The computer has quite a few devices that affect its performance. If the system can do without some, then most of the details support the general condition of the computer. Most users know about the video card, processor, motherboard and other accessories. But few people are familiar with the battery for the motherboard. Without it, the system will not be able to cope with the tasks, failures and errors will be observed.
What is it?
What is a motherboard battery? If you consider the design of the platform, then on it you will notice a lot of small details. The location of the battery on it depends on the model, but for almost any board, the battery looks the same. By the way, it in many ways resembles a battery several times increased, which is installed in a watch.
For what?
Why do I need a battery on the motherboard? It is immediately worth noting that this part is located on each platform of the system. Serves to save the settings of the motherboard. More precisely, it feeds a data archive that saves the board's parameters.
The CMOS memory of the system has a capacity of only 256 bytes. From here it becomes clear that it does not require a large amount of power consumption. Such a battery can last from 3 to 10 years. It will feed the archive, which saves the BIOS and system timer settings.
Failure in work
Users rarely experience a low battery. Typically, this error occurs on systems that have been running for a very long time. But due to the fact that technology is moving forward, many users are trying to change components every couple of years, which means that the battery just does not have time to sit down.
But knowing what a battery is for a motherboard is still important. You may need to change the motherboard, on which this battery is already dead, or you will encounter its factory malfunction.
This small battery is directly dependent on the manufacturer of BIOS. Hence the difference in alerts. To understand that something is happening with the battery, you have to look at the loading screens.
So, some systems display a notification when the computer starts that the battery is low. The message “CMOS Battery Low Field” appears on the screen. If the battery is completely dead, a line will appear: “CMOS Battery Field”. In this case, you have to disassemble the system, get the battery and find a replacement for it. If you have not noticed such inscriptions on the screen, look for the following message: “CMOS Checksum Error Defaults Loaded”.
Identification
But how to understand that the battery for the motherboard is dead? If you do not look at messages while the computer is loading, you will notice some malfunctions in the operating system.
Often time and date will fly away. Of course, this does not affect the performance of the computer. However, many applications may generate errors. This is especially due to utilities that are synchronized by date and time. If in this case you do not change the battery, then at first you will have to manually set the settings.
Universal option
The battery may have a different location, but in most cases you will come across a single model - CR2032. The battery for this type of motherboard is located on almost any platform. This is the most optimal battery model both in terms of power capacity and voltage. Therefore, it is recommended to buy this particular option.
Problems can only be if your computer uses old platform modifications. The battery for the CR2032 motherboard appeared relatively recently, so outdated motherboards may not support it. In this case, you will have to open the instructions and watch the compatibility of the motherboard model with the battery.
Some users for some reason do not immediately want to buy a CR2032 battery. She can find a replacement, but in parallel, she can face a number of difficulties. For example, the battery may be slightly smaller than the connector that is on the platform. In this case, you have to tighten the contacts. In addition, you can choose a battery with a smaller capacity, which, of course, runs out faster.
Another variant
If for some reason you are boycotting the purchase of CR2032, you can take a closer look at other batteries. Buy a battery for the board is not difficult. It is enough to go to any online electronics store and indicate your platform model. In this case, the consultant will help you with the question of which battery is needed for the motherboard.
It should be noted right away that the cost of the battery is not very high, and the manufacturer is of little importance, although it is better to give preference to more well-known companies. Before replacing the battery on the board, it is better to read the instructions several times so that various kinds of failures do not occur.
Choosing the type of battery for the motherboard in the store, you will notice or you will be offered three options:
- The CR2032 discussed earlier has a capacity of 210-230 mAh. Its voltage is 3 volts, and the dimensions are 20 x 3.2 mm.
- CR2025 has 150-165 mAh, voltage is 3 volts, and the size is 20 x 2.5 mm. This option is slightly smaller than the standard battery.
- CR2016 has a volume of 8090 mAh, a voltage of 3 volts, and a size of 20 x 1.6 mm.
In each of these options, the type of battery is lithium, the shape of the battery is a tablet, the diameters of all are the same - 20 mm, but the thickness may vary.
PC Replacement
How much does a motherboard battery cost? The price of your purchase will not exceed 50 rubles. Cost depends on volume.
When you purchase a new battery, you will have to install it on the platform. This process is not so complicated. It will be especially easy for you if you have a general understanding of the design of the system. To replace, you will need to take a Phillips screwdriver and tweezers. Here is the replacement algorithm:
- First you need to disconnect the computer from the network, turn off the power and disconnect all cables from the interface panel.
- To get to the motherboard, you need to unwind one of the side covers of the case.
- Many people recommend wearing an antistatic wristband so that they do not get an electric shock. If you don’t have one, it’s best to hold the PC case with your free hand.
- If any parts prevent you from getting to the battery, you will also have to turn them off. Usually a video card that can be easily removed from the platform can interfere.
- Now you need to get the battery itself. It is better to carefully examine the place where it is located. Many recommend photographing the system before disconnecting or changing something. In this case, you will not lose the location of the battery and do not reverse the polarity of its installation.
- To remove the battery, just press the latch located on the side. No need to pull, pick or knock on board elements. The latch is easily wrung out, and the battery itself pops out of the slot. If it’s not very convenient for you to remove the battery with your fingers, you can use tweezers in this case.
- We take out the new battery from the packaging and, observing the polarity, install it in the slot.
- We assemble the computer and connect it to the network.
Laptop replacement
A battery for the laptop motherboard also exists and, of course, may require replacement. The battery installation technology itself in this case remains virtually unchanged. Difficulties will only be in disassembling a laptop.
Manufacturers of some models take care of the user in advance. On the back of the device they install a special window that can be unwound. Under the lid you can immediately see the battery.
If you have not noticed such a hatch in your case, you can try to disassemble the laptop yourself. There should be no problem with this. In this matter, the main thing is to be careful, if possible, to photograph all the changes that occur when disconnecting or unscrewing parts. It will be much easier for you to assemble a laptop after replacing the battery.
Details
Normally, no changes are required after replacing the battery. But old BIOS versions can throw you into your menu, requiring you to set the date and time, load the settings, set user parameters.
Also, some users ask if it is possible to change the battery when the PC is on. Theoretically, this is allowed, but in practice it is possible to encounter many problems that will not be so easy to solve. Therefore, it is still recommended to disconnect the system from the network in order to protect both itself and the components of the motherboard.
And the last question that a user may have is: “Where to put the used battery?” The question is important, although many do not perceive it as such. But the battery has a lot of harmful substances and heavy metals, which can negatively affect the environment. Therefore, it is recommended that outdated batteries be taken to appropriate recycling centers.