It is important to note that "N1996" is not a motherboard model number; it is an ACA (Australian Communications Authority) supplier code indicating compliance for sale in Australia. This marking appears on many different MSI motherboards, graphics cards, and optical drives.
To find your actual specifications, you must locate the real model name (e.g., MS-XXXX) usually printed between the expansion slots or near the RAM. However, there are a few very common "legacy" boards often associated with this marking. Common "N1996" Motherboard Variants
Since many users associate "N1996" with specific older MSI or OEM boards (often found in Acer or HP systems), here are the typical specifications for the most frequent versions: 1. Intel LGA 775 Version (Common in Acer OEM)
Socket: LGA 775 (supports Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Celeron). Chipset: Often Intel G31 or similar. Memory: 2 slots for DDR2 RAM (typically up to 4GB total). Expansion: 1 x PCIe x16, 1 x PCIe x1, 2 x PCI.
Storage: 4 x SATA ports, 1 x IDE connector, 1 x Floppy connector.
I/O Ports: VGA, Serial (COM1), Parallel (LPT1), 4 x USB 2.0, PS/2 Mouse/Keyboard, LAN (RJ-45), 6-jack audio. 2. AMD AM2 Version (L-A690) Socket: Socket AM2 (supports AMD Athlon 64 / X2). Memory: 2 slots for DDR2 RAM. Expansion: PCI and PCIe slots. I/O Ports: VGA, USB, LAN, and Audio. 3. Legacy Intel Socket 478 Version Socket: mPGA478 (supports older Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron). Chipset: Intel 845E. Memory: 2 x DDR1 slots (Max 1GB total). Front Side Bus (FSB): 400/533 MHz. How to Identify Your Exact Model
If none of the above match, look for these specific identifiers on your board: Model Number: Look for text like MS-7275 or MS-7336.
BIOS Sticker: Check for a small sticker on the BIOS chip with a model name.
Marketing Name: Look for names like "Neo," "Combo," or "P35". AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more N1996 IDE Port Problems - MSI Global English Forum
Drafting a specification paper for an "MSI N1996" motherboard requires a unique approach because N1996 is not actually a model number.
It is a certification mark (ACA supplier code) for the Australian Communications and Media Authority, indicating the board can be legally sold in Australia. Because this mark appears on hundreds of different MSI boards—ranging from the early 2000s to the 2010s—the specs vary wildly depending on which specific board you have.
Below is a draft organized by the most common board types that carry this label, along with instructions on how to find your actual model. How to Find Your True Motherboard Model
Before finalizing your paper, you must identify the MS-XXXX number printed on the board. system panel connectors MSI N1996
The MSI N1996 is not a specific motherboard model, but rather a regulatory ACA supplier code that appears on nearly all MSI motherboards, video cards, and optical drives to signify they can be legally sold in Australia.
Because this mark appears on hundreds of different products spanning decades, there is no single set of "N1996 specifications." However, the label is most commonly associated with several legacy MSI-manufactured boards often found in OEM desktops (like Acer or HP) from the mid-2000s. Common Variations of "N1996" Motherboards
If you see "N1996" on your board, it is likely one of the following legacy models:
Socket LGA 775 (Intel-based): Often the MS-7275 or 945GM4-FI. CPU: Supports Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, or Celeron D. RAM: Typically 2–4 slots for DDR2 memory. Slots: 1x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x1, and 2x PCI slots. Socket AM2 (AMD-based): Often the K9AGM2 or L-A690. CPU: Supports AMD Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64, or Sempron. RAM: Usually 2 slots for DDR2 800/667 MHz.
Storage: 2–4 SATA ports and 1 Ultra DMA 133/100 IDE connector. Typical Onboard Features
Most older motherboards with this marking share these general characteristics:
Form Factor: Usually Micro-ATX (M-ATX), designed for compact desktop cases.
Graphics: Integrated VGA port (e.g., Intel GMA or SiS Mirage).
Audio/LAN: Realtek 6-channel audio and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.
