BIOS refers to the basic input and output system of a computer. It is stored in a microchip known as a BIOS chip. Gary Kildall developed the Basic Input and Output System. In 1974, it was included in the CP/M operating system.
A BIOS chip is basically a ROM chip located on the motherboard of the computer, and the manufacturer places it. It is requisite for a computer to have it function properly and effectively.
It provides a basic level of access and control over a computer’s operating system. A computer might not be able to start up again if a BIOS chip gets compromised or damaged for any reason.
However, some methods for dealing with a corrupted and damaged chip can be quite challenging. To find out what type of BIOS program is on the BIOS chip, you need to look for the documentation that comes with the board.
The data stored on the chip does not get lost even if the system is off or not getting any power supply because the BIOS chips have non-volatile memory. It can be used for hard drives, but you can’t use this type of memory for RAM. A computer can’t function without a BIOS chip.
What is the function of BIOS?
The chip runs the Basic Input and Output System (BIOS) to ensure that the computer startup process is appropriately initiated. An essential part of a computer’s startup is its BIOS (Basic Input/Output System). It allows the computer’s hardware to work and communicate properly during the startup.
When you start a computer, the BIOS allows the computer to display the information on the monitor. Moreover, it allows to recognize the keyboard for input and communicate with the hard drive in the computer.
The program provides control of these systems to the operating system on the hard drive, and the computer starts up fully. The BIOS loads the computer hardware and includes a Power-On Self-Test, commonly referred to as POST, to ensure that the computer meets boot-up requirements.
How to find a BIOS Chip on Motherboard?
The BIOS is stored in a BIOS chip permanently, and the BIOS chip is on a computer’s motherboard. The chip can only be removed by desoldering it, and even to do that, you must first identify it on a motherboard. Now, how to identify a BIOS chip?
Well, the simple way to do so is to find a label or tag on the motherboard. You will find something similar to UEFI BIOS, M_BIOS, etc. All new motherboards have the label, but it might be difficult to find on the old type of motherboards.
Some BIOS chips have coloured and shiny sticker that helps you quickly find them. A BIOS chip is usually on the bottom-right side of the motherboard, or sometimes it can be below a CPU socket.
However, depending on the manufacturers, it can also be located anywhere else. Oftentimes, there is a label on the motherboard with a small and coloured blob. But, it can be different for every motherboard.
Another way to simply identify a BIOS chip of your computer’s motherboard is to look out for the manual, or one can simply find the manufacturers of a specific motherboard to find the location of the BIOS chip.
Using the manual, you can often find a schematic of the motherboard that is printed on it to find the location of the BIOS chip easily. It is essential to understand that BIOS on a motherboard is significant for booting.
If a BIOS chip gets damaged, the computer might be unable to boot. Your screen will show a logo for the motherboard manufacturer, or it wouldn’t turn on at all. However, you can try resetting the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) battery will resolve your BIOS issue. Just take the battery out for 30 seconds, and then you can put/add it back in.
If resetting a CMOS battery does not help, then you can install the backup BIO chip or get a new one. When you know the location of the BIOS chip, then you can replace it. However, you need to find a suitable replacement for the BIOS chip you already have.
As there are so many BIOS chips from different manufacturers of motherboards, it is important to ensure that you get a suitable replacement for the motherboard. Let’s be clear here; you should not replace a BIOS chip if you don’t have any technical information and know-how.
The electronics are sometimes knotty to handle and work with because they can get damaged easily. Suppose you don’t know anything about technical work or electronics. In that case, it is better not to take the risk of replacing the BIOS chip yourself because it can also lead to a permanently damaged motherboard.
So, what to do if you want to replace the BIOS chip? Well, you can simply ask a professional to help you or go to a computer store to get your BIOS chip replaced. It’s also possible to request the motherboard manufacturers and get a new one.
Conclusion
The BIOS chips store the Basic Input and Output System (BIOS) in it. It is located in the motherboard. However, it might not be easy for everyone to identify the BIOS chip, especially if they want to get it replaced. Try to find the BIOS chip on the motherboard by simply looking for labels or tags until you find it.
It is generally placed at the bottom edge of the motherboard. The chip usually has a label on it by the manufacturers to make it easier for users to identify it. However, if you don’t find it somehow, then use the manual that comes with the motherboard. You can also find out about it on the manufacturers’ website or contact them.
If you want to replace your BIOS chip, it is better to get help from a computer technician unless you’re a professional and understand the process. Once you find the BIOS chip’s location, it will become easy for you to replace it or get it replaced.
