CMOS question

K

kefflon

Member
Hi!

I got a computer case and a motherboard, Asus PK5, from a friend.
He says CMOS does not work. Its a chip that looks like a spider.
Should I just replace it? And what is this thing called, I cant find them on Ebay.
 
You would need a new bios chip if the one on the board is bad. Most of the time, you have to send the board in to get it replaced. If its still under warranty, it should be sent in. If not under warranty, don't even worry about it and get a different board. Does the board even boot up or all you get is a black screen?
 
Thanks!
I can unfortunately not yet try the board, because im busy trying to buy the rest on ebay piece by piece. So this spider like chip is called bios chip?
 
kefflon said:
Thanks!
I can unfortunately not yet try the board, because im busy trying to buy the rest on ebay piece by piece. So this spider like chip is called bios chip?
Click to expand...

Don't bother buying parts for that board if it doesn't work. You'll just be wasting your money.
 
Last edited:
ow.

There are several 'spider'-like chips in there. One is the BIOS which, as John says, is not exactly easy to replace (not since the days of the 80386 Processor). So, if the BIOS is bad, then you are much better served buying a replacement motherboard (get an RMA if it is under warranty).

In simpler terms: what John said.
 
ok thanks guys.
whats the best motherboard to buy, i mean like 5 year old cheap stuff that is still good stuff?
 
Do you have any existing parts like processor or memory? You don't want 5 year old parts. If you are wanting to stay cheap then you should be looking at a new am3+ (bulldozer) build. You will spend more money on older parts then you will on new.
 
I would, at least, try getting the board to work. Can your friend provide any additional info other than "the CMOS doesn't work"? Maybe the CMOS just needs to be cleared or perhaps it needs a new battery. I agree with others that have said it wouldn't be practical to try to replace the CMOS.

CMOS usually doesn't go bad but if your friend tells you he tried to do a BIOS update and it failed then forget that board, it's "bricked".
 
well first thing you should do is check if the motherboard is under warranty if so go ahed and send it for replacing the chip and in mean time you can look on ebay for good deals on those parts.
 
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