How to Replace the Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) or System Battery on Intel® Server Board Family?

Documentation

Install & Setup

000028689

04/19/2024

The coin-cell battery (CR-2032) on Intel® Server Boards powers the Real-Time Clock (RTC).  When the server board is plugged into the AC power, the battery will last up to 4 years.  If the server board is unplugged from AC power, after about 1.5 years the voltage may drop below the lower non-critical threshold for maintaining the RTC and BIOS settings.  The battery will still have some charge, but not sufficient for normal usage.

In this instance you may start to see events in the system event log (SEL) such as: SN:BB +3.3V Vbat ST:Voltage ED:Lower Non-critical - going low ET:Asserted

Should this occur, replace the battery (found at local retailers), following the instructions below:

Battery specifications:

  • Lithium
  • 3 volts (v)
  • Coin CR2032
Warning
  • 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, you can create an ESD protection by wearing an anti-static wrist strap attached to a metal part of the chassis.
  • The danger of explosion exists if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Discard the used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

 

To replace the battery:

  1. Ensure that the Intel® Server System is turned off and the Alternating Current (AC) power cord is disconnected.
  2. Locate the battery on the Intel Server Board. Take note that the location and orientation of the battery may differ for your Intel® Server Board from the pictures or examples below.
  3. Gently press the metal clip as shown to release the battery (See letter A).
  4. Remove the battery from the plastic socket (See letter B).
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  5. Dispose of the battery according to local ordinances.
  6. Remove the new Lithium battery from its package being careful to observe the correct polarity, and then insert it into the battery socket.