BIOS and Software
Supermicro's BIOS implementation is an unskinned AMI Aptio UEFI that includes support for USB keyboards and mice with various tabs and tiles to navigate around. The home page of the BIOS includes links to the main areas where things can be altered, the Overclocking tab hosts all the CPU and memory tweaking options which are revealed once Expert Mode is toggled.
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Other parts of the UEFI feel basic such as the system information tab which merely lists a small number of system temperatures while the fan-speed profiles are limited to just two options, 'Standard' and 'Turbo'. Compared to the current UEFI BIOS designs from Asus, Gigabyte and others the Supermicro UEFI is a little under-equipped.
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The primary software shipped with the Supermicro C7Z97-M is SuperDoctor III, which is a visually primitive remote management and monitoring software. The user can install the client, which acts as a monitoring program that can only be accessed when using the PC, or the server software to allow remote management over the local network, or from a distance with a VPN.
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The bulk of the software is functional rather than ambitious. Users can view fan speeds, voltages and temperatures and set-up email alerts when any of the said parameters deviate from a specified range. The web-based interface is slightly niftier allowing the PC to be administered, remotely shut down or restarted. The Supermicro website does not provide download links to drivers or software for the C7Z97-M so users will need to keep the shipped DVD handy, or download a copy of the complete DVD ISO from Supermicro's website.
Supermicro's software feels somewhat lacking in relevance for its target audience of gamers and prosumers. Not to mention that there are already numerous third-party software vendors who offer free software that allows for the remote management, both locally and over the Internet, of your PC. The C7Z97-MF, with IPMI support, is a totally different situation, mind.
