PC CMOS cleared frequently

[aBagofRockss]

So recently, my PC has had an issue where, almost daily now, it will not post.  After following all of the usual steps for this issue(Unplugging the RAM/rearranging, taking out the GPU, testing the PSU, etc), it seems that the only way to fix this issue is by clearing the CMOS every time.  After this, I am able to boot into the bios, restore all settings, and then boot into windows as normal.  Before I go any further with troubleshooting, I wanted to get the community's opinion before continuing.

 

PC Specs:

I5 6600k@ Stock clock

MSI Gaming M5 Z170 MoBo

16gb DDR4 Corsair LPX Ram 2400mHz

GTX 970 EVGA SC 

EVGA Supernova 750w Gold PSU

Swiftech H220x CPU Cooler

 

Thanks in advance for the input all 

[CommanderAlex]

Did you replace the CMOS Battery? Maybe that can be affecting POST issues.

[aBagofRockss]

Just now, CommanderAlex said:

Did you replace the CMOS Battery? Maybe that can be affecting POST issues.

Never replaced it.  You think it could be going dead the one I have?

[CommanderAlex]

Well how old is the one in the system? Is it original with the motherboard? 

[Jacktastic-Mofo]

4 minutes ago, aBagofRockss said:

Never replaced it.  You think it could be going dead the one I have?

While unlikely it is possible.

[aBagofRockss]

3 minutes ago, CommanderAlex said:

Well how old is the one in the system? Is it original with the motherboard? 

Well the system is only about 3 months old.  And yes it is the original that came with the motherboard.  

 

[CommanderAlex]

Well then were there any changes made before this started to happen? Like moving the computer around? 

[LabRat]

time you had the board doesn't matter. a battery can be dead from the onset. i would change it anyways.

 

how old is the bios? did you scour the updates section and read through the pdf's at the board manufacturers site?

 

ssd/HD?

[aBagofRockss]

6 minutes ago, CommanderAlex said:

Well then were there any changes made before this started to happen? Like moving the computer around? 

Yeah, actually.  Moved back from college.  

[aBagofRockss]

Just now, LabRat said:

time you had the board doesn't matter. a battery can be dead from the onset. i would change it anyways.

 

how old is the bios? did you scour the updates section and read through the pdf's at the board manufacturers site?

 

ssd/HD?

Bios is updated to the most recent settings but I have not checked the feedback yet.  And I'm running 2 SSDs and an HDD.

[CommanderAlex]

Was everything hooked up when you moved it? Something may have been damaged. 

[aBagofRockss]

1 minute ago, CommanderAlex said:

Was everything hooked up when you moved it? Something may have been damaged. 

As in the wiring or the internal hardware?  The hardware wall all still intact.  What should I be checking for?  Swollen capacitors I'm assuming but what else?

[CommanderAlex]

Well it could be PCIe slot that is affected. 

[aBagofRockss]

2 minutes ago, CommanderAlex said:

Well it could be PCIe slot that is affected. 

I've tried taking the gpu out and booting without it but it still won't post.  Also, when it is being transported, I lay the computer down securely so the gpu is vertical.  How else can I test for PCIe damage?  

[LabRat]

breadboard it. might be a short.

 

check all wiring for tight fit. don't just look at them and assume they're good to go.

 

EDIT: you know every time you clear the cmos the boot order is messed up as are all the other settings. it could also be looking for a raid array where one doesn't exist.

[CommanderAlex]

Then it is some other part that is the issue. 

[Johnscorner]

Have you tried replacing CMOS Batteries, and setting them up?

[aBagofRockss]

Going to try to breadboard it next time this happens. 

 

15 minutes ago, LabRat said:

breadboard it. might be a short.

 

check all wiring for tight fit. don't just look at them and assume they're good to go.

 

EDIT: you know every time you clear the cmos the boot order is messed up as are all the other settings. it could also be looking for a raid array where one doesn't exist.

Yes that I know.  I reset the boot order every time to make sure that it doesn't happen.

1 minute ago, Johnscorner said:

Have you tried replacing CMOS Batteries, and setting them up?

Will be trying that once I get the battery in the morning.

[Johnscorner]

1 hour ago, aBagofRockss said:

Going to try to breadboard it next time this happens. 

 

Yes that I know.  I reset the boot order every time to make sure that it doesn't happen.

Will be trying that once I get the battery in the morning.

Another option to try: Cook the motherboard in the oven from 7-8 minutes, and let it cool of for 20-half hour 

[aBagofRockss]

44 minutes ago, Johnscorner said:

Another option to try: Cook the motherboard in the oven from 7-8 minutes, and let it cool of for 20-half hour 

I know that can work for gpus and sometimes cpus but I didn't know it would work for a motherboard.  If all else fails I'll give it a shot.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

What settings are you changing after you've successfully post?

[aBagofRockss]

1 minute ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

What settings are you changing after you've successfully post?

XMP profile 1, some fan settings, boot order, and that's pretty much it.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

5 minutes ago, aBagofRockss said:

XMP profile 1, some fan settings, boot order, and that's pretty much it.

If you don't change XMP settings, then the PC boots flawlessly every time?

[aBagofRockss]

3 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

If you don't change XMP settings, then the PC boots flawlessly every time?

Going to try that.  Just disabled it.  If this is the case can I assume it probably is something with the ram?

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

I think it's most probable it has to do with the memory settings, rather than the memory itself. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool just to make sure the memory isn't defective. You can access it under Control Panel -> Administrative Tools (For Windows Vista and up).