Consumer Rights Wiki

MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence: Difference between revisions

← Older edit
VisualWikitext
PixelRunner (talk | contribs)
confirmed
129 edits
m PixelRunner moved page MSI Motherboard CMOS Battery Obsolescence to MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence: Misspelled title: Not in sentence case
mNo edit summary
 
(One intermediate revision by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Cleanup}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{IncidentCargo|Company=MSI|Status=Ongoing|Product=Motherboards|ArticleType=Incident|StartDate=2022}}
{{IncidentCargo|Company=MSI|Status=Ongoing|Product=Motherboards|ArticleType=Incident|StartDate=2022}}
Recent [[MSI]] motherboards have moved on from easily accessible clip-mount holders for their CMOS batteries. Instead hiding the battery behind the {{Wplink|voltage regulator module}} (VRM) heatsink assembly,<ref name=":3">[[:File:CSWiki MSIZ890Assembled Labeled.png]]</ref><ref>[[:File:CSWiki-MainboardBatteryMSI.png]]</ref> and is affixed to the mainboard via a lead, and mounted with adhesives and shrink-wrap plastic.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=benjy124302a4 |date=2022-04-15 |title=MSI Pro B660M-A CMOS battery location? |url=https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/msi-pro-b660m-a-cmos-battery-location.374514/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302095843/https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/msi-pro-b660m-a-cmos-battery-location.374514/ |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=MSI Global English Forum}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-29 |title=Where is the location of CMOS battery on this motherboard? |url=https://www.msi.com/faq/9918 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=MSI Global}}</ref> This substantially complicates servicing/repair of devices that are assembled using mainboards that have this layout.  
Recent [[MSI]] motherboards have moved on from easily accessible clip-mount holders for their CMOS batteries. Instead hiding the battery behind the {{Wplink|voltage regulator module}} (VRM) heatsink assembly,<ref name=":3">[[:File:MSI MPGZ890 Edge Wi-Fi assembled and labeled.png]]</ref><ref>[[:File:MSI MPGZ890 Edge Wi-Fi mainboard battery.png]]</ref> and is affixed to the mainboard via a lead, and mounted with adhesives and shrink-wrap plastic.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=benjy124302a4 |date=2022-04-15 |title=MSI Pro B660M-A CMOS battery location? |url=https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/msi-pro-b660m-a-cmos-battery-location.374514/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302095843/https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/msi-pro-b660m-a-cmos-battery-location.374514/ |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=MSI Global English Forum}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-29 |title=Where is the location of CMOS battery on this motherboard? |url=https://www.msi.com/faq/9918 |url-status=live |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=MSI Global}}</ref> This substantially complicates servicing/repair of devices that are assembled using mainboards that have this layout.  


==Background==
==Background==
Line 9: Line 9:
MSI Mainboard (2025-2026 Models, MEG & MPG Product lines) CMOS CR2032 batteries are no longer contained within a standard easily accessible clip-mount holder. Instead the CMOS battery is hidden beneath the VRM heatsink assembly, and is affixed to the mainboard via a lead, and mounted with adhesives and shrink-wrap plastic.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Some of the lower-end tier models of MSI motherboard still have a clip-mount, but it is blocked by heatsinks (that are not part of the VRM assembly). All current models (2025-2026) of motherboard have a line of text in the user manual that states the following:
MSI Mainboard (2025-2026 Models, MEG & MPG Product lines) CMOS CR2032 batteries are no longer contained within a standard easily accessible clip-mount holder. Instead the CMOS battery is hidden beneath the VRM heatsink assembly, and is affixed to the mainboard via a lead, and mounted with adhesives and shrink-wrap plastic.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> Some of the lower-end tier models of MSI motherboard still have a clip-mount, but it is blocked by heatsinks (that are not part of the VRM assembly). All current models (2025-2026) of motherboard have a line of text in the user manual that states the following:


<code>● This product contains an irreplaceable battery.</code><ref>{{Cite web |title=MEGZ890GODLIKE_English.pdf |url=https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890GODLIKE_English.pdf#page=104 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302100807/https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890GODLIKE_English.pdf#page=104 |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=MSI Global}}</ref><ref>[[:File:CSWiki-MainboardBatteryMSI IrreplaceableBatt.png]]</ref>
<code>● This product contains an irreplaceable battery.</code><ref>{{Cite web |title=MEGZ890GODLIKE_English.pdf |url=https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890GODLIKE_English.pdf#page=104 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260302100807/https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890GODLIKE_English.pdf#page=104 |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=MSI Global}}</ref><ref>[[:File:MSI MPGZ890 Edge Wi-Fi irreplaceable battery disclaimer.png]]</ref>


