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MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence: Difference between revisions

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{{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 {{Wplink|Micro-Star International|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, 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.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/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>


==Consumer-impact summary==
==Background==
MSI Mainboard CMOS CR2032 batteries are no longer contained within a standard easily accessible clip-mount holder.  Instead the CMOS battery is hidden beneath the Voltage Regulator Module (VRM) heatsink assembly, and is affixed to the mainboard via a lead, and mounted with adhesives and shrink-wrap plastic.<ref>{{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.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/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>{{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> 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:
{{Ph-I-B}}
 
==MSI Motherboard CMOS Battery Obsolescence==
MSI Mainboard 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.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/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>
<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.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/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>
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The operating temperature of a CR coin cell is typically -30°C to 85°C, it's recommended to consult the manufacturer should the temperature exceeds 70°C<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=CR2032 CR Coin-type Lithium Battery |url=https://energy.panasonic.com/dam/master/pdf/en/datasheet/lithium/CR2032_Datasheet_EN_240701.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/web/20260302101209/https://energy.panasonic.com/dam/master/pdf/en/datasheet/lithium/CR2032_Datasheet_EN_240701.pdf |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Panasonic Energy}}</ref>. VRMs typically run at higher temperatures typically around 80°C to 90°C, with safe operating temperature exceeding 100°C<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/jayyywhattt |date=2022-01-07 |title=Motherboard, vrm temperatures |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/ry9cdc/motherboard_vrm_temperatures/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/web/20260302101503/https://old.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/ry9cdc/motherboard_vrm_temperatures/ |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>. Mounting the CMOS battery at or very close to the VRM heatsink can reduce the battery life.
The operating temperature of a CR coin cell is typically -30°C to 85°C, it's recommended to consult the manufacturer should the temperature exceeds 70°C<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-01 |title=CR2032 CR Coin-type Lithium Battery |url=https://energy.panasonic.com/dam/master/pdf/en/datasheet/lithium/CR2032_Datasheet_EN_240701.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/web/20260302101209/https://energy.panasonic.com/dam/master/pdf/en/datasheet/lithium/CR2032_Datasheet_EN_240701.pdf |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Panasonic Energy}}</ref>. VRMs typically run at higher temperatures typically around 80°C to 90°C, with safe operating temperature exceeding 100°C<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/jayyywhattt |date=2022-01-07 |title=Motherboard, vrm temperatures |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/ry9cdc/motherboard_vrm_temperatures/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archivep75mbjunhxc6x4j5mwjmomyxb573v42baldlqu56ruil2oiad.onion/web/20260302101503/https://old.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/ry9cdc/motherboard_vrm_temperatures/ |archive-date=2026-03-02 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref>. Mounting the CMOS battery at or very close to the VRM heatsink can reduce the battery life.
===MSI's response===
{{Ph-I-ComR}}
==Lawsuit==
{{Ph-I-L}}
==Consumer response==
{{Ph-I-ConR}}


==Workarounds==
==Workarounds==
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*Locate the CMOS battery and unplug the leads.  The leads should be a pair of black and red wires leading to a miniature mainboard plug. Unplug the connector.
*Locate the CMOS battery and unplug the leads.  The leads should be a pair of black and red wires leading to a miniature mainboard plug. Unplug the connector.
*Dismantle the wrapping on the battery unit itself and un-mount the leads from the battery surface by either force, desoldering, or clipping them.
*Dismantle the wrapping on the battery unit itself and un-mount the leads from the battery surface by either force, desoldering, or clipping them.
*[[File:CSWiki MSIZ890Assembled.jpg|thumb|The same mainboard with VRM heatsink installed]]Solder each lead to a piece of nickle strip, and use a tackwelder to re-anchor each strip to the correct polarity battery surface.  Alternatively, simply wrap some electricians tape to re-anchor leads to the terminals, though be mindful, that tape adhesive will weaken over time, leading to possible loose connections.  Tack welding is preferable.  Upon completing this assembly to your satisfaction, move on to the next step.
*Solder each lead to a piece of nickle strip, and use a tackwelder to re-anchor each strip to the correct polarity battery surface.  Alternatively, simply wrap some electricians tape to re-anchor leads to the terminals, though be mindful, that tape adhesive will weaken over time, leading to possible loose connections.  Tack welding is preferable.  Upon completing this assembly to your satisfaction, move on to the next step.
*Encase the new battery with electrical tape and re-mount it near the original location. Standard double sided foam tape should function nicely for this. Hotglue also works.
*Encase the new battery with electrical tape and re-mount it near the original location. Standard double sided foam tape should function nicely for this. Hotglue also works.
*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.
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Congratulations!  Your CMOS battery has now been changed.
Congratulations!  Your CMOS battery has now been changed.
==Products==
MSI MEG & MPG Motherboards 2025-2026(Current)
MSI MAG Motherboards (2025-2026)  still have standard clip-holder mounts for their batteries. (Though the manual still reads "This product contains an irreplaceable battery").
==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
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