What Happens When Your Motherboard CMOS Battery Is Dead

Your motherboard is the beating heart of your computer. It houses all the key components that allow your machine to run and plays a vital role in your system’s overall performance. If something goes wrong with your motherboard, it can be difficult - and expensive - to fix. One of the most important but often overlooked components on your motherboard is the CMOS battery.

What is a CMOS Battery?

A CMOS battery is a small, coin-shaped battery that helps power your computer’s motherboard. This battery provides power to the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip, which stores important information like your system’s boot settings and date and time. Without a working CMOS battery, your computer may have trouble starting up or keeping time correctly. 

What are the signs that my CMOS battery needs replacing?

There are a few different signs that your motherboard’s CMOS battery may need replacing:

• Your computer has trouble keeping time or the time and date resets often
• You see strange error messages when you start up your computer
• Your system settings seem to be resetting themselves
• You have trouble booting up your computer

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to check your CMOS battery to see if it needs replacing.

How to detect a CMOS battery failure

The first step is to check the date and time on your computer. If the date and time keep resetting, even after you’ve set them correctly, that’s a good sign that your CMOS battery is failing.

Another way to check is to look at your system settings. If you notice that they seem to be resetting themselves, that’s another indicator that your CMOS battery needs to be replaced. 

How to replace the CMOS battery

If resetting your BIOS settings doesn’t fix the problem, you’ll need to replace your CMOS battery. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions for your specific motherboard.

First, you’ll need to locate the CMOS battery on your motherboard. It’s usually a small, coin-sized battery, and it may be labeled “CMOS” or “RTC.” Once you’ve found the battery, you’ll need to disconnect it from the motherboard. On most motherboards, there will be a small clip or connector holding the battery in place.

How do I get the CMOS out of the motherboard without damaging it?

Once you’ve located and disconnected the CMOS battery, you can remove it from the motherboard. Be careful not to damage the motherboard when removing the battery.

To install the new battery, simply connect it to the motherboard in the same way that the old one was connected. Once the new battery is in place, you can power on your computer and check the date and time to see if the issue has been resolved.

Read Also: How to Check RAM DDR Type?

How often should I replace my CMOS battery?

It’s a good idea to replace your CMOS battery every 3-5 years to avoid any potential issues. If you notice any of the signs that your CMOS battery is failing, it’s best to replace it as soon as possible.

How do I know if my CMOS battery is bad?

There are a few different signs that your motherboard’s CMOS battery may need replacing:

1. Your computer has trouble keeping time or the time and date resets often
2. You see strange error messages when you start up your computer
3. Your system settings seem to be resetting themselves
4. You have trouble booting up your computer

If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to check your CMOS battery to see if it needs replacing.

How much does it cost to replace a CMOS battery?

The cost of replacing a CMOS battery will vary depending on the make and model of your motherboard. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a new CMOS battery.

Will remove the motherboard battery and reset the BIOS?

Yes, removing the motherboard battery will reset your BIOS settings. This is because the BIOS settings are stored in the CMOS RAM, which is powered by the CMOS battery. When you remove the battery, it disconnects the power supply to the CMOS RAM and clears any stored data.

Can a CMOS battery cause a black screen?

Yes, a CMOS battery can cause a black screen. This is usually due to an issue with the BIOS settings. If you’re getting a black screen when you start up your computer, it’s a good idea to check your CMOS battery and see if it needs replacing.

Conclusion

If your computer is having trouble keeping time or the date and time resets often, it’s a good idea to check your CMOS battery. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to follow the instructions for your specific motherboard. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 for a new CMOS battery. Additionally, removing the motherboard battery will reset your BIOS settings.