This statement is false. The battery is a standard CR2032 battery. It is not rechargeable, or unique, and is replaceable, with some extended [[MSI Motherboard CMOS Battery Obsolescence#Workarounds|effort]].
This statement is false. The battery is a standard CR2032 battery. It is not rechargeable, or unique, and is replaceable, with some extended [[MSI Motherboard CMOS Battery Obsolescence#Workarounds|effort]].
Line 22: Line 22:
==Workarounds==
==Workarounds==
If your CMOS battery dies and needs replacing, here are some steps to follow to replace your 'irreplaceable' battery.
If your CMOS battery dies and needs replacing, here are some steps to follow to replace your 'irreplaceable' battery.
[[File:CSWiki-MainboardBatteryMSI.png|alt=CMOS Battery Location|397x397px|thumb|MSI Z890 Edge TI Wifi Mainboard with VRM heatsink removed and CMOS battery highlighted]]
[[File:MSI MPGZ890 Edge Wi-Fi mainboard battery.png|alt=CMOS Battery Location|397x397px|thumb|MSI Z890 Edge TI Wifi Mainboard with VRM heatsink removed and CMOS battery highlighted]]
*Obtain a new standard CR2032 battery.  Alternatively, replacement CR2032 for MSI Laptops that ship with the lead are available from third party vendors.  The connectors from these products appear to match the MSI mainboard plug<ref>{{Cite web |others=Archive didn't preserve the image, Use the Live Link if you need to see the picture. |title=MSI Laptop Cell Discussion Thread |url=https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/cmos-battery-replacement.391638/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304092350/https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/cmos-battery-replacement.391638/ |archive-date=2026-03-04 |website=MSI Forums}}</ref>, though this is unconfirmed.  If you have obtained one of these and the connector fits, you will not need a tack welder or shrink wrap in the steps below.
*Obtain a new standard CR2032 battery.  Alternatively, replacement CR2032 for MSI Laptops that ship with the lead are available from third party vendors.  The connectors from these products appear to match the MSI mainboard plug<ref>{{Cite web |others=Archive didn't preserve the image, Use the Live Link if you need to see the picture. |title=MSI Laptop Cell Discussion Thread |url=https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/cmos-battery-replacement.391638/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260304092350/https://forum-en.msi.com/index.php?threads/cmos-battery-replacement.391638/ |archive-date=2026-03-04 |website=MSI Forums}}</ref>, though this is unconfirmed.  If you have obtained one of these and the connector fits, you will not need a tack welder or shrink wrap in the steps below.
*Un-mount your mainboard from your computer case and look for several screws on the reverse side of the board opposing the VRM assembly<ref name=":3" />.  Removing these allows you to remove the VRM heatsink.
*Un-mount your mainboard from your computer case and look for several screws on the reverse side of the board opposing the VRM assembly<ref name=":3" />.  Removing these allows you to remove the VRM heatsink.
Line 35: Line 35:
*Replace the VRM heatsink, ensuring good contact across all thermal pads, and reconnecting the RGB lighting connector if it is present.
*Replace the VRM heatsink, ensuring good contact across all thermal pads, and reconnecting the RGB lighting connector if it is present.
*Re-Anchor the screws on the opposing side of the PCB.
*Re-Anchor the screws on the opposing side of the PCB.
Your CMOS battery has now been changed.  Reassemble the device, and test.


Your CMOS battery has now been changed.  Reassemble the device, and test .
===English Manual Page Links:===
==References==
{{reflist}}


*MSI MEGX879E ACE MAX, Manual pg. 84 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGX870EACEMAX_English.pdf


English Manual Page Links:
*MSI MEGZ890 UNIFY X, Manual pg. 89 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890UNIFY-X_English.pdf


MSI MEGX879E ACE MAX, Manual pg. 84 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGX870EACEMAX_English.pdf
*MSI MEGZ790 GODLIKE, Manual pg.81  https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ790GODLIKE_EN.pdf


MSI MEGZ890 UNIFY X, Manual pg. 89 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890UNIFY-X_English.pdf
*MSI MPGX879E CARBON MAX, Manual pg.79 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdf


MSI MEGZ790 GODLIKE, Manual pg.81  https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ790GODLIKE_EN.pdf
*MSI MPGZ890 ACE, Manual pg.84 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890ACE_English.pdf


MSI MPGX879E CARBON MAX, Manual pg.79 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MPGX870ECARBONMAXWIFI_English.pdf
*MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI PZ, Manual pg.79 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGX870ETOMAHAWKMAXWIFIPZ_English.pdf
 
==References==
MSI MPGZ890 ACE, Manual pg.84 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MEGZ890ACE_English.pdf
{{reflist}}


MSI MAG X870E TOMAHAWK MAX WIFI PZ, Manual pg.79 https://download-2.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/MAGX870ETOMAHAWKMAXWIFIPZ_English.pdf


[[Category:Incidents]]
[[Category:MSI]]
[[Category:MSI]]
Retrieved from "https://consumerrights.wiki/w/MSI_motherboard_CMOS_battery_obsolescence"