Skip To Main Content
Support Knowledge Base

CMOS Battery on the Intel® NUC

Content Type: Install & Setup   |   Article ID: 000006787   |   Last Reviewed: 02/06/2025

A coin-cell battery (CR2032) powers the real-time clock and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor) memory. The battery has an estimated life of three years when your Intel® NUC isn't plugged into an AC power source. When the computer is plugged in, the standby current from the power supply extends the life of the battery. The clock is accurate to ±13 minutes/year.

The CMOS battery is connected to an onboard header on the processor side of the board by a 1x2 connector (Molex 51021-0200).

Example of battery location:

 

Notes
  • The location of the battery varies depending on the Intel® NUC model.
  • Intel does not provide battery replacements. CR2032 batteries with a wire and Molex connector may not be locally available.
  • To find a replacement, search the Internet for CR2032 with wire or CR2032 with Molex connector and purchase through an online retailer.

If the battery and standby current both fail:

  • Date and time values in BIOS might not be accurate.
  • The error message CMOS Battery Low appears when the computer starts.

Follow these steps to replace the CMOS battery:

  1. Disconnect the power cord from the computer or the AC power source (electrical outlet or power adapter).
  2. Disconnect all peripheral devices attached to the Intel NUC.
  3. Remove the bottom chassis cover.
  4. Remove the board from the chassis to access the battery on the processor side of the board.
  5. Unplug the battery wires from the onboard connector and remove the battery.
  6. To install the new battery:
    1. Remove the paper backing from the battery adhesive pad.
    2. Place the battery onto the board next to the thermal solution. As seen in the image above. 
    3. Connect the wires to the battery connector.
  7. Reinstall the board in the chassis.
  8. Replace the chassis cover.
Caution
Caution
  • The battery is located on the underside of the motherboard in most Intel NUC models. Take care when removing the motherboard from the chassis to prevent board damage.
  • Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage components. Apply the procedures described here only at an ESD workstation using an anti-static wrist strap and a conductive foam pad. If a station isn't available, create some ESD protection by wearing an anti-static wrist strap attached to a metal part of the chassis.

 

To find the MSDS certificate for the CMOS Battery, choose your Intel NUC in the "Regulatory certificates and declarations for Intel NUC" section of the Regulatory Information Index for Intel® NUC.

 

Related Products

This article applies to 33 products.
Intel® NUC Board DE3815TYBE

Discontinued Products

Intel® NUC Kit DCCP847DYE Intel® NUC Kit NUC6i7KYK Intel® NUC Kit NUC6i3SYK Intel® NUC Kit DN2820FYKH Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i3RYHSN Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i5RYHS Intel® NUC Board D54250WYB Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i3RYK Intel® NUC Kit NUC6i5SYH Intel® NUC Kit DE3815TYKHE Intel® NUC Board DCP847SKE Intel® NUC Kit D34010WYK Intel® NUC Kit DC3217IYE Intel® NUC Board D33217GK Intel® NUC Kit NUC6i5SYK Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i5MYHE Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i3RYH Intel® NUC Kit D54250WYKH Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i5RYK Intel® NUC Kit DC53427HYE Intel® NUC Kit NUC5PGYH Intel® NUC Kit DC3217BY Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i3RYHS Intel® NUC Board D34010WYB Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i7RYH Intel® NUC Kit D34010WYKH Intel® NUC Board D53427RKE Intel® NUC Board D33217CK Intel® NUC Kit D54250WYK Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i5RYH Intel® NUC Kit NUC5i3MYHE Intel® NUC Kit NUC6i3SYH

Need more help?

Contact support
Contact support