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[Solved] Four Beeps on Startup: RAM Issues on ASRock Z97 PRO4 with Ballistix 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz

Quer 18372 14
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  • #1 16878788
    Quer
    Level 12  
    Hello, after cleaning the computer I have a problem as in the topic. When turned on, you hear four beeps and nothing is displayed on the monitor. This only happens when I connect the RAM memory to the slots marked in red in the picture. I have four dice of 4 gb each, before cleaning there were no problems, all four slots worked properly, the memory chips are functional, because if I put the ones in the "green" field into the "red" one, it doesn't change anything, and as they are only placed in "green" slots it works, but I have 8 instead of 16gb of ram.
    Power supply: Thermaltake Smart SE 530W (SPS-530MPCBEU)
    Disk: Seagate 1TB 3.5 "SATAIII, 7200RPM, 64MB cache (ST1000DM003)
    Memory: Ballistix 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz CL9 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.5V (BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00CEU)
    Graphics: MSI GeForce GTX 760 2GB DDR5 (256 Bit), HDMI, DVI (N760 TF 2GD5 / OC)
    Processor: Intel Core i5-4670K, 3.4GHz, 6MB, BOX (BX80646I54670K)
    Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 LGA1150
    Attachments:
    • Four Beeps on Startup: RAM Issues on ASRock Z97 PRO4 with Ballistix 16GB (4x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz Płyta główna.png (470.47 KB) You must be logged in to download this attachment.
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  • #2 16878851
    rcnitros
    Level 16  
    First try to put 2 dice into the blue slots and try to turn it on, then 2 more.
  • #3 16880117
    Oximon
    Level 27  
    First of all, the dice should work in dual mode. So, as rcnitros mentioned, put two dice in the blue or black slots and write what effect.
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  • #4 16883555
    Quer
    Level 12  
    Unfortunately, this does not help if I connect to the blue or black slots. I even tried with one die and the computer turns on properly only with the slots marked in green in the photo from the first post.

    Added after 1 [hours] 29 [minutes]:

    Oh sorry! Four beeps are when turning on the computer! I read on the internet that this is a system clock error and the bios should be updated, but I don't know how to do it.
    In addition, I noticed that one of the fans on the top of the case (the one closer to the front) starts late and spins slower.
  • #5 16883562
    icosie
    Level 34  
    Hello

    And the battery from the bios "healthy"?

    Maybe it just discharged and does not hold the tension, so the bios loses system time and hence beeps.

    best regards
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  • #6 16883593
    Quer
    Level 12  
    But with four ram bones there is a pickle and with two not, could it be affected by the bios battery?
  • #7 16883610
    marqqv
    Level 32  
    4 short - error in the system clock or the first memory pin
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  • #8 16883641
    Quer
    Level 12  
    The picks only occur when you connect the frame to at least one of the two slots on the edge of the motherboard (even if there is only one bone) and it works on the processor side. And if there is a system clock error then the time should be wrong, right? And the clock is still well set.
  • #9 16883653
    icosie
    Level 34  
    And did you check each bone separately?
    Maybe one is damaged and the one where it will not be connected creates a problem.

    EDIT: when the time is ok, it won't be a battery
  • #10 16883703
    Micek64
    Level 18  
    icosie wrote:
    And did you check each bone separately?

    I think he tried so because:
    Quer wrote:
    I even tried with one die and the computer turns on properly only with the slots marked in green in the photo from the first

    Maybe remove all the memory chips, do a CLEAR CMOS and then load all 4 at once - just like you had in the original.
  • #11 16884740
    Quer
    Level 12  
    icosie wrote:
    Maybe remove all the memory chips, do a CLEAR CMOS and then load all 4 at once - just like you had in the original.

    This, unfortunately, did not help either.
  • #12 16888876
    lazania
    Level 17  
    A system clock error may indicate a board failure. I don't remember the battery causing any errors.
  • #13 16890885
    Quer
    Level 12  
    It looks like the motherboard is actually faulty.
  • #14 16916536
    Quer
    Level 12  
    What is the difference between the album I have and the same one, only ANNIVERSARY, because I would like to buy the same one, unless it is better to buy another one, but this is a conversation in a different section :P
  • #15 17157599
    Quer
    Level 12  
    Defective motherboard.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around a user experiencing a four-beep error on startup with an ASRock Z97 PRO4 motherboard after cleaning their computer. The issue arises when RAM modules are installed in specific slots (marked in red), while the system operates normally with RAM in the green slots. Suggestions include testing RAM in different configurations, checking the BIOS battery, and performing a CMOS reset. Despite these attempts, the user continues to face issues, leading to speculation about a potential motherboard failure. The user also notes that the system clock appears to be functioning correctly, which complicates the diagnosis.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Four short beeps = a concrete 4‑beep POST code; “4 short – error in the system clock or the first memory pin.” The thread’s symptoms tied to specific RAM slots and diagnostics pointed away from the DIMMs. [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16883610]

Why it matters:** It helps you quickly decide whether to reseat RAM, clear CMOS, or suspect the motherboard on ASRock Z97 systems.

