BIOS Overview

The latest ASUS EFI has three different levels of complexity, starting with EZ Mode, which has a revised interface that includes a customizable Quick Settings scroll bar, the ability to set memory profiles, boot order and see fan speeds, with direct links to fan control, search and the other modes. Essential mode offers a little more system information as well as a group of popular overclocking and PBO controls to save visiting the Advanced section. Finally, you can also head to the Advanced section, which has the familiar layout of menus.

The search function is available from all levels and works well, with the ability to change the settings within the window rather than be sent deeper into menus. It's a shame that the also excellent Q-Dashboard isn't made available in the same way as it serves a similar function and is great for newcomers. Editing the My Favorites feature is a little tricky as there are no longer instructions listed in the help menu. Pressing F3 brings up the customization window, though, and this shouldn't be overlooked if you visit the EFI regularly and tweak the same options every time.

There's more on the various overclocking sections on the overclocking page, but next up is fan control. This provides fan curve profile adjustment plus the ability to switch temperature inputs and switch between PWM and voltage modes. The fan header grouping option can be found at the far right of the fan curve profiles and is called manual. Here you can create profiles and have them applied to multiple headers instead of just one. MSI still has a slight edge as you're able to add and remove fan curve adjustment points.

The Tools menu is worth highlighting too, as you'll find BIOS Q-Dashboard here plus User Profiles where you can save entire snapshots of the EFI as backups, and you also have the option to enable or disable the Windows installation pop up to install ASUS drivers and software.