apples RAM is subject to failure just as any other memory. It could just need to have its memory sticks reseated. If reseating the memory does not cure the problem you either have a bad stick of RAM (most likely) or your system board has a fault that is preventing it from correctly performing a POST.
Your serial number will be in the Apple database for warranty verification. No need for a receipt.
I went to the genius bar and they said that there was no problem with the banks of ram.
He said I held the power button for too long this is why the 3 beeps were happening.
Has that happened to anyone?
He said I held the power button for too long this is why the 3 beeps were happening.
Has that happened to anyone?
It HAPPENED again the three beeps at the startup I think something is wrong with my iMac i will post a video shortly to show what I am talking about.
after I came back from the genius bar it happenedd again the three beeps!
I guess I will have 2 return my iMac and get a new one!
I went to the apple store and they took out the ram and put it back in and they said one of the ram chips was loose inside so he fixed it