Board Software

MSI's software has been revised in quite a few ways for the Intel Z97 platform. First off, MSI's Command Center has a new look, nicely containing all the board-level adjustment options you would expect. LiveUpdate6 is also here to make sure your drivers and BIOSes are also up to date.


Since the Haswell platform can boot to the desktop before you can blink, MSI included a tool to get directly into the BIOS with a reboot. A thematic background that matches the board's esthetic also gets installed off the driver disk.


MSI's branded version of Intel's XTU is here as it was on the GAMING 5, with all the same high-level options present.


Intel-based utilities for Fast Boot, Smart Connect, and the Win8-like KillerNIC software interface are here as well.


The Realtek audio manager also gets a customized MSI look, while the Creative SoundBlaster Cinema 2 software retains its stock look.