Beep code indicates bad RAM, but

[carmen617]

I have a 5 year old Gateway (gag) in my shop that boots into Windows almost every time, but at boot (again most of the time, it's inconsistent) it gives me 3 short beeps, pause, 3 short beeps. That seems to indicate bad RAM, but the RAM tested fine. Regardless, I've swapped out the RAM and the symptoms continue.

Most times when I turn the system on it does it's little beep dance and then loads Windows. About every 5th time or so, it will restart a couple of times before Windows loads. The only peripheral device in the system is a wireless card, which I removed. The first reboot after taking that out there were no beeps, so I thought I had resolved the issue. However, that didn't last - beeps are back.

I'm thinking failing motherboard, although the lack of consistency here is making me nuts. The system was shipped with Windows 8 and currently has Windows 10. There's a newer BIOS for it at Gateway, anybody think that trying a BIOS update is a good idea? Or is it just likely to brick the almost working system at this point?

Anybody advice would be appreciated.

 

[phaZed]

Dollars to doughnuts the memory controller is going. Change the ram out to be sure. You can do a BIOS update but I doubt it will have any effect on your issue... personally, I wouldn't do it if the system seems unstable, but it would likely go in fine - bricking is a lot less of an issue, even for that gateway.. if it fails it will simply revert back to the previous ROM image in most cases.

 

[Porthos]

I have a 5 year old Gateway (gag) in my shop

must have been one of the last ones produced.

In October 2014, the last Gateway computers were produced. Any inventory sold in 2015 is older chassis models, leftover units to clear inventory. The Gateway brand is over.

I agree on the gag.

 

[Altster]

I agree on the gag.

Where is your sense of adventure?

 

[Alexey]

For the sake of betting I would bet on a power supply being a problem. Especially if only cold starts fail.

 

[sapphirescales]

There's a newer BIOS for it at Gateway, anybody think that trying a BIOS update is a good idea?

Read the release notes for each subsequent BIOS update and see if this issue is directly addressed in the notes. If it is, then of course do the BIOS update. If it's not, then it's unlikely that the issue is with the BIOS and is more likely to be the motherboard.

But to be honest, at 5 years old I would be hesitant to put any money into it unless it was either a custom built system, or a high end computer from a REPUTABLE manufacturer (in other words, NOT Gateway). Read the notes. If they don't mention this issue, then I would tell the client it's not worth putting the money into it and I would trade it in for something else.

For the sake of betting I would bet on a power supply being a problem. Especially if only cold starts fail.

RAM draws what, 1.5v? It's unlikely that the whole computer will start while not providing enough power to the RAM so it sounds a memory issue beep code. I mean, it's certainly possible. But the chances are so small, I wouldn't even bother to try swapping the power supply.

It's most likely the motherboard. The board itself might not be providing enough power to the memory slots. Maybe a trace is broken/shorted, or the memory controller itself could be going out. If you want to waste a lot of time, try each slot individually. You can also try disassembling the unit, cleaning it thoroughly, and bench testing it. I would personally never put that kind of time/money into a old computer like that unless my client was willing to pay big bucks to fix it. And I'd collect those big bucks before doing all of this. You never know when an idiot client that claims they'll pay "anything" to fix a computer because they're so attached to it ends up walking through Walmart/Costco and sees a "good deal" they just "can't pass up" and tells you to just keep their old computer "for your trouble."

My policy is, if a client wants to pay me more than a computer is actually worth to fix it, they have to pay for the repair UP FRONT. Whether it's just an old beater, or a new computer whose part/s are as much money as the whole computer is worth, I don't want to get shafted by a fickle client that cares about nothing but instant gratification.

 

[carmen617]

The customer doesn't want to spend more than the computer is worth to fix it. She has a laptop, I told her to drop it off and I'll transfer all the data over from the Gateway to the laptop. Then use the Gateway if she wants, but don't expect it to last much longer. If she wants to own a desktop, it's time to start shopping.

Thanks for the confirmation, everyone. I hate to pull the curtain on a computer but it sure seems like it's not worth spending much more time with this one.

 

[nerd2u]

I find it handy to keep a couple refurbished units around for these cases.

Just tell them you can spend 300$ on trying to fix it or spend $300 and have a refurbished unit with 90 day warranty.

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