Most motherboards store the password in SRAM along with all of the other BIOS settings. Removing or shorting the backup battery will clear everything.
Some motherboards store the password in non volatile memory. That’s usually done in computers intended for business use. If you forget the password, you have to get a reset code from the manufacturer after proving that you are the owner of it.
BIOS passwords have only ever been to deter unsophisticated attacks. Though this is more unsophisticated than the rest.
like just removing the battery to reset the CMOS
That hasn’t worked in a while, has it?
It’s a little difficult to reset the password if it’s lost otherwise.
on DIY motherboards it still works like this
Most motherboards store the password in SRAM along with all of the other BIOS settings. Removing or shorting the backup battery will clear everything.
Some motherboards store the password in non volatile memory. That’s usually done in computers intended for business use. If you forget the password, you have to get a reset code from the manufacturer after proving that you are the owner of it.