Is your computer not starting up properly? Even after reinstalling Windows, you’re still facing similar issues? Tried everything to make your system work but still haven’t progressed an inch?
Now is the time that you will have to open up the hardware of the computer. Most probably the issue lies with the BIOS chip, which is located on the motherboard but most people also questioned that “How to Identify BIOS Chip On Motherboard” we have answered this in this article. It contains all instructions required for the system to start. You might have to replace it. But before you do so, you will have to identify where the BIOS is located.
Continue reading to find out How to Identify BIOS Chip On Motherboard? and how can you identify it. Then only you will be able to replace it.
However, we recommend you do not mess with any component of the motherboard, especially the BIOS if you are not 100% sure and have all the technical knowledge of what BIOS is, what does it do, and where it is located.
What is BIOS? What does it stand for?
BIOS stands for Basic Input and Output System. Just as the name suggests the BIOS takes care of the most basic function in your computer which is the startup process. It makes sure that the operating system loads properly.
For most modern computers, BIOS is essential and without it, the computer may not even boot.
How to Identify BIOS Chip On Motherboard?
We know that the BIOS chip is located on the motherboard. That is where all major functioning components and small chipsets are located. Where exactly though?
The BIOS chip is located usually on any of the 4 corners of the motherboard or towards the bottom. Look for a circular socket, known as the coin cell socket on the motherboard. The BIOS is mostly next to it.
This doesn’t mean that the BIOS is always going to be restricted to these places. It can be anywhere on the motherboard.
Since everything looks similar on the motherboard, it is quite a tough job to identify different components. The relief here is that the BIOS chip is labeled in all modern motherboards and it eases the process of identification. You will see something similar to M_BIOS or UEFI BIOS that will click “oh this is it”.
Looking at the labels is the easiest way of identification. It also minimizes any chances of false identification.
Another feature that can ease the identification process is the shiny sticker or a colored blob placed over the BIOS chip.
To identify BIOS you simply need to look over the corners of the motherboard, or the edges. Look for the coin cell battery; most probably next to it is going to be a shiny sticker or colored blob. Read what the label says and you will be able to find the BIOS on your motherboard.
Can’t find the BIOS chip label?
It may seem problematic at first if the BIOS is not labeled. How are you going to identify and locate it? Even if you check at all the spots it might be on the motherboard, you cannot be 100% sure whether your assumption is correct or not!
Well, that is still nothing to worry about.
Your system comes with a user manual. Scan through the pages to the motherboard section. It contains all information about every component of the motherboard, related precautions, and its placement on the motherboard.
A diagram can easily help you locate and identify the BIOS.
In case you have lost the user manual you can look it up on the internet on the manufacturer’s website or take it to a computer technician to help you.
Why do you need to check your BIOS chip on the motherboard?
BIOS chip is the place where the instructions to load the hardware of your computer are located. The most common reason why you need to check your BIOS is that you are facing trouble in starting your PC.
BIOS is also known as POST. POST stands for Power On Self Test. It shows whether the minimum requirements of the system, to boot are being fulfilled or not. If POST is not supported, you will hear beeping sounds every time you turn on your PC. That is when you know you need to open up the CPU, get to the motherboard, navigate to the BIOS, and check what is wrong with it.
Conclusion
BIOS ensures that your computer starts up properly. It also makes sure that the operating system correctly loads along with the memory. It is essential for all modern systems to work properly.
It is located on the motherboard. Usually, it is soldered into it; however, sometimes it is found socketed as well.
Most of the time, and in almost all modern motherboards it comes with a label that helps us identify the BIOS chip, but when the label is missing you can simply use the manual to help yourself locate it.
Once you have identified the BIOS on the motherboard, then you may proceed to fix or replace it.
By the end of this article, we hope that your query has been answered and you have successfully identified BIOS on your motherboard.
