System ROM

The system ROM chip stores the system BIOS routines and CMOS setup

utility. SystemROMis distinctively labeled with the BIOS maker’s name, On older PCs, the BIOS routines were hard-coded onto the

FIGURE 7.1 POST card error code readout

system ROM chip, meaning that the BIOS were unchangeable without replacing

the entire ROM chip. Current motherboards use writable ROM chips such

as flash ROM. Writable ROM chips enable you to install updated BIOS information

without physically replacing the chip.