ThinkPad @lemmy.ml cogitoprinciple @lemmy.world 12 mo. ago

ThinkPad not booting with 1-3-3-1 beep error code

I'm experiencing a beep code error on my ThinkPad T440p.

I have checked the code error here: https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Error_Codes_and_Beep_Codes

The code is 1 beep 3 beeps 3 beeps 1 beep. Suggested to be a RAM or RAM module issue.

The same RAM sticks work in my X220 no issue.

The issue started occurring after I attempted to update the CPU from an i5 to an i7. It is possible I forgot to remove the CMOS battery or Laptop battery when I did this. It was a few months ago, so I can't remember for sure. I have since put the i5 back into the laptop.

I tried following the suggestions here: https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/bhy11i/lenovo_thinkpad_t440p_bios_beepsq

Unfortunately they did not work. I don't think the issue is a CMOS battery issue. I am thinking it may be a motherboard issue.

What happens when I try to boot it up, I get the 1-3-3-1 beep code. Nothing happens after that. The screen is blank and the power button is green.

Is it likely that the motherboard is dead? It's the only thing I can think of, at this stage. Is there any other things I can do to test it? If I am confident enough that it is a motherboard issue, I may decide to get another motherboard. But I don't want to spend the money when I am not absolutely certain, if that is the cause of the problem in this case.

1 comments

If the issue has remained between CPUs, and you have performed some harsh memory tests with that ram in the X220, it’s likely a cpu pin got bent/dirty/etc during your switch. Especially if it started after switching to the i7.

The memory could also be on the verge of failure that the x220 is not seeing, I would make sure it passes all the memory tests you can throw at it. still not guaranteed its not operating just enough out of spec for the 440 to dislike it.

Its a toss up, but I would lean towards the mobo if it started immediately after the swap. But a small ram stick is super cheap and easy to fully eliminate that before going further.