Quick Facts

What do four short beeps mean on an ASRock Z97 PRO4?

They indicate a POST alert tied to the system clock or the first memory pin. As one member put it, “4 short – error in the system clock or the first memory pin.” Start by reseating RAM and checking affected slots. [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16883610]

Why does my PC boot only when RAM is in two specific slots?

In the thread, the system worked with RAM in two “green” slots, but any use of the other two caused four beeps. That pattern points to a slot or board‑side channel fault rather than bad DIMMs. Clean the slots and inspect for bent contacts. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16878788]

Does a CMOS battery cause four beeps if my clock stays correct?

If system time remains correct, the CMOS battery is unlikely your culprit. A user noted that when the time is OK, it won’t be the battery. Focus on slot integrity and board health instead. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16883653]

How should I test each RAM stick and slot quickly?

Test one known‑good stick in each slot, booting each time. Rotate through all sticks only in known‑working slots to confirm modules. A member directly asked to check each “bone” separately to isolate faults. Record which slot triggers beeps. [Elektroda, icosie, post #16883653]

What’s the 3‑step way to CLEAR CMOS for this diagnosis?

  1. Power off and unplug, then discharge with the case power button.
  2. Use the CLR_CMOS jumper or remove the coin‑cell for a short interval.
  3. Reinstall, load defaults, and retest with all four DIMMs. This step was advised during troubleshooting. [Elektroda, Micek64, post #16883703]

Could a ‘system clock’ POST code actually mean the motherboard is failing?

Yes. One responder stated a system clock error may indicate a board failure rather than a battery problem. If multiple slots fail consistently, suspect the board. “Clock error may indicate a board failure.” [Elektroda, lazania, post #16888876]

What was the final fix reported in this thread?

The OP later confirmed the motherboard itself was defective. Replacing or RMA’ing the board resolved the persistent four‑beep and slot‑failure behavior. [Elektroda, Quer, post #17157599]

Which slots failed here—CPU‑side or edge‑side?

The beeps appeared whenever RAM was connected to at least one of the two edge‑side slots. Slots closer to the CPU worked, matching a per‑channel or slot fault pattern. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16883641]

Should I try two sticks in the same-color slots first?

Yes. Members advised installing two DIMMs in matched‑color slots to verify dual‑channel operation, then adding the remaining pair. This helps isolate a channel or slot issue early. [Elektroda, Oximon, post #16880117]

Will a BIOS update fix four beeps on this board?

The OP considered a BIOS update after reading about clock errors, but the thread’s resolution was motherboard replacement. Treat BIOS update as secondary to slot and board checks. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16883555]

What exact RAM and platform were involved (for comparison)?

Crucial Ballistix 16 GB kit (4×4 GB) DDR3‑1600 CL9 at 1.5 V on an ASRock Z97 PRO4 with an i5‑4670K and GTX 760. Use similar known‑good specs when cross‑testing. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16878788]

A case fan starts late and spins slower—related to the beeps?

The OP observed a top fan that started late and ran slower, yet the primary symptom correlated with specific RAM slots. Treat the fan issue as separate unless power problems appear. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16883555]

Is there an edge case where a single slot triggers beeps with good RAM?

Yes. A single faulty slot or its first pin can trigger the four‑beep POST even with verified RAM. This aligns with the “first memory pin” note and slot‑specific failures reported. [Elektroda, marqqv, post #16883610]

What if all RAM passes, but adding modules reintroduces beeps?

If single‑stick tests pass in known‑good slots but fail when using the other channel, suspect the motherboard’s memory channel circuitry. In the thread, final diagnosis was a bad board. [Elektroda, Quer, post #17157599]

What did the OP ask about Z97 PRO4 vs Z97 Anniversary?

They asked the difference and suggested moving that discussion elsewhere. This thread didn’t compare those models, so open a new topic or consult vendor docs. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16916536]

Issue started after cleaning—what should I recheck physically?

Reinspect edge‑side DIMM slots for debris, misaligned latches, or shifted standoffs. The problem began right after cleaning, so reseat modules and verify no dust remains in those slots. [Elektroda, Quer, post #16878788]
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