Rear I/O: 4x USB 2.0 ports, 1x Parallel port (LPT), 1x Serial port (COM), and PS/2 keyboard/mouse ports. How to Find Your Actual Specs
To find the specific specifications for your board, you must look for the true model number printed elsewhere on the PCB. It usually starts with "MS-" followed by four digits (e.g., MS-7388 or MS-7236). This real model name is typically found between the PCI slots or near the RAM bank. Specification K9NGM3-FD - MSI
MSI N1996 Motherboard Specifications
The MSI N1996 motherboard is a high-performance, Socket 478-based motherboard designed for Intel Pentium 4 and Celeron D processors. Released in the mid-2000s, this motherboard supports various features that cater to the needs of both home users and enthusiasts.
Key Features and Specifications:
Additional Features:
Technical Details:
The MSI N1996 motherboard offers a robust feature set and reliable performance for its time. While it may not support modern processor families or the latest interfaces, it still provides a good foundation for users looking to build or upgrade a system around older Intel CPUs. Keep in mind that the information provided here may not reflect the current market situation or availability, and users should verify compatibility and support with the manufacturer or vendors before making any purchasing decisions.
Unveiling the MSI N1996 Motherboard: A Blast from the Past
Released in the early 2000s, the MSI N1996 motherboard was a popular choice among PC enthusiasts and gamers. This ATX form factor motherboard was designed to support Intel's Socket 478 processors, offering a robust foundation for building high-performance desktop systems. Let's dive into its specifications and explore what made this motherboard a notable contender in its time.
Key Specifications:
Notable Features:
Gaming and Performance:
The MSI N1996 motherboard was designed to deliver high-performance gaming capabilities. With support for Intel's high-end processors and NVIDIA's nForce2 Ultra 400 chipset, this motherboard provided a solid foundation for building a powerful gaming PC. The motherboard's AGP 8x slot also allowed users to install high-performance graphics cards, further enhancing gaming performance.
Legacy and Impact:
The MSI N1996 motherboard played a significant role in the development of gaming PCs in the early 2000s. Its popularity among enthusiasts and gamers helped establish MSI as a reputable brand in the PC hardware industry. Although the motherboard is no longer supported or widely used today, its legacy lives on as a testament to the innovative designs and features that emerged during that era.
Conclusion:
The MSI N1996 motherboard was a well-regarded platform for building high-performance desktop systems in the early 2000s. Its robust specifications, including support for Intel Socket 478 processors and the NVIDIA nForce2 Ultra 400 chipset, made it an attractive option for gamers and enthusiasts. While it may seem outdated by today's standards, the MSI N1996 motherboard remains a notable piece of PC hardware history, showcasing the innovative designs and features that paved the way for modern computing.
It is important to note that "N1996" is not a motherboard model number
. It is actually an ACA (Australian Communications Authority) supplier code indicating that the product can be legally sold in Australia. Because this mark appears on many different MSI motherboards, graphics cards, and optical drives, there is no single set of "N1996 specifications".
To find your specific motherboard's specifications, you should look for the actual model number printed on the board itself, usually near the RAM slots or between the expansion slots (e.g., MS-XXXX VER:X.X
Below are specifications for some common legacy MSI motherboards that often carry the N1996 mark: Common "N1996" Marked Board: MS-7641 (860GM-P43)
This is a popular AM3+ board often identified by users as "N1996". Socket Type : AMD Socket AM3+ : AMD 760G / SB710 : 2x DDR3 DIMM slots, supporting up to 16GB (1066/1333 MHz) Expansion Slots : 1x PCIe 2.0 x16, 1x PCIe x1, 1x PCI slot : 4x SATA 3Gb/s ports
: 6x USB 2.0, 1x VGA, 1x DVI-D, LAN (RJ-45), and PS/2 Keyboard Legacy Board: MS-6382 (Socket 478)
A much older Pentium-era board frequently found in OEM systems. Socket Type : mPGA478 (Socket 478) for Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron : Intel 845E : 2x DDR1 slots (Max 1GB capacity) Expansion Slots : 1x AGP 4x slot, 3x PCI slots : IDE (Ultra ATA-66/100) and Floppy drive connector How to Identify Your Specific Board If your board does not match these, use the MSI Support Center to find the correct manual by searching for the number printed on your hardware. MSI N1996 Motherboard / Video Card / ODD
The MSI N1996 is one of the most frequently searched terms by owners of older PC hardware, yet it is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, "N1996" is not a specific motherboard model number. Instead, it is a designation of conformity (ACA supplier code) issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), indicating the product meets EMI testing criteria for sale in Australia.
