Battery

A battery is a hardware component that supplies power to a device,

enabling that device to work without a power cord. Batteries are often
capable of powering a laptopcomputer for several hours depending on
how much power it requires. Today, many high-end devices such as
computer laptops and cell phones use rechargeable batteries that allow
a user to recharge the battery once depleted of energy. In the picture
below, is an example of what a laptop battery may look like when
removed from the laptop with a close-up of the battery rating.

Computer batteries
There are three computer batteries types used with computers. First, is
the backup battery, which is commonly referred to as the CMOS
battery that holds your computer's settings, such as the time and date.
Without a CMOS battery you would have to reset the time, date, and other
system settings each time the computer starts.

Next, the bridge battery is only found in portable computers as a

temporary backup for the main battery. A bridge battery allows you to
remove the main battery and replace it with a good battery without having
to turn off the computer.
Finally, the main battery in portable computers is an alternate source of
energy for when the computer is not connected to a wall outlet.

Nonvolatile BIOS memory

CMOS battery in a Pico ITXmotherboard

Nonvolatile BIOS memory refers to a small memory on PC motherboards that is used to

store BIOS settings. It is traditionally called CMOS RAM because it uses a volatile, lowpower complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) SRAM (such as theMotorola MC146818
or similar) powered by a small "CMOS" battery when system and standby power is off. [1] The
typical NVRAM capacity is 256 bytes.[2]
The CMOS RAM and the real-time clock have been integrated as a part of thesouthbridge chipset
and it may not be a standalone chip on modern motherboards. [2]

CMOS battery[edit]

Type CR2032 button cell, most common CMOS battery.

The memory battery (aka motherboard, CMOS, real-time clock (RTC), clock battery)[3][4] is generally
a CR2032 lithium coin cell. These cells last two to ten years, depending on the type of motherboard,
ambient temperature and the length of time that the system is without power, while other common
cell types can last significantly longer or shorter periods, such as the smaller CR2016 which will
generally last about 40% less than CR2032. Higher temperatures and longer power-off time will
shorten cell life. When replacing the cell, the system time and CMOS BIOS settings may revert to
default values. This may be avoided by replacing the cell with the power supply master switch on.
On ATX motherboards, this will supply 5V standby power to the motherboard even if it is apparently
"switched off" and keep the CMOS memory energized.
Some computer designs have used non-button cell batteries, such as the cylindrical "1/2 AA" used in
the Power Mac G4 as well as some older IBM PC compatibles, or a 3-cell NiCd CMOS battery that

looks like a "barrel" (common in Amiga and older IBM PC compatibles), which serves the same
purpose.

How to replace the CMOS battery

If your computer is losing its time or date settings, or you are
receiving a messageCMOS Read Error, CMOS Checksum Error,
or CMOS Battery Failure, the CMOS battery needs to be replaced. To
do this, follow the steps below.

Locate your CMOS battery

Caution: When inside your computer, make sure you are aware of ESD and
its dangers.

Open the computer case and find the battery

on the computer motherboard. Verify that it is accessible and can be
removed. Today, most computers use a coin cell CMOS battery, like the
CR2032 battery shown in the picture.
Tip: Some CMOS batteries may be held down by a metal clip or bar. This clip
just holds the battery in place and the battery can still be removed by sliding
it out from under the clip. Do not bend this clip to get the battery out, as a
bent clip can result in the battery not staying in the battery socket.

If you are unable to locate your CMOS battery, refer to your motherboard or
computer documentation or contact your computer manufacturerfor
additional assistance in locating it.
Note: With some computers, you may need to disconnect cables, remove
drives, or remove other parts of the computer to get full access to the CMOS
battery.

Obtain battery information

Unfortunately, most manufacturers do not list the exact type and model of
your CMOS battery. It is recommended that, once you have located the
battery, write down all information about the battery (Voltage, chemistry,
wiring, and packaging). If possible, remove the battery and take it to the
retail location.
Tip: For most computers, the model or part number for this battery
is CR2032.
Additional buying information is on our battery buying tips page.

Removing the battery

If your computer is using a coin cell battery, removing the battery is
relatively simple. Use your fingers to grab on the edge of the battery and
pull it up and out of the socket holding it in place. Some motherboards have
a clip holding the battery down. If your computer's motherboard has this
clip, you may need to use one hand to move the clip up and the other hand
to pull the battery out.
Caution: When inside your computer, make sure you are aware of ESD and
all its potential dangers.
Unfortunately, not all CMOS batteries are removable. Some manufacturers
only allow a replacement battery to be added. If your computer does not
have a coin cell battery refer to your documentation or contact
your computer manufacturer for further assistance.
If your computer's motherboard does not have a removable battery you
need to set ajumper on the motherboard to install the new battery.

Insert the new battery

After purchasing a new battery, remove the old battery and replace it with
the new battery or insert the new battery into the secondary battery socket
on the motherboard.