Do computers still use CMOS batteries?

When your computer gets unplugged, BIOS relies on the CMOS battery for power. You’ll find CMOS batteries in both laptops and desktop PCs, but it’s used more frequently in a laptop. That’s because laptops are usually unplugged for a longer amount of time than desktop PCs.

Can I turn on my computer without CMOS battery?

No, booting without the CMOS battery won’t damage your mobo.

Why does a PC need a battery?

In your computer (as well as other gadgets), the battery powers a chip called the Real Time Clock (RTC) chip. The RTC is essentially a quartz watch that runs all the time, whether or not the computer has power. The battery powers this clock.

Why do motherboards have a battery?

All personal computers have a small battery on the motherboard that provides power to the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) chip, hence the name CMOS battery. It provides power even when the computer is off and allows the CMOS to save all the settings [source: Indiana University].

What happens if the CMOS battery is not there?

Without the CMOS battery, you would need to reset the clock every time you turned on the computer. On older systems the CMOS battery also provided the small amount of charge required to maintain the non-volatile BIOS memory, which remembered BIOS settings between reboots.

Do I need the CMOS battery to maintain the RTC?

The CMOS battery is still required to maintain the RTC though. More information is available at the following Wikipedia page: Nonvolatile BIOS Memory (CMOS Battery) Have something to add to the explanation?

What is the function of the CMOS battery in a clock?

The primary function of this is to keep the clock running even when the computer is turned off. Without the CMOS battery, you would need to reset the clock every time you turned on the computer.