Because this code was printed on a vast range of MSI motherboards, video cards, and optical drives produced between the late 1990s and late 2000s, the "specifications" for an N1996 board depend entirely on which specific model you own. How to Identify Your Actual MSI Motherboard Model
Before looking for drivers or manuals, you must find the real model name, which is typically printed between the PCI expansion slots or near the CPU socket. Common model names associated with the N1996 mark include: MS-7275 K9AGM2 (MS-7327) K8N Master2-FAR P6NGM (MS-7366) PM9M-V Common MSI N1996 Motherboard Specifications
While specifications vary, most motherboards bearing this mark fall into two historical eras: the Socket 478 era and the LGA 775 era. 1. Legacy Era (Socket 478 / mPGA478)
These boards were typically built for Intel Pentium 4 systems in the early 2000s.
Intel Pentium and Celeron (2.53 GHz max) • Processor FSB ... - Facebook msi n1996 motherboard specifications
The marking is not actually a model number for an MSI motherboard. It is a regulatory compliance code (ACA supplier code) indicating that the product meets Australian electromagnetic compatibility standards. Consequently, many different MSI motherboards, graphics cards, and optical drives from various eras carry this same mark.
To find the actual specifications for your board, you must first identify the true model number How to Find Your True Model Number
Look for a code printed directly on the circuit board, often between the expansion slots or near the RAM. It usually follows these formats: Marketing Name: MS-Number: MS-7360 VER:1.0
If the PC is still functional, you can find the model using these methods: Windows System Information: , and look at BaseBoard Product Command Prompt: wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer and press Enter.
Download this free utility; the "Mainboard" tab will list the exact model and manufacturer. Common Boards Often Identified as "N1996"
Because "N1996" was prominent on boards from the mid-2000s, it is frequently associated with the following legacy platforms: Common LGA 775 Era (Intel) Common AM2 Era (AMD) Processor Support Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Celeron AMD Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64, Sempron LGA 775 (Socket T) Socket AM2 2 slots for DDR2 RAM (often max 4GB) 2–4 slots for DDR2 RAM (often max 8GB) 1x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x1, 2x PCI 1x PCIe x16, 1x PCIe x1, 2x PCI 4x SATA, 1x IDE, 1x Floppy (FDD) 4x SATA II, 1x IDE Video/Audio Integrated VGA, 6-channel audio jacks Integrated VGA, 6-channel audio jacks
MSI N1996 Motherboard (LGA 775 Socket) + Backplate - Acer OEM
label is not a specific motherboard model, but rather a compliance mark (the ACA supplier code
) indicating the product meets EMI standards for sale in Australia. Because this code appears on nearly every MSI motherboard produced in the early-to-mid 2000s, "specifications" vary wildly depending on the actual model. MSI Global English Forum How to Identify Your Actual Model To find the correct specifications, you must look for the
number printed on the circuit board, typically located between the expansion slots or near the RAM slots. Common boards often mistaken for "the" N1996 include: (LGA 775, DDR2) (Socket AM2, DDR2) (Socket AM2, DDR2)
General Legacy Specifications (Typical for N1996-labeled Boards)
While actual specs depend on the model, most boards bearing this mark share these legacy characteristics from the 2000s era: Specification G31TM-P21 - MSI
The MSI N1996 is a fossil of the late Core 2 Duo era—a functional, if unremarkable, workhorse OEM motherboard. Its specifications tell a story of transition: IDE and floppy connectors coexisting with SATA II, PCI slots living alongside PCIe x16, and a hard ceiling of 4 GB of DDR2 RAM.
If you have one, don't expect miracles. Treat it as a time capsule for Windows XP or a lightweight Linux test bench. But if your goal is modern computing, it’s time to retire the N1996 to the retro hall of fame. For everyone else, this guide should offer every technical specification you need to repair, upgrade, or properly e-cycle this piece of computing history.
