# nonvolatile BIOS memory

> small, battery-backed memory component for storing a computer's BIOS settings

**Wikidata**: [Q1023883](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1023883)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nonvolatile_BIOS_memory)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nonvolatile-bios-memory

## Summary
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is a small, battery-backed memory component that stores a computer's BIOS settings. It is a type of static random-access memory (SRAM) and is part of the motherboard, often powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery. This memory ensures that system configurations persist even when the computer is powered off.

## Key Facts
- Nonvolatile BIOS memory is a subclass of static random-access memory (SRAM).
- It is part of the motherboard and contains BIOS settings.
- The memory is powered by a CR2032 battery, acting as a backup battery.
- It is commonly referred to as static CMOS RAM, CMOS static RAM, CMOS RAM, CMOS memory, RAM CMOS, or CMOS-RAM.
- The memory is different from general semiconductor memory.
- It has aliases including static CMOS RAM, CMOS static RAM, CMOS RAM, CMOS memory, RAM CMOS, and CMOS-RAM.
- The Freebase ID for nonvolatile BIOS memory is /m/06nbqt.
- It has a Wikipedia title of "Nonvolatile BIOS memory" and is categorized under CMOS RAM on Wikimedia Commons.
- The Gentoo Wiki article on CMOS BIOS Memory is available in English.
- The entity has been referenced in Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Catalan, German, Spanish, Persian, Indonesian, Korean, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
- The Wikidata description of nonvolatile BIOS memory is: "small, battery-backed memory component for storing a computer's BIOS settings."

## FAQs
**What is nonvolatile BIOS memory?**
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is a small, battery-backed memory component that stores a computer's BIOS settings. It is a type of static random-access memory (SRAM) and is part of the motherboard, ensuring that system configurations persist even when the computer is powered off.

**What type of memory is nonvolatile BIOS memory?**
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is a subclass of static random-access memory (SRAM). It is specifically designed to retain data even when the computer is powered off, using a backup battery.

**Where is nonvolatile BIOS memory located?**
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is located on the motherboard of a computing device. It is part of the main printed circuit board (PCB) and contains BIOS settings.

**What powers nonvolatile BIOS memory?**
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery, which acts as a backup battery to ensure data retention when the computer is powered off.

**What are the aliases for nonvolatile BIOS memory?**
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is also known as static CMOS RAM, CMOS static RAM, CMOS RAM, CMOS memory, RAM CMOS, and CMOS-RAM.

**How is nonvolatile BIOS memory different from general semiconductor memory?**
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is specifically designed to retain data even when the computer is powered off, using a backup battery, whereas general semiconductor memory may not have this nonvolatile capability.

## Why It Matters
Nonvolatile BIOS memory plays a crucial role in ensuring that a computer's BIOS settings are retained even when the system is powered off. This is achieved through the use of a backup battery, typically a CR2032 coin cell, which powers the memory component. By storing BIOS settings in nonvolatile memory, users can maintain their system configurations across power cycles, ensuring consistent performance and functionality. This technology is essential for the proper operation of computing devices, as it allows for the preservation of critical system information without the need for continuous power.

## Notable For
- Being a subclass of static random-access memory (SRAM).
- Being part of the motherboard and containing BIOS settings.
- Being powered by a CR2032 battery, acting as a backup battery.
- Having multiple aliases, including static CMOS RAM, CMOS static RAM, CMOS RAM, CMOS memory, RAM CMOS, and CMOS-RAM.
- Having a Freebase ID of /m/06nbqt.
- Having a Wikipedia title of "Nonvolatile BIOS memory" and being categorized under CMOS RAM on Wikimedia Commons.
- Having a Gentoo Wiki article on CMOS BIOS Memory available in English.
- Being referenced in Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Catalan, German, Spanish, Persian, Indonesian, Korean, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

## Body
### Classification and Function
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is a subclass of static random-access memory (SRAM), which uses flip-flops to store each bit. It is specifically designed to retain data even when the computer is powered off, making it essential for storing BIOS settings. The memory is part of the motherboard, the main printed circuit board (PCB) for a computing device, and contains BIOS settings. This ensures that system configurations persist across power cycles, providing consistent performance and functionality.

### Power and Retention
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is powered by a CR2032 coin cell battery, which acts as a backup battery. This battery ensures that the memory retains its data even when the computer is powered off. The use of a backup battery is a common feature of nonvolatile BIOS memory, allowing for the preservation of critical system information without the need for continuous power.

### Aliases and Identification
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is also known by several aliases, including static CMOS RAM, CMOS static RAM, CMOS RAM, CMOS memory, RAM CMOS, and CMOS-RAM. These aliases reflect the different ways in which the memory component is referred to in various contexts and documentation. The memory is different from general semiconductor memory, as it is specifically designed to retain data even when the computer is powered off.

### References and Documentation
Nonvolatile BIOS memory has a Freebase ID of /m/06nbqt, which is referenced in the Wikidata database. The entity has a Wikipedia title of "Nonvolatile BIOS memory" and is categorized under CMOS RAM on Wikimedia Commons. Additionally, there is a Gentoo Wiki article on CMOS BIOS Memory available in English, providing further documentation and resources for users.

### Language and Accessibility
Nonvolatile BIOS memory is referenced in Wikipedia in multiple languages, including Catalan, German, Spanish, Persian, Indonesian, Korean, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Russian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Vietnamese, and Chinese. This multilingual support ensures that the information is accessible to a global audience, promoting understanding and usage of the technology. The Wikidata description of nonvolatile BIOS memory is: "small, battery-backed memory component for storing a computer's BIOS settings," providing a concise and clear definition of the entity.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013