Have you ever had this weird thing where your computer’s BIOS keeps resetting by itself, and the fans go crazy loud when it happens, even though the CMOS battery is completely fine? Well, you’re not the only one. I ran into this problem with my main work PC. It was so odd and hard to figure out that it took me almost a year to find a fix. In this post, I’ll talk about what was going wrong and how I fixed it.
Also see: Computer Fans Randomly Speed Up, Why?
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What exactly is the problem?
So, the issue is your BIOS randomly resets when you turn on your PC. This can show up in different ways. For example, all the fans in your computer, including those on the graphics card, might run at full blast until the BIOS or UEFI boot screen comes up. Sometimes, the computer will turn on and off a few times before it finally starts up properly. When this is happening, you’ll see the fans go really fast, then stop, and then start up again until the PC boots up okay.
When the BIOS resets, it forgets all the custom settings you had, like your RAM’s XMP settings, any overclocking tweaks, or security settings like TPM and Secure Boot.
Usually, a dead CMOS battery causes the BIOS to reset like this. But in this case, it’s still happening when the CMOS battery is completely fine. I tried with several new CMOS batteries, and it didn’t fix the problem.
So, if you haven’t switched out your CMOS battery yet, give it a shot. It might just solve your problem. But if you’re stuck like I was and a new battery doesn’t help, keep reading to see how I fixed it.
Related resource: How to Clear CMOS without Removing Battery or Jumper Cap
What I did to resolve the random BIOS reset issue
Fixing this issue was actually pretty straightforward: I updated my BIOS firmware to the newest version, and like magic, the problem went away. You might be wondering why I didn’t do this sooner. Well, a year back, my BIOS was already the latest version available, so there was nothing to update. But it turns out, my motherboard model had a known issue, and they released a new firmware update to fix it.
Keep in mind, updating your BIOS firmware can be risky if you don’t do it right. If something goes wrong, you could end up with a dead motherboard. But if you carefully follow the maker’s guide and make sure you’re using the right firmware for your motherboard model, you should be fine.
For me, updating the BIOS firmware fixed the weird resets and fan issues. But, there’s no promise this solution will work for everyone. It’s just something else to try if you’re having similar troubles.
Knowing the risks of flashing and updating BIOS firmware
Before you decide to update your BIOS firmware as a way to fix the BIOS resetting and fan speed problem, you should know it’s not without risks. Flashing your BIOS is pretty common, but it can mess up your motherboard and computer if it’s not done right.
Why is BIOS update considered risky?
- If your computer loses power during the BIOS update process, you could end up with a corrupt BIOS firmware. This might make your motherboard useless, which is sometimes called “bricking” your motherboard.
- Using the wrong BIOS firmware version—if it’s not for your motherboard model or it’s a bad file—can cause big problems too.
- Interruptions during the update, like restarting too soon or running into errors, can lead to a bad firmware install. This might make your computer unstable or cause problems with your hardware.
How to reduce these risks:
- Make sure your computer is plugged into a reliable power source during the update. If you have a desktop, consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to protect against sudden power cuts.
- Only download BIOS updates from the official website of your motherboard’s maker. Make sure the firmware version is right for your motherboard model and follow their instructions carefully.
- A lot of modern motherboards have tools that make the BIOS update process easier and safer, either through the BIOS itself or a Windows program, reducing the risk of messing up the update.
Could overheating or overclocking be at fault?
Is your CPU or GPU overheating?
If the BIOS resets, it might be trying to keep your system safe from bad settings. Overheating of your CPU or GPU could be why it’s happening. If your computer’s running hotter than it should, it might become unstable and cause the BIOS to reset when you start it. It’s a good idea to check your temperatures and make sure your cooling is up to scratch.
Are your overclocking settings to blame?
Overclocking can boost performance, but it’s a bit risky. If you push your hardware too hard, it can cause instability and BIOS resets. It might help to double-check your overclocking settings or go back to default settings to see if that fixes the problem.
Pro tip: Auto OC Ryzen 7000 or 5000 PBO2 (Curve Optimization)
Could it be your RAM overclock or faulty RAM?
Pushing your RAM too hard or having bad RAM sticks can also make your system unstable, causing the BIOS to go back to default settings. Running memory checks can help you figure out if your RAM’s okay. Tweaking the RAM timings or turning off the XMP profile might also give you a hint if RAM’s causing your headaches.
Reseating or replacing your hardware components
Sometimes, just making sure all your hardware parts are properly plugged in can fix the problem. Over time, parts can loosen up because of moving the PC or changes in temperature inside the case, leading to weird computer behavior. It’s worth re-checking your RAM, graphics card, and power cables to make sure everything’s tight and connected right.
Final thoughts
Dealing with a BIOS that keeps resetting is a big headache, as I found out the hard way. Every time it happened, I had to set up my XMP profile and turn on TPM and Secure Boot all over again. It was a real nuisance and left me looking for answers for almost a year.
In the end, a BIOS update fixed everything for me. But just because it worked for me doesn’t mean it’ll work for everyone. If you’re having a similar problem, it’s worth trying different things and keeping an open mind. Sometimes, the solution is easier than you think.
