FAQ
TL;DR: MSI GE70 2PE clock issues were solved by a BIOS update; afterwards games capped at 30 FPS. “the bios update helped :D”. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
Why it matters: If your Win7 laptop clock keeps moving, a firmware fix may stop the 1‑hour shifts and save your schedules. This FAQ is for MSI GE70 2PE users troubleshooting self‑changing time and post‑update performance quirks.
Quick Facts
- Symptom: clock jumps exactly 1 hour back, sometimes after power‑on, sometimes intermittently. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16631283]
- BIOS showed correct timezone (UTC+01:00) while Windows time was off. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16631305]
- Replacing the CMOS battery did not resolve the clock shift. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16633926]
- Updating BIOS stopped the clock issue; a side effect was games running at 30 FPS. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
Why does my MSI GE70 2PE clock keep changing by 1 hour?
A strict 1-hour shift points to DST/timezone handling or firmware, not a dead CMOS cell. The original poster fixed it by updating the BIOS, which suggests an RTC/EC firmware quirk. Start by confirming timezone settings, then apply the latest stable BIOS from MSI. “the bios update helped :D”. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
Is the CMOS battery the cause if the time always changes by exactly one hour?
No. A dead CMOS battery causes random resets, not a precise 1-hour offset. As one expert said, “It definitely isn’t.” when the change is always one hour. Prioritize timezone/DST checks and firmware updates over battery swaps. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16633247]
How can I tell if it’s Windows or BIOS causing the wrong time?
Check the BIOS clock immediately after power‑on. In the thread, BIOS time was correct while Windows showed an offset. That indicates an OS‑side or sync interpreter issue rather than RTC loss. Validate timezone and internet time settings next. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16632859]
Should I replace the CMOS battery on this laptop?
Not for a strict 1‑hour jump. The OP replaced the battery and the issue persisted. Focus on timezone, DST, and BIOS/EC updates first. If the clock fully resets or loses date, then consider the battery. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16633926]
What fixed the original poster’s MSI GE70 2PE clock problem?
A BIOS update resolved the self‑changing system time. After updating, the OP reported the clock issue was gone. Record your current settings and follow MSI’s flashing guidance to avoid interruptions. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
How do I update the BIOS safely on the GE70 2PE?
- Back up data and note current BIOS version.
- Apply the vendor BIOS update on AC power, following on‑screen steps.
- After reboot, recheck time, timezone, and Windows sync settings.
The OP confirmed this cleared the clock issue. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
Why did my FPS drop to 30 after the BIOS update, and how can I fix it?
The OP saw games drop to 30 FPS post‑update. Check power plans, GPU selection (Optimus), and V‑Sync or frame limiters. Ensure NVIDIA drivers match the new firmware environment. Disable in‑game caps and re‑test. If needed, reinstall the GPU driver cleanly. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
What does the BIOS time not advancing while the laptop is off mean?
The OP noted the BIOS time matched the shutdown time at next boot. That points to RTC/firmware behavior and not a classic depleted battery. A BIOS update corrected the overall issue in their case. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16632859]
How should I set timezone and internet time in Windows 7 for this laptop?
Confirm the correct zone (e.g., UTC+01:00 for Central Europe) and enable internet time sync once the BIOS is fixed. The OP had UTC+01:00 yet saw offsets before the update; syncing then corrected Windows time. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16631305]
Does internet time sync help if my BIOS time is wrong?
It can apply an offset that masks root issues. The OP synced and Windows adjusted by one hour while BIOS still showed the old time. Fix firmware first, then rely on NTP for accuracy. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16633926]
What is a CMOS battery in a laptop?
It’s a small coin‑cell that maintains RTC and BIOS settings when the laptop is off. On many laptops it’s the same type used in PCs. The thread confirms this equivalence. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #16632885]
How long had the GE70 2PE been used before the clock issue appeared?
About two years of ownership were reported when the behavior was noticed. This contextual age can hint at firmware maturity rather than sudden hardware failure. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16632859]
Is there a BIOS option for time synchronization on this model?
A participant asked about a BIOS time sync option, implying it’s worth checking your firmware menu. Look for RTC, NTP, or network time features after updating BIOS. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16632509]
Why does an exact 1‑hour change matter diagnostically?
A precise one‑hour step aligns with DST or timezone interpretation errors, not analog drift. As noted, when it always switches by one hour, blame configuration or firmware rather than the battery. [Elektroda, Kasek21, post #16632873]
What quick test confirms the fix?
After updating BIOS, power down for an hour and compare BIOS and Windows times on reboot. The OP reported stable timekeeping after the update. This validates RTC and OS alignment. [Elektroda, Grajek12356, post #16637272]
