Missing bracket and CMOS (502)

[lotusvibes]

Due to a botched job from an ebay buyer's computer repair shop internationally, I no longer have this bracket. Can I purchase one? Could this be causing my issue that is the exact same as this user https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Gaming-Notebooks/Omen-16-Battery-doesn-t-charge-but-holds/td-p/9235670 ? Or is it just a bracket?

I also discovered that the ram slot closer to the heat sink prevents the computer from booting at all. I thought it was the stick itself, but I tried both sticks in both slots and both booted into CMOS (502) in the ram slot closer to the battery. Sometimes they boot directly to login; I'd say 50-50. Thanks for any help. I can't seem to get anywhere from here with all of the discharging and attempts to fix the BIOS (updates easily).

[Max3Aj]

@lotusvibes, Welcome to the HP Support Community – it’s great to have you here!

I appreciate you taking the time to share your question. I'm more than happy to assist with this and provide a solution that works for you.

Based on your description and the image you've provided, it appears you're missing the top bracket that secures part of the system board in your OMEN by HP 16-xf0000 laptop. This bracket is referenced in HP's official disassembly guide as a component that may separate when removing the motherboard:

“The bracket at the top of the system board might separate from the board when you remove it.”

What This Bracket Does

This bracket likely serves one or more of the following purposes:

• Structural support for the motherboard
• Grounding or shielding for nearby components
• Stabilization of RAM slots or CMOS battery connections

Could It Cause CMOS (502) Errors?

Yes, its absence could contribute to the CMOS (502) error you're experiencing, especially if:

• The CMOS battery or its contacts are loose or not grounded properly.
• The RAM slot near the battery is flexing or not making solid contact due to lack of support.

The RAM slot instability you described (booting inconsistently when RAM is installed in the slot closer to the battery) further supports this. It’s possible the missing bracket is allowing slight board flex or poor contact, which can trigger POST errors like CMOS (502).

Recommended Steps to Resolve

Inspect CMOS Battery and RAM Slot:

• Ensure the CMOS battery is seated properly and its contacts are clean.
• Check for any board flex or movement near the RAM slot when pressure is applied.

Try Booting with One RAM Stick:

• Use only the slot farther from the battery.
• If stable, this confirms the second slot is affected by mechanical or electrical instability.

Order the Missing Bracket:

• You can try sourcing the bracket via HP Parts Store or authorized resellers:
  • HP Parts Store 
  • Use your Product Number: 758R3AV to search.

BIOS Reset and Update:

• Since you mentioned BIOS updates work, also try a full BIOS reset via jumper or battery removal (if safe).
• Reinstall the latest BIOS from HP: Official HP® Support

Related Case Reference

You're correct in referencing the similar issue discussed here. That case involved battery charging issues, but also had signs of board-level instability. Missing or improperly installed brackets can contribute to such symptoms.

I hope your issue is now resolved. If not, feel free to reply and we’ll continue helping until everything’s sorted!

If the post helped, please click “Accepted Solution” to help other users easily find it. And if you’d like to say thanks, just tap the “Yes” button!

Cheers,

Max3Aj

HP Support

[LotusVibes17]

Wow easily the best response I've received in years on here, thanks so much. I can't seem to find the part anywhere at all; even with a general google search. The part number is amazing though exactly what I needed to get going.

Funny enough: it's the RAM slot closer to the heat pipes that isn't working. Both RAM sticks work in the slot closer to the battery. When in the nonworking slot, the laptop boots with an immediate shut down to the fans and then the caps lock light cycles a pattern. When in the working slot, the laptop boots with an immediate shut down to the fans and then pops up the CMOS error and then works fine. This only happens once now and boots perfectly fine after if I don't mess with the internals more. If I do, it provides me the error again. I'm almost certain the BIOS is not messed up as 10 different installs / set to defaults / factory resets didn't change anything at all.

[Max3Aj]

@LotusVibes17, You're very welcome! I'm glad the response helped, and thanks for the detailed follow-up. Based on the new info and deeper part catalog review, here's what we now know and what you can do next:

Updated Diagnosis Based on RAM Slot Behavior

You've clarified that:

• RAM slot closer to the heat pipes is the one failing.
• RAM slot closer to the battery works but triggers a CMOS (502) error once after internal changes.
• Caps Lock blinking pattern occurs when using the faulty slot, this typically signals a hardware-level RAM detection error, not just a BIOS issue. 

This strongly suggests:

• The RAM slot near the heat pipes may have damaged traces, poor solder joints, or missing grounding, possibly due to bracket removal or mishandling.
• The missing bracket could have provided mechanical support or grounding for that region, and its absence may be contributing to instability.

Bracket Identification & Availability

From HP’s Illustrated Parts Catalog and Interactive Part Locator, the bracket you're referring to is likely part of the Display Panel Support Bracket or a Top Cover Internal Bracket that interfaces with the motherboard near the RAM slots. 

Unfortunately, this bracket is not listed as a separately orderable part in HP’s official parts catalog. It’s likely bundled with either:

• Top Cover Assembly (e.g., part numbers like N08122-001, N16461-001)
• Or Base Enclosure Assembly

What You Can Do Now

Avoid Using the Faulty RAM Slot
Stick to the working slot for now. Dual-channel performance loss is unfortunate, but stability is more important.

Inspect the RAM Slot Physically
Use magnification to check for:

• Bent or missing pins
• Cracked solder joints
• Signs of heat damage or flex

Try Reinforcing the Area
If the bracket provided mechanical support, consider using a non-conductive spacer or foam pad to gently stabilize the area above the RAM slot.

We suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you further. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 

I hope this helps!

If my response resolves your issue, please click “Accepted Solution” to help others find the answer. Also, don’t forget to click the “Yes” button to say thanks!

Take care and have a great day.

Max3Aj

HP Support