I couldn’t find any official specifications for an MSI N1996 motherboard — it’s likely that the model number is incorrect or incomplete.
Here’s what you can do to identify the board correctly:
Check the board itself
Look for the model number printed directly on the motherboard (often between the PCIe slots, near the CPU socket, or along the edge). It may be something like MS-XXXX (e.g., MS-7528).
Use system info tools
If you meant a different number
If you can confirm the correct MS-xxxx number, I’ll gladly provide the full specs — CPU support, RAM type, expansion slots, and supported sockets.
is not a specific motherboard model, but rather a regulatory marking
used by MSI to indicate compliance with Australian Communications Authority (ACA) standards. Because this label appears on dozens of different MSI boards from the late 1990s through the mid-2000s, there is no single set of "N1996 specifications". MSI Global English Forum
To find the exact specifications for your hardware, you must locate the actual model number ) typically printed between the PCI slots. MSI Global English Forum Common Motherboards Labeled "N1996"
Below are specifications for some of the most frequent MSI boards often identified by this label: MSI MS-7312 (K9MM-V) MSI MS-7222 (PM8PM-V) MSI MS-7529 (G31M3 V2) CPU Socket Socket AM2 CPU Socket Socket 775 CPU Socket Socket 775 AMD Athlon 64 / X2 Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron D Intel Core 2 Quad / Duo DDR2 533/667/800 DDR2 400/533 DDR2 667/800 Max Memory Max Memory Max Memory VIA K8M800 VIA P4M800 Pro Intel G31 + ICH7 1x AGP 8x, 2x PCI MSI Latinoamérica 1x AGP 8x, 2x PCI 1x PCIe x16, 2x PCI 2x SATA, 2x IDE 2x SATA, 2x IDE 4x SATA II, 1x IDE Standard Features of "N1996" Era Boards
While models vary, most MSI motherboards from this period share these legacy characteristics: Form Factor
: Generally Micro-ATX (M-ATX), suitable for compact desktop cases. Legacy I/O It is important to note that "N1996" is
: Rear panels typically include two PS/2 ports (keyboard/mouse), one Serial (COM) port, one Parallel (LPT) port, and a VGA port for integrated graphics.
: Integrated Realtek or VIA audio (3-jack) and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet. Connectivity : 4 to 8 USB 2.0 ports (rear and internal headers). How to Identify Your Specific Model
If you need drivers or a manual, follow these steps to find your true model: Check the Board
: Look for a white silk-screened label between the expansion slots that says "MS-XXXX VER: X.X" Use Windows : Open the , and look for the BaseBoard Product Check BIOS
: The model number often appears on the initial boot screen or within the BIOS setup utility. MSI Global English Forum What Motherboard Do I Have & How Do I Find Out? - Avast 12 Aug 2023 —
The MSI N1996 is not a specific motherboard model, but rather a regulatory compliance marking found on many MSI (Micro-Star International) motherboards produced in the early to mid-2000s.
Because this label appears on several different boards, specifications vary significantly. Below are the most common configurations associated with the N1996 marking. Common Variants & Key Specifications
Depending on the specific version (e.g., LGA 775 or AM2), your board will typically fall into one of these two categories: LGA 775 Version (Intel) Socket AM2 Version (AMD) CPU Support Intel Core 2 Quad, Core 2 Duo, Pentium D, Celeron AMD Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64, Sempron Chipset Intel 945G or VIA PT890 NVIDIA MCP68PV or SiS 761GX Memory 2x DDR2 DIMM (Up to 4GB) 2x or 4x DDR2 DIMM (Up to 8GB-16GB) Graphics Integrated Intel GMA or PCIe x16 Slot Integrated NVIDIA/SiS or PCIe x16 Slot Storage 2-4x SATA 3Gb/s, 1x IDE 2-4x SATA II, 1x IDE Form Factor Standard Interface & Ports
Most N1996-labeled boards share a similar I/O layout designed for legacy and early digital computing:
Expansion: 1x PCI-Express x16 (for graphics), 1x PCIe x1, and 2x standard PCI slots.
Rear I/O: 4x USB 2.0 ports, 1x RJ-45 LAN, PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse, and 3-6 audio jacks for surround