How to Identify BIOS Chip on Motherboard?
BIOS or Basic Input/Output System. Know that if you want to load your PC’s hardware, you need the instructions stored here. But what if BIOS fails? Then you will have to replace it. However, you will have to find out first where it is situated. So you might be asking- how to identify BIOS chip on motherboard?
I will tell you here how you will be able to find your BIOS chip on your motherboard. But first, let me tell you the most common BIOS issue.
Major Reason Behind Checking Your BIOS?
Know that BIOS also refers to POST, which means Power On Self Test. This helps show if the PC is meeting the minimum requirements to boot properly. If the PC can’t carry out POST, you will be hearing a series of beeps that will tell you what part is malfunctioning in your PC.
So if you hear these sounds, you will have to check what’s wrong with your BIOS. Now, for that, you will have to open up your CPU and then look inside your motherboard.
Where Is BIOS Located?
BIOS is generally located on the edge or corner of a motherboard. Know that you will usually be able to find it near the coin-cell socket. After all, it is the one that has the BIOS setting. Note that CMOS memory is what it’s known by. If you ask- what holds the CMOS memory? Then know that the SMC controller or the SuperIO holds the CMOS memory.
Also, note that this SuperIO/SMC is the thing that connects straight to your BIOS and acts as its adapter. Now, this makes your BIOS available for use by the other parts of the PC’s hardware. As such, it makes sense that both of them will be located near each other.
If you can’t find it here, you should look for it next to the PCIe slots of the CR2032 battery. But if you can’t find it there, you should look for it under these chipsets.
However, the BIOS shouldn’t be too hard to find since most manufacturers label the BIOS as such on the motherboard itself. If you are still having trouble locating it, just head to the manufacturer’s website and download the motherboard design from there. It should tell you where the BIOS is accurately located.
New Upgrades In BIOS
Know that almost all the motherboards during this decade used rewritable flash memory. Previously, they used ROM or even EEPROM. You need to note that the memory contents stay constant thanks to this when the power gets cuts off. This is unlike the volatile RAM.
Previously when BIOS was stored on ROM, it had to be physically removed to insert a brand new chip. Nowadays, you don’t need to do that. The computer does the job for you electronically.
Generally, you will find the BIOS located on the corner or bottom part of the motherboard. However, it would be best if you didn’t face much difficulty finding it since it’s clearly labeled. But if you still can’t find it, then head to the manufacturer’s website or contact a computer technician.
About the Author Michael E. Yates
Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!
