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The CMOS battery is essential for ensuring that the BIOS chip retains the vital system information and settings. This stack cell comprises a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that serves a microprocessor circuit. For a computer to function, the CMOS chip saves the fundamental information, like system time and calendar, and BIOS settings. Without it, the computer won't boot up normally. The most popular kind of battery is the CR2032, but other varieties are also available. The most popular battery types and their average prices are listed below:
CR1025 Coin Cell Battery
This CMOS battery is a small non-rechargeable lithium coin cell battery. It has a diameter of 10mm and a height of 2.5mm. The CR1025 battery has a nominal voltage of 3 volts and a capacity of about 40mAh. It is primarily used in small gadgets like keyless car remotes, digital thermometers, toys, glucose meters, and other small electronic devices. The average price range for this battery is between $2 - $10 depending on the brand and where it is being purchased.
CR1216 Coin Cell Battery
The CR1216 is a lithium coin cell battery with a nominal voltage of 3 volts. The total capacity is 60mAh, which gives power to devices for about an hour-and-a-half. The CR1216 battery is primarily made to supply compact, long-lasting energy to small electronic units like toys and remote controls. Average prices for this coin battery range from about $1 to $6 per battery depending on the brand and retailer.
CR1632 Coin Cell Battery
The CR1632 is a 3-volt lithium coin battery with a capacity of 220mAh, giving it the ability to power a device for around 20 hours. This makes it suitable for powering handheld terminals, calculators, and other small electronic devices. The expected lifespan of a CR1632 battery is about 10 years when stored properly. Average prices for this coin battery range from about $1.50 to $6 per battery depending on the brand and retailer.
CR2450 Coin Cell Battery
The CR2450 battery is a lithium coin cell battery used to power small electronic devices. It has a voltage of 3 volts and a capacity of 600mAh, enabling it to power a device for about 20 hours. The CR2450 battery lasts about 10 years if it is stored correctly. It is commonly utilized in items such as keyless entry fobs, health monitoring gadgets, and toys that require a button battery. Prices for the CR2450 battery typically range from $1.50 to $8, depending on the brand and where it is bought.
Most CMOS batteries for PCs are designed to perform a simple function—keep the real-time clock running. However, when it comes to features, there is a long list that differentiates one type from the other. Here are some of the most common features of PC CMOS batteries:
Maintaining BIOS Settings:
The primary use of the CMOS battery is to preserve the BIOS settings when the computer is shut off. These settings tell the PC how to start up. If the battery dies, the wrong settings could cause problems when turning the computer on. That is why replacing it with a fresh one when it starts malfunctioning is essential. This way, the BIOS settings will be kept, and the computer can boot up properly without issues caused by lost configuration data from the battery dying.
Keeping the Real-Time Clock Running:
The CMOS battery also powers the computer's real-time clock, which keeps track of the current date and time even when everything is switched off. If this battery fails, the clock will stop running, meaning the time and date will reset back to what the system thinks is default every time it boots up. Having the right time and date is important for things like scheduling tasks and file timestamps. Since the CMOS battery supports both the BIOS settings and the real-time clock, users can avoid problems with booting up and timekeeping by easily replacing it when it no longer works reliably. This way, computers can continue functioning smoothly with accurate dates and times alongside their configuration data stored correctly.
Other Functions:
Apart from those functions, there are no major ones affected directly by the CMOS battery. However, indirectly, the settings configured via BIOS may influence operation. For example, overclocking requires battery-backed memory so that overclock parameters set at boot can be retained. The same goes for customized power management features and system time, which impacts time-dependent functions like scheduled wake-ups. With the right voltage and current capacity, computer memory retains its contents while powered down. This allows computers to save settings when turning off or rebooting, and compute tasks efficiently using low power optimized mode.
Since different PCs have different requirements for CMOS batteries, this specific battery must be chosen for each PC. To be more specific, the following items must be considered when choosing the CMOS battery:
Type of the battery
As discussed before, the two most common CMOS batteries are Lithium-Ion and Lithium. They are designated 2032 or 2016 for the latter regardless of the size and form. Most PCs today use the Lithium-Ion battery, usually the CR2032 type, but this may differ depending on the model. It is pretty easy to find out about the PC model and the type of battery it uses. Simply check the manual or the model number printed on the PC itself. If the old battery, removed after running out of charge, is still intact, one can quickly determine which battery is suitable for the PC by reading the inscription.
Consider size
As mentioned before, the most ordinary sizes of CMOS batteries are CR2025 and CR2032, but they can vary depending on the manufacturer's specifications. The best way to determine the size of the CMOS battery required is to take out the old, dead battery and compare it to the new ones. The new one can be ordered from any supplier, and the right one will be chosen if the size is standard and matches a common variety.
Check voltage
The voltage of the CMOS battery is crucial in deciding whether or not it can be used for a given PC. Most 3V batteries work perfectly fine and are fine for general use, but it is better to check the PC's manual first and see what it recommends. Using a battery with high or low voltage can cause several issues for the PC, so it is better to be safe than sorry.
Battery Life
When choosing a CMOS battery for a PC, one must consider battery life. Using a long life battery can save time, effort, and trouble, as it will not need to be replaced frequently. Some batteries are designed to last longer than others, so this is important to remember when making the purchase. Also, any battery that is already old while in storage is less likely to have a long battery life.
Q1: What is the purpose of the CMOS battery?
A1: The CMOS battery saves the BIOS settings that help the computer boot up properly. It also keeps the date and time when the computer is turned off.
Q2: How long does a CMOS battery last?
A2: The lifespan of a CMOS battery largely depends on the battery type and usage. However, it typically lasts for 5 to 10 years.
Q3: Can a PC run without a CMOS battery?
A3: Yes, it can. However, the battery removes the saved BIOS settings that guide the computer on booting up and keeps the date and time. Without it, a user will have to reset the motherboard and do it every time the PC is powered on.
Q4: What are the signs of a failing CMOS battery?
A4: Some common signs are errors messages when the PC is booting, wrong date and time, and older hardware settings that the computer can't change.
Q5: Where is the CMOS battery located on a PC?
A5: In most cases, the battery is found on the motherboard of the PC. The location may vary depending on the computer model.
