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- HP Community
- Desktops
- Desktop Hardware and Upgrade Questions
- computer turns on and does 3 long beeps, and 2 short beeps

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08-03-2025 05:22 PM
I have a OMEN by HP 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-0465xt .
I recently tried to upgrade my CPU from an i7- i5. I was told that I needed to upgrade my bios to atleast F.80. Which I did. Booted up my computer and it worked fine. I then went to swap out my I7 to the I5 and it started beeping. 3 long beeps, 2 short beeps. I then switched back to my I7 and the same beeps are happening. I looked it up online and it says it a memory problem. I tried taking my ram out and putting it back in and that also didn’t work. I don’t understand how a simple update would have done this to my computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And yes, I did update the bios from the HP website.
08-05-2025 10:38 AM
Hi @Jayedell96,
Welcome to the HP Support Community.
Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.
Thanks for the detailed background. This is a tricky but not uncommon issue after a BIOS update and CPU swap on HP OMEN desktops.
Beep Code Meaning: 3 Long, 2 Short
This pattern typically indicates a memory initialization failure. Specifically, HP documentation and community responses suggest:
“The embedded controller has timed out waiting for BIOS to return from memory initialization.”
What Likely Happened
- After updating to BIOS F.80, your system initially booted fine with the i7.
- Swapping to the i5 may have triggered a firmware-level memory remapping or timing issue.
- Now, even reverting to the i7 doesn’t help because the BIOS is stuck or corrupted in how it initializes memory.
Steps to Fix
1. Perform a CMOS Reset
- Power off and unplug the PC.
- Open the case and remove the CMOS battery (a coin-cell battery on the motherboard).
- Press and hold the power button for 30 seconds.
- Reinsert the battery, plug in, and try booting again.
2. Try BIOS Recovery (Win + B Method)
- Plug in a wired USB keyboard.
- Hold down Windows key + B, then press and hold the power button for 2–3 seconds.
- Keep holding Win + B until you hear beeps or see the screen flash.
- This may trigger BIOS recovery mode.
3. Reseat or Test RAM Modules
- Remove all RAM sticks.
- Insert one stick at a time in the primary slot (usually DIMM1).
- Try booting after each change.
- If you have upgraded RAM recently, try the original factory RAM if available.
4. Check CPU Compatibility
- Double-check that the i5 CPU you tried is officially supported by your motherboard and BIOS version.
- Some i5s may not be compatible even if they share the same socket.
I hope this helps.
Take care and have an amazing day!
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Regards,
VikramTheGreat