If not all, then most users have come across the concept of BIOS and the parameters of this basic system. True, sometimes for some reason you need to completely reset its settings. That's when people start taking apart 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 a BIOS and why is it needed?
Before considering where the BIOS is located on a laptop or in a stationary computer terminal, let's see what it is and what this whole system is for.
In general, if you look, the BIOS can be characterized in two ways. Firstly, it is, so to speak, an "iron" component of any computer device, made in the form of a microchip. Secondly, this is a software suite designed to ensure that all elements of the system are tested before the start of the operating system. In passing, it is worth noting that it stores basic information andsettings relating to absolutely all devices present in the assembly at the hardware level.
Misconceptions about microchip placement
Now a little about the myths. Some obviously unprepared users quite often wonder where the BIOS is located in Windows 7 for example. The answer is simple - nowhere! There are no files or folders in the system that are in any way 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, such as manufacturer information, version, etc. To do this, use the system information section, which can be accessed very simply from 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 command msinfo32.
Where is the BIOS on 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, so if you are looking, you should carefully examine the motherboard. If for some reason the microcircuit is not found, you should thoroughly study the instructions that came with the device. As a rule, there is a diagram with a description and location of all elements.
As for the installation of the chip, there maythere are two options: a removable device or tightly soldered into the motherboard. Holders of removable chips are lucky, because in the event of a breakdown, it can be easily replaced. Some manufacturers have gone even further. They install not one chip on their motherboards, but two. In this case, the first is the main one, and the second plays the role of a backup. It is easy to see that if the first one fails, the second one is automatically connected to 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 it may contain the name of the manufacturer like American Megatrends. In some cases, there is a holographic sticker on top.
Position options
Some instructions advise looking for the BIOS microchip next to the CMOS battery, which clearly 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 quite far, as, for example, on boards manufactured by MSI.
If you look at where the BIOS is located on ASUS A8N-SLI motherboards, the location option (in our case, from top to bottom) may look like this: battery, memory reset jumper, I / O controller, and only then the chip itself BIOS. By the way, a special connector is provided for it, from which you can remove it quite simply.
BIOS battery: where is it
Now a few words aboutbattery. Finding it on the motherboard is quite simple. It is made in the form of a round disk, and is two or three times larger than the battery used in electronic watches.
It stands out from all other components and connectors quite strongly, as it has a typical metallic tint.
Why do we need non-volatile CMOS memory
No matter how versatile the BIOS device is, it can store far from all data about installed equipment (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.
This is where 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 ensure that the saved information is not 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 without power. In passing, it is worth noting that resetting the BIOS memory and password is achieved by temporarily removing the battery from the corresponding slot.
Relationship between 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 one could formulatethe question is: 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 in it after turning it off. Therefore, the appeal is redirected to the ROM, where the "wired" programs are located, which are responsible for the parameters and identification of the "iron" devices. Plus, the system timer is activated, the settings of which directly affect the time and date already set in the operating system. Of course, you can change such settings in the OS itself, but sometimes if some errors occur, this does not help, and you have to change the time with the date 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 entrance is provided by pressing the Del key, sometimes Esc (a line appears on the screen in the center or at the bottom with the corresponding indication: Press … to run BIOS Setup or something like that.
There are more variations on laptops. For example, these can be function keys, shortcuts to the Fn key, or special buttons placed on the keyboard (like the Sony Vaio).
Not to mention where the HP (laptop) BIOS is located, the main role here is played by the keyEsc, after pressing which a short menu appears with instructions on the buttons responsible for certain operations. On devices like the HP Pavilion, entering the BIOS from the start menu is done by using the F10 key. In general, you need to look at the manufacturer of the motherboard and the developer of the BIOS, because there can be quite a lot of combinations. An indication of them is given on the start 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, the situation is somewhat more complicated than with stationary computers. Actually, the motherboards are quite different. However, despite the numerous options for the location of elements, with a certain degree of confidence we can say that on very many models there is a standard solution for the location.
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 top right corner of the touchpad. But this is not a standard. There may be other options.
Conclusion
That's briefly everything that concerns where the BIOS is located on different devices, what is its purpose and functions. As is already clear, depending on the manufacturer of the motherboard, the location of some elements may look illogical. However, you can find this chip even if it does not have a holographic sticker on it.or the manufacturer is not specified. The main thing is a little patience and care when examining.
In the simplest version, of course, you should first find the battery, and then look around for its surroundings, because the motherboard is not so big in size. So the chances of finding the BIOS chip at first glance are quite high.
Apparently, many have already noticed that there can be quite a lot of BIOS location options. How many manufacturers and varieties of motherboards, so many options. At the same time, even for one manufacturer, on different models, the microchip can be located in completely different locations. You understand that you simply cannot 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 as not to waste time searching. If there is none, and you still need to find the BIOS on the laptop, you can simply go to the manufacturer's website and find the diagram there. Almost everyone has the Internet now.
