What does the Supermicro 'BEEP' codes mean and what does the flashing 'LEDs' indicate?

What does the Supermicro 'BEEP' codes mean and what does the flashing 'LEDs' indicate?

Why does Servers / Computers output beep codes or flash LEDs?

All computers (Servers, workstations, laptops, AIOs, etc.) goes through a process called POST (Power-on Self-Test) checks when powered on. This is the process of the computer to check its internal hardware for compatibility and connectivity. Usually when the computer passes the POST test, it may generate a single beep or maybe two depending on the motherboard and BIOS. However, beep codes are generated if the computer fails the POST test. 

'BEEP' Sounds common to Supermicro servers:

  1. Continuous: This often indicates a RAM (memory) error. It could be caused by faulty RAM modules, improperly seated RAM, or compatibility issues with the installed memory. 
  2. Two Short: This might suggest a parity circuit failure. 
  3. Three Short: This can indicate a base 64K RAM failure. 
  4. Four Short: This might indicate a timer failure. 
  5. Five Short: A processor failure is suggested by this code. 
  6. Six Short: A gate A20 failure could be the cause. 
  7. Seven Short: This might indicate a virtual mode exception error. 
  8. Eight Short: An invalid processor speed setting is a possible cause. 
  9. Continuous Long: This might indicate a power supply failure. 
  10. One Long, Two Short: This can suggest a video (graphics) card failure. 
Similar to the above BEEP codes, Supermicro servers also use flashing LEDs either on the front or rear of the server and sometimes on the motherboards to indicate a status or a fault(s).

LED codes common to Supermicro servers: 

  1. Power LED Off: This typically indicates that the server is not receiving power or experiencing a power-related issue. 
  2. Power LED Steady On: A steady power LED indicates that the server is powered on and functioning correctly. 
  3. Power LED Blinking/Flashing: This may indicate that the server is in standby or sleep mode. 
  4. System Status LED (Green) Steady On: A steady green system status LED usually means that the server is functioning correctly and is ready for use. 
  5. System Status LED (Green) Blinking: A blinking green system status LED can indicate system activity, such as disk activity or network communication. 
  6. System Status LED (Amber/Orange) Steady On: An amber or orange system status LED often indicates a system health issue or a minor warning. 
  7. System Status LED (Amber/Orange) Blinking: A blinking amber or orange system status LED may suggest a critical hardware issue or failure.
  8. Fault LED (Red) Steady On: A steady red fault LED usually indicates a critical hardware fault or failure. 
  9. Fault LED (Red) Blinking: A blinking red fault LED can suggest a critical hardware issue that requires immediate attention. 
These common BEEP codes and flashing LEDs will help Server Administrators to troubleshoot certain common issues on Supermicro servers quickly.

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