MSI Motherboard CMOS Battery Obsolescence: Difference between revisions

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==Workarounds==
==Workarounds==
If your CMOS battery dies and needs replacing, here are some steps to follow to replace your 'unreplacable' battery.
If your CMOS battery dies and needs replacing, here are some steps to follow to replace your 'unreplacable' battery.
* Obtain a new standard CR2032 battery.
*Obtain a new standard CR2032 battery.
* Un-mount your mainboard from your computer case and look for several screws on the reverse side of the board.  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.  Removing these allows you to remove the VRM heatsink.
* Be mindful of the exposed thermal pads, and keep them clean while performing this process.  Cover exposed pads with plastic wrap if your work environment is not clean.
*Be mindful of the exposed thermal pads, and keep them clean while performing this process.  Cover exposed pads with plastic wrap if your work environment is not clean.
* If your model contains an RGB lighting assembly on the VRM heatsink watch for the cable that is attached to the mainboard to enable this.  Remove that cable if present.
*If your model contains an RGB lighting assembly on the VRM heatsink watch for the cable that is attached to the mainboard to enable this.  Remove that cable if present.
* 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.
* Solder each lead to a piece of nickle strip, and use a tackwelder to re-anchor each strip to the battery surface.  Alternatively, simply wrap some electricians tape to re-anchor leads to the terminals though this solution will weaken over time. 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 battery surface.  Alternatively, simply wrap some electricians tape to re-anchor leads to the terminals though this solution will weaken over time. 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.
* Re-Anchor the screws on the opposing side of the PCB.
*Re-Anchor the screws on the opposing side of the PCB.


Congratulations. Your battery has now been changed.
Congratulations! Your CMOS battery has now been changed.


==Products==
==Products==
MSI Motherboards 2025-2026(Current)
MSI Motherboards 2025-2026(Current)