MSI motherboard CMOS battery obsolescence: Difference between revisions
SinexTitan (talk | contribs) added relevant discussion citations but could not backup the FAQ |
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While the battery remains a standard CR2032 coin battery, and the mounting mechanism is not completely inaccessible, due to this misleading language in the manual and obfuscated location of the battery, it is a blatant attempt to make the mainboard obsolete when the battery dies. Replacement requires service from an experienced technician, leading to more device turnover. For 40 years of mainboard design, replacing a CMOS battery has required locating the battery on the face of the mainboard, pressing a clearly marked tab and removing the old battery out of the standardized component clip slot, and putting a replacement one in its place. There is no reason to have changed this. | While the battery remains a standard CR2032 coin battery, and the mounting mechanism is not completely inaccessible, due to this misleading language in the manual and obfuscated location of the battery, it is a blatant attempt to make the mainboard obsolete when the battery dies. Replacement requires service from an experienced technician, leading to more device turnover. For 40 years of mainboard design, replacing a CMOS battery has required locating the battery on the face of the mainboard, pressing a clearly marked tab and removing the old battery out of the standardized component clip slot, and putting a replacement one in its place. There is no reason to have changed this. | ||
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 |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 |access-date=2026-03-02 |website=Panasonic Energy}}</ref>. VRM runs at a higher temperature typically around 80°C to 90°C, with safe operating temperature exceeds 100°C<ref>{{Cite web |last=@jayyywhattt |date=2022-01-07 |title=Motherboard, vrm temperatures |url=https://old.reddit.com/r/overclocking/comments/ry9cdc/motherboard_vrm_temperatures/ |url-status=live |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. | |||
==Workarounds== | ==Workarounds== | ||
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MSI MEG & MPG Motherboards 2025-2026(Current) | 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" ). | 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"). | ||