MSI Details its First P35-Neo3 Motherboard with EFI-BIOS

[malware]

Motherboard maker Micrso-Star International (MSI) is preparing its first EFI BIOS-equipped motherboard, the P35-Neo3. To mark the occasion, it has presented a few details about EFI and its benefits over BIOS. EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) is an upgraded BIOS specification created by Intel. EFI supports graphical menus and features, mouse-controlled interface, multiple languages, LAN activating environment and pre-boot applications. MSI's P35-Neo3 is set to be released next month.



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[indybird]

Its about time! I really hate the DOS-style BIOSes. They only just do what they need to (which actually might be preferable to some xcore overclockers).

What I can't wait for is when a BIOS can be dynamically controlled from the OS (like OCing, voltages, boot settings, onboard devices, etc.)

-Indybird

 

[JrRacinFan]

They only just do what they need to

Sorry to say, a bios is a bios, it doesn't need to be pretty with a nice gui and everything. Although, mouse support is nice.

What I can't wait for is when a BIOS can be dynamically controlled from the OS (like OCing, voltages, boot settings, onboard devices, etc.)

-Indybird

Close to already being done by Abit's uGuru.

Although it does sound nice to have.

 

[PVTCaboose1337]

Sorry to say, a bios is a bios, it doesn't need to be pretty with a nice gui and everything. Although, mouse support is nice.



Close to already being done by Abit's uGuru.

Although it does sound nice to have.

Yeah, thats about what it comes down to. Bios is just the bios. No need for fanciness.

 

[WarEagleAU]

I actually like that fanciness. Makes it more pleasant to look at and not dull and boring when you are constantly tweaking for optimal performance.

And agreed with uGuru being the closest thing that Indybird was talking about

 

[[I.R.A]_FBi]

uGuru = teh bombdiggidy

 

[nflesher87]

Apple has been using EFI for years already while PC makers twiddled their thumbs lol

 

[trog100]

Its about time! I really hate the DOS-style BIOSes. They only just do what they need to (which actually might be preferable to some xcore overclockers).

What I can't wait for is when a BIOS can be dynamically controlled from the OS (like OCing, voltages, boot settings, onboard devices, etc.)

-Indybird

it can.. ask any abit guru user.. well at least all the overclocking and fan control options.. not everything thow..

trog

 

[technicks]

Supports up to 1600 FSB.

 

[TechnicalFreak]

Its about time! I really hate the DOS-style BIOSes. They only just do what they need to (which actually might be preferable to some xcore overclockers).

What I can't wait for is when a BIOS can be dynamically controlled from the OS (like OCing, voltages, boot settings, onboard devices, etc.)

-Indybird

Actually my ASUS K8N-E Deluxe can do "basic" overclocking in windows using nVidia System
utility.. But thoose other settings I touch only once.

 

[btarunr]

I was dying for something like this to come out...a graphical BIOS setup program. I remember back in 1995, my crappy Compaq Pressario came with an actual GUI BIOS utility in the form of a bootable floppy. Also back in the 80486 days, I swear I saw a GUI BIOS setup utility on a board that used AMIBIOS.

 

[Makaveli]

I agree with most in this thread a bios is a bios. I go in make my changes and i'm done why does it need to be pretty. Its not like i'm in there on a regular basis, And even for overclockers once you have found the max on your system how many times are you back in there? once every 3 months?

Don't get me wrong I like alittle flash but not when it doesn't add anything functional and is just eye candy.

+1 vote for mouse support tho!

 

[Steevo]

American Megatrends used to have a mouse driven GUI BIOS in the late 90's so don't think this is a first.

 

[DaJMasta]

Bios is just the bios. No need for fanciness.

But EFI isn't BIOS, it's BIOS replacement. It is a little more complicated, and maybe some of the GUI features and things really aren't necessary (I have nothing wrong with a dos interface), but it's a HUGE leap forward in motherboard technology in my opinion.

This will hopefully signal the downfall of the need for floppy drives, limited boot options, limited peripheral support, and outdated workarounds to make current technology function with such an old concept as BIOS. It's significantly more robust and flexible, I just hope other manufacturers will follow suit.

 

[hrvoje]

nice FSB speed

 

[Solaris17]

click and adjust interface? well that just took the originality and fun out of bios adjustments

 

[ShadowFold]

Mouse suport it nice but I like the old bios look more

 

[btarunr]

American Megatrends used to have a mouse driven GUI BIOS in the late 90's so don't think this is a first.

I've seen that with an 80486 board.

 

[indybird]

I read this article a while ago and it has many reasons (other than for looks) for why EFI BIOSes are better. I read it again and am even more hyped for this board (assuming it takes full advantage of its new features)

-Indybird

 

[Wile E]

Well, now that EFI is starting to emerge for normal PC components, I hope this means somebody will finally try to crack Apple's EFI, so I can finally OC my friken iMac. lol.

 

[tcool93]

Its about time! I really hate the DOS-style BIOSes. They only just do what they need to (which actually might be preferable to some xcore overclockers).

What I can't wait for is when a BIOS can be dynamically controlled from the OS (like OCing, voltages, boot settings, onboard devices, etc.)

-Indybird

I would like this change also. The only people who won't like it are the die hard DOS fans. The same people who don't like any snazzy graphics in windows.

The way every bios is now, they are clunky to navigate around in. They all look almost exactly the same also... you would think they could at least change the colors or something.

 

[Ketxxx]

So, in a nutshell, its basically a "pretty" BIOS

 

[ShadowFold]

Pretty much. I like the non-GUI bios more because it makes me feel like a geek the mouse suport is good but wouldnt feel right after working with non-mouse bios for years.

 

[panchoman]

interesting.. lets see what happens.