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Common Problem:
After starting an Intel-based Mac (such as the iMac G5), you experience one of two situations. In the first situation, the screen stays black, but the power LED on the iMac’s front will blink once every second. In the other situation, the iMac will display a gray screen, sound three tones, and flash the power LED three times. After a pause it will repeat the three blinks until the computer is turned off.

Solution:
Apple states that both of these situations mean your computer is trying to tell you something is afoul with your system’s RAM. The first error condition means the RAM may be physically damaged; the second means the RAM has passed the POST (power on self test), but the OS (operating system) is unable to use it. You can solve these problems with the same method. First, remove and reinsert the memory and power on the computer again. If you still receive the errors, test your computer with memory you know works in another system or purchase new memory that’s compatible with your iMac.

Source: Apple Article ID: 303083

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