BIOS, or Basic Input/output system, is basically PC’s hardware that helps to load or run configurations on your system. It is in the form of a chip known as CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor. Now, what happens if this chip fails? Simply you will have no interface. And in this case, you have to replace it to get your system back on track.
However, for this, you must be aware of where this chip is exactly located. With so much hardware and chipsets in the system, you must be questioning How to identify BIOS chip on the motherboard. We will make it easier for you to look out for the BIOS chip on your motherboard.
Where Is The BIOS-Chip Located?
BIOS chip is located just at the bottom of the motherboard. It is right next to the CR2032 battery and PCI express slots. You can identify them as having shiny colours or stickers on top of them. Generally all up to dated systems domes with these chips.
However, guys, that cannot be the only case. BIOS chip can also be located somewhere else on the motherboard. You can easily tell your BIOS chip apart thanks to its labelled initials and a colour blob on it.
This BIOS chip plays an important part in booting your system. So, if something ever gets wrong with it, you will not be able to boot your system. In this case, you will be left with a motherboard logo on the screen, or it won’t restart ever.
Don’t panic! No, you don’t have to get rid of your system with a new one. You can simply fix the CMOS battery or switch onto a new one and bring your system back to life. And that doesn’t require you to become a handyman or something. Guess our guide is all you need to work on it.
Before we start on, remember that PC hardware is somehow fragile and sensitive, so make sure you are all careful. So now you have identified the BIOS chip on your motherboard, let’s move on to replacing it. We will get started by identifying the BIOS chip your system has. Keep on reading to know some of the basic types of BIOS that exist.
What Type BIOS-Chips Exist?
Firstly, to replace your BIOS, you need to configure what kind of BIOS your system has. Usually, there are many kinds of BIOS chips. 2 of the most commonly used BIOS chipsets by modern-day systems are; Main Bios, EC Bios, and ID Bios. You don’t have to get jumbled up here! We have briefly explained three of them below.
UEFI BIOS
UEFI BIOS, also known as Unified Extensible Firmware Interface, comes along with the modern system. It can handle drives up to 2.2 TB capacity or even more.
All thanks to its advanced GUID Partition Table (GPT) technology over the traditional master Boot Record (MBR) method. This BIOS is most importantly associated with controlling how the components and CPU of the system interact. Most of the intel’s modern-day systems use the UEFI BIOS on their pcs.
Legacy BIOS
Legacy BIOS can also be called the Basic input/output system. Because of its simple design, it was used in earlier systems. In short, it is still in use with older motherboards having the traditional setup. It plays a major role in turning on the system.
Even though legacy BIOS has done some major work in getting pcs to work yet, they have some limitations. Firstly, it cannot recognize drives that are larger in capacity than 2.1TB.
That is some huge flaw out there! Secondly, Legacy BIOS comes with a text-only menu in their setup programs. Now, this might be a bit complex to understand.
Major Difference Between UEFI And Legacy BIOS.
If you have just welcomed a new PC at your home, then there are pretty heft chances that it came with a UEFI instead of Legacy BIOS. Now, both of them are very different from each other, yet they are the same.
We don’t want to sound confusing here! See, both of the BIOS have some different specifications, but their functions are the same that is to serve as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system.
But if we talk about features, UEFI has a lot to offer in terms of specifications. This is why many modern-day computers and laptops decide on this type of BIOS.
Most importantly, a UEFI framework is easily adjustable and has many more customizable features than Legacy BIOS. Besides, a UEFI doesn’t need a bootloader or any sort of extra program to let you load the OS.
It also comes with a robust GPT to manage heavy load hard drives. And unfortunately, all of these specs are never available with the Legacy BIOS.
Okay, so these were some basics about BIOS. Now there is another interesting way you can check your BIOS, and that is through the PC. We have enlisted some quick methods that you can use to access BIOS on your PC so keep on reading!
How To Access BIOS On Any PC?
As we already know, BIOS controls the communication interface of your system. Whether you want to overclock your system or even set a system password, you need to get access to the BIOS menus first. Let’s have a look at method 1.
Method 1: Using A BIOS Key
Using a BIOS key is the simplest way to access your BIOS system. When you turn on your system, a window sign appears. Now, at this stage, you have to hold down the correct hotkey for a few seconds until the BIOS menu appears.
Method 2: Use Linux Commands
Using the Linux commanding system is another easiest way to get to know your system’s BIOS. All you have to do is type ”sudo systemctl reboot –firmware” at the command prompt and press enter. This will take you to the BIOS menu; from there, you can have an idea about your system.
Method 3: Using The Start Menu
Using the start menu to find out about your BIOS is a tricky task. But we have made it simple for you. Okay, so get started by navigating to the start bar menu.
There you will be able to notice the setting option. Click this setting option. This will take you to a window with all of your windows’ setting options. Now just at the end, you will notice updates and security features. By selecting this, you will get to another window having options in the left pane.
From this pane, select the Select Recovery option. Just below the advanced startup header, you will find the restart now option. Now choose the troubleshoot option and select the advanced options feature from there. Here you will be directed to check the UEFI Firmware settings, and you can press the Restart button to proceed.
What Are The Main functions of BIOS-Chips?
Till now, you might have already a rough sketch of what functions does a BIOS perform. To simplify, we have compiled some of the most basic functions your BIOS perform. So are you ready to have a rundown on the memory lane?
• BIOS chip aids in bootstrap loader. It locates the operating and passes the control onto it.
• Another important function of BIOS is to test whether there is any error in the operating system or not.
• BIOS also helps determine the configuration of the programs you run over the PC, including saving the passwords, setting time and date, and other setups.
• BIOS also acts as a low-level driver. By doing so, it gives your PC basic operational control over your computer’s hardware.
Can I Update Or Upgrade BIOS-Chip On My PC?
Yes, you can upgrade or update the BIOS chip on your PC. Suppose you want to add additional memory to your BIOS-Chip; you can replace it. This way, you will get to upgrade your existing BIOS with a new one.
Suppose you don’t want to replace the BIOS and think an update would be enough. Then, in that case, you can update it using specially designed software.
By updating your BIOS, you will add extra features to your BIOS to have your motherboard perform better. However, keep in mind that an update is only possible if you have a Flash BIOS on your system.
Conclusion
To conclude BIOS chip has a specific function of storing all the controls of your system. Hopefully, through our quick guide, you are now aware of how to identify the BIOS chip on the motherboard. To sum it up, you can find the BIOS chipset just below the CPU socket.
If you still have a hard time recognizing it, lookout for hardware with a shiny sticker on it or labeling in the form of a blob. Again we would suggest you be careful while replacing the BIOS. Because the hardware is fragile in this area, consider having help from an expert if you are a beginner. Best of luck!