The ASUS P5Q-E is a motherboard for Intel LGA775 processors such as the Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Pentium 4 and Pentium D. If the P5Q-E is unable to complete the Power-on Self Test process and start the operating system, the computer is unusable. When this happens, the computer's internal speaker may play a pattern of beeps to help you determine the source of the problem.
BIOS Update
ASUS has released multiple BIOS updates for the P5Q-E that can prevent the motherboard from completing POST and booting under certain circumstances. One update resolves an issue with the Promise SuperTrak EX8350 hard drive controller card. Another resolves an issue with Intel Core 2 Quad processors manufactured under the "Yorkfield" product code name. If you use the Promise SuperTrak EX8350 card or have a "Yorkfield" processor installed, installing the BIOS update may resolve the issue.
Video Card Failure
The P5Q-E will not complete POST or boot the operating system if it does not detect the presence of a video card. If this happens, the monitor will not display an image and may display an error message such as "Signal Out of Range." The computer's internal speaker plays one long beep and three short beeps. If your computer's video card is not damaged, you can generally resolve this issue by removing it from its slot and reseating it. If the video card requires an auxiliary connection from the power supply, confirm the power cable is connected.
Incompatible Memory
The P5Q-E does not support buffered or error-correcting memory. These types of memory modules increase the stability and reliability of server computers and are not necessary in home desktop computers. If you install buffered or ECC memory in the P5Q-E, the computer will not complete POST. The computer's internal speaker plays one long beep and two short beeps.
Other Hardware Problems
A general hardware failure can prevent the P5Q-E from completing POST. When this happens, the computer's internal speaker may play one long beep and four short beeps. Diagnosis of a general hardware failure can be difficult; you may find it helpful to remove all components from the computer except those required to complete POST: the motherboard itself, the CPU, the memory and the video card. If the motherboard is still unable to complete POST, one of these components has failed. If the motherboard completes POST, return one component to the computer at a time until you find the one preventing the computer from operating properly. That component is the one that needs to be replaced. If the computer completes POST and boots after you have installed all components, one of the components was previously installed incorrectly.
Tags: complete POST, computer internal, computer internal speaker, internal speaker, long beep, short beeps