How Does a Computer Keep Track of Time?

Discover how computers remember the time with an RTC chip powered by a battery. Learn more in this brief explanation.

0 views

A computer remembers the time using a Real-Time Clock (RTC) chip, which is powered by a small battery even when the computer is off. This chip keeps track of time continuously, allowing the system clock to always be up-to-date upon starting the computer.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is a Real-Time Clock? A Real-Time Clock (RTC) is a clock that keeps track of the current time even when the computer is powered off.
  2. Why does a computer need a battery for timekeeping? Computers use a battery to power the RTC chip, which ensures that the time is kept accurately, even when the system is turned off.
  3. How does the RTC affect a computer's performance? While the RTC is primarily responsible for timekeeping, it doesn't directly affect performance; however, accurate timekeeping is essential for scheduling tasks.

Watch More

If you're interested in learning more about computer components and how they function, check out our videos on computer hardware and other technology topics.

  1. How CMOS Technology Keeps Accurate Time: Explained Discover how CMOS technology maintains accurate time and date settings in computers, even when powered off. Learn more here!
  2. How Does a CPU Keep Track of Time? Discover how CPUs use clock signals and real-time clocks to track time for computing tasks.
  3. How Do Computers Sync Time Using NTP? Discover how computers synchronize their time using the Network Time Protocol (NTP) for accurate timekeeping.
  4. The Precision of Computer Clocks Explained Discover how accurate computer clocks are and how they stay synchronized for optimal timekeeping.
  5. Understanding Computer Clock Precision: What You Need to Know Explore the precision of computer clocks, factors affecting accuracy, and synchronization with international time servers.