2007-12-09 09:46:16 · 5 answers · asked by Steven M 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Some BIOS will start without memory and give a long beep when it finds there isn't any. It depends on your motherboard. You may be able to find the info on the Internet, but I've found it's not easy to track down for some boards.
I have to say that long beep is a most satisfying sound, it means your power supply is working and you didn't fry the CPU last time you pulled it out.
Added - I just read adot444 reply. I haven't run across any board that will do more than beep with no memory. Doesn't mean they don't exist, but don't expect it. If you have a motherboard that you think might be dead, reset the CMOS chip before giving up. This will set it back to factory default which can get you out of problems like a bad overclocking setting.
2007-12-09 09:57:48 · answer #1 · answered by mis42n 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your BIOS is contained in it's own ROM (Read-Only Memory) chip that is built into your motherboard. It runs regardless of the amount of system memory (RAM) that is installed, and it will run even with NO memory installed. However, you will not be able to use your system at all (other than configuring the BIOS) with no memory; your BIOS will give you an error message displayed onscreen and will halt the boot process until memory is installed. It also might not even initialize your video card and will simply give you a long beep and nothing on the screen.
2007-12-09 17:55:04 · answer #2 · answered by adot444 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes
BIOS -basic input output system is the software written to control the input and output system of your PC.
BIOS is the software written down for the computer to recognize the parts connected to it, like HD, Floppy, Monitor, Keyboard, etc
The BIOS is usually burned or programmed in a ROM or FLASH memeory device. For the IO to run faster, the BIOS uses a scratchpad to buffer the data being used. Your RAM is used as a buffer for this application and even virtual memory from your Hard disk.
Technically you do not need extra memory, however in actual usage the BIOS uses memory to buffer data taken from the HD to the system and vice versa.
hope this helps
2007-12-09 18:02:57 · answer #3 · answered by looking 4 a summer job 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course. One stick of the smallest size should do. Even without FDD, HDD and CD drive yet, you should get the single beep, display POST and open BIOS menu. Done it many times to test my builds halfway through.
2007-12-09 17:53:43 · answer #4 · answered by Karz 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES
2007-12-09 17:49:39 · answer #5 · answered by duffaboy 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