The CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) battery powers the CMOS chip when a PC turns off. This chipholds BIOS information and settings. So, if we ever need toreset the BIOS setting, we can remove the CMOS battery.
Removing the CMOS battery is quite simple. However, locating them can be quite difficult, especially for beginnerPC builders.
In this article, we are here to show you how to identify and remove them.
But first, let us see why we need to remove a CMOS battery.
Why Do We Need to Remove the CMOS Battery?
Removing the CMOS battery will reset all the BIOS settings to default. So, if we have aPC that does not bootdue to anerror in the BIOS setting, we can try removing the CMOS battery to fix the issue.
Another reason we need to remove the CMOS battery is, that it is dead. The computer’s BIOS will keep resetting every time you turn off the computer when you have adead CMOS battery.
How to Remove the CMOS Battery?
Removing the CMOS battery is fairly simple as you just need to press a small metallic lever that pops it out. However,novice PC buildersmay have issues locating the CMOS as its location in themotherboardwill vary according to the manufacturer.
We have mentioned the following steps to make the process of removing the CMOS battery simple. Please follow them one after the other.
Now, follow these processes to remove the CMOS battery.
Remove the Side Panel
We first need to access the motherboard byremoving the side panel. Please follow these steps to remove the side panel.
Locating the CMOS Battery
The physical structure of the CMOS battery is like a watch battery, flat and cylindrical, just like a coin.
To locate them, analyze the motherboard for a component that looks like a silver coin, to be specific.
For ATX Boards
For medium tolarge motherboards, check around the PCIe express or the DIMM slots (RAM slots), as these chips are generally located around these areas.
There is only oneflat-circular componentin the motherboard, so it is hard to miss.
Once located,check the signon the top of the battery. It should have a+ sign.
We should remember this, inserting the CMOS battery incorrectly will not work. Therefore, the BIOS will keep resetting every time you turn off the computer.
For Mini-ITX
Forsmaller motherboardssuch as the mini-ITX, check the board forcolored insulating plastic wrap. This plastic wraps the CMOS battery.
This colored plastic can be black, yellow, red, blue or any insulating plastic.
If there are some issues with locating the CMOS battery, you can always refer to the motherboard’s user manual.
Depending on your motherboard size, follow the steps correspondingly.
For ATX motherboard
For larger motherboards that have a separate slot for the CMOS battery, follow these steps to remove the CMOS.
If you have trouble using the lock, using a small thin pin to remove the CMOS battery is a viable option as well. However, make sure that this pin is non-conductive, like a toothpick.
On a smaller motherboard, a wire is attached to the CMOS battery. Simplydetach the cablethat connects the CMOS battery to the motherboard.
However, before disconnecting this cable,check its headerto see how it connects to the motherboard. This is done so that you can easily reinsert the CMOS back into the motherboard.
How to Reinsert CMOS Battery?
To reinsert the CMOS battery, ensure that the positive (+) sign on the battery faces up.
Now, insert the CMOS battery into the CMOS slot by gently pressing it. You will hear it click if it is secured.
