If not all, then most users are faced with the concept of BIOS and the parameters of this base system. True, sometimes for some reason you need to completely reset its settings. That's when people begin to disassemble computers and laptops, trying to determine where the BIOS (chip) is located. So that there are no misconceptions regarding the location of this element of the system, we will try to consider all aspects related to this.
What is BIOS and why is it needed?
Before considering the question of where the BIOS is located on a laptop or in a stationary computer terminal, let's see what it is and what the whole system is for.
In general, if you look at it, the BIOS can be characterized in two ways. Firstly, it is, so to speak, the “iron” component of any computer device, made in the form of a microchip. Secondly, it is a software suite designed to provide a test of the health of all elements of the system even before the OS starts. Along the way, it is worth noting that it stores the basic information and settings regarding absolutely all devices present in the assembly at the hardware level.
Misconceptions about the location of the microchip
Now a little about myths. Some obviously unprepared users often wonder about where the BIOS in Windows 7 is for example. The answer is simple - nowhere! There are no files and folders in the system that are somehow related to the BIOS or its settings.
Another thing is that the operating system sees this device and is able to display brief information about it, for example, information about the manufacturer, version, etc. To do this, use the system information section , which can be accessed very easily from the standard "Control Panel" . Here, among all other devices, there is also a BIOS. Where is the information about this chip in Windows 8? All in the same section. However, in order not to look for the same "Control Panel", you can use the "Run" menu, where the msinfo32 command is written.
Where is the BIOS in the motherboard
Now let's get down to the main question. So where is the BIOS? As many have already guessed, exclusively on the motherboard. Note that this microchip is not installed, therefore, if you are engaged in a search, you should carefully inspect the motherboard. If for some reason the chip is not found, you should carefully study the instructions that came with the device. As a rule, a diagram is presented there with a description and arrangement of all elements.
As for the installation of the chip, there can be two options: a removable device or tightly soldered into the motherboard. Holders of removable chips are lucky, because in case of breakdown it can easily be replaced. Some manufacturers went even further. They install on their motherboards not one chip, but two. In this case, the first is the main, and the second acts as a duplicate. It is easy to understand that if the first fails, the second is automatically connected to the work.
To find the microchip itself, you need to look for a black or gray square, which, as a rule, has a size of about 1x1 cm. Sometimes a manufacturer’s name like American Megatrends may be present on it. In some cases, there is a holographic sticker on top.
Location options
Some instructions advise looking for a BIOS microchip next to a CMOS battery that stands out from the crowd. It is not always so. The fact is that sometimes there are no microcircuits next to it, and the chip we are interested in can be located far enough, as, for example, on MSI boards.
If you look at where the BIOS on the ASUS A8N-SLI motherboards is located, the location option (in our case, from top to bottom) may look like this: a battery, a memory jumper, an I / O controller, and only then the BIOS chip itself. By the way, a special connector is provided for it, from which it can be removed quite simply.
BIOS battery: where is it located
Now a few words about the battery. Finding it on the motherboard is quite simple. It is made in the form of a round disk, and its size is two to three times the size of the battery used in electronic watches.
It stands out against the background of all other components and connectors quite strongly, as it has a typical metallic shade.
Why do I need non-volatile CMOS memory?
No matter how versatile the BIOS device is, it can store far from all the data about the installed hardware (here there are characteristics and settings of only standard components). At the same time, chip manufacturers may not know the parameters of other devices connected to the computer.
Here the so-called CMOS memory comes to the rescue, which, in addition to the system clock settings, also stores data on coprocessors, floppy disks, etc. Its purpose is to prevent the stored information from being erased when the computer is turned off. In turn, it is powered by a battery, the charge of which, according to the manufacturers, should be enough on average even for several years of lack of power supply. Along the way, it is worth noting that resetting the BIOS memory and password is precisely what is achieved by temporarily removing the battery from the corresponding slot.
Interconnection of BIOS, CMOS and ROM
Where the BIOS is located is already a little clear. Now let's look at the relationship of the above components. It goes without saying that at this stage of the discussion of the topic, the question could be formulated as follows: where is the BIOS in the ROM (read-only memory). In part, it will be delivered somewhat incorrectly, since the BIOS is, in fact, a set of programs “embedded” in ROM.
But back to the relationship. The fact is that at the moment the computer terminal is turned on, the processor first accesses the RAM, and, as you know, nothing remains after it is turned off. Therefore, the appeal is redirected to the ROM, where the "wired" programs are responsible for the parameters and identification of the "iron" devices. In addition, a system timer is used, the settings of which directly affect the time and date set already in the operating system. Of course, in the OS itself you can change these settings, but sometimes when some errors occur, this does not help, and the time with the date has to be changed in the BIOS.
How to enter BIOS settings
Finally, consider the options for entering the I / O system settings. For desktop computers, as a rule, the input is provided by pressing the Del key, sometimes Esc (on the screen in the center or bottom a line appears with the corresponding indication: Press ... to run BIOS Setup or something like that.
There are more variations on laptops. For example, it can be function keys, combinations with the Fn key, or special buttons placed on the keyboard (like Sony Vaio).
Not to mention where the HP BIOS (laptops) is located, the Esc key plays the main role, after pressing which a short menu appears with instructions on the buttons responsible for certain operations. For devices like the HP Pavilion, BIOS entry from the start menu is done by using the F10 key. In general, you need to look at the motherboard manufacturer and the BIOS developer, because there can be a lot of combinations. An indication of them is given on the startup screen of the download. True, the message itself lasts only a couple of seconds, and not everyone has time to notice what needs to be done. At such a moment, to fix the line on the screen, you can press the Pause key (Pause).
Features of the location of the BIOS chip on a laptop
With laptops, things are a little more complicated than with desktop computers. Actually, motherboards differ quite a lot. However, despite the large number of options for the location of the elements, with a certain degree of certainty, we can say that on many models there is a standard layout solution.
Most often, you need to look for the chip under the Wi-Fi module, which can be located under the smallest cover on the bottom of the laptop, above the DVD drive. The battery can be found under the upper right corner of the touchpad. But this is not a standard. Other options may occur.
Conclusion
That’s briefly and all that concerns where the BIOS is located on different devices, what is its purpose and functions. As already clear, depending on the motherboard manufacturer, the location of some elements may look illogical. Nevertheless, you can find this chip even if it does not have a holographic sticker or the manufacturer is not specified. The main thing is a little patience and attentiveness during the inspection.
In the simplest version, of course, you should first find the battery, and then look for its surroundings, because the motherboard is not so large in size. So the probability of finding a BIOS chip at first glance is quite high.
Apparently, many have already noticed that there can be a lot of options for the location of the BIOS. How many manufacturers and varieties of motherboards, so many options. At the same time, even with the same manufacturer on different models, the microchip can be in completely different locations. You understand that you just can’t list everything, although in this case some unified basic schemes were considered. However, it is enough to look at the instructions for the motherboard so that you do not waste time searching. If not, then you need to find the BIOS on the laptop, you can just go to the manufacturer’s website and find the diagram there. Almost everyone has the Internet now.