BIOS Overview

MSI has redesigned both its AMD and Intel EFIs with higher definition visuals that's a little less dated than the previous versions, even if they were a great example of clarity and ease of use thanks to the tile-based interface which is now gone. There's a little more detail closer to hand here and as soon as you enter the EFI you're asked whether to enable PBO. There's also the option for this on the main EZ menu, but in advanced mode you have to hunt around for those and other AMD overclocking settings, as most still are not located in the actual overclocking section.

Hardware monitor features much the same options as before, but we also get an option for the EX Conn Connector fan at the bottom of the fan header list. As expected there's also the ability to change temperature inputs to control the fan curves including the single thermistor header. There's maybe a little more granularity here than ASUS and ASRock's efforts for those considering using the thermistor with a coolant probe, but much of that depends on the software too, which we'll look at next.

The Smart Button on the I/O panel can be configured in the EFI too, as can the reset header on the front panel pins to perform other functions. The favorites list is handy for adding regularly-used items from the EFI to for quicker access and right-clicking any option allows you to add it to this page. Finally, the BIOS Log review is an easy way to view all your changes made in this visit, although this information is usually displayed on exit anyway. Overall the new BIOS design is visually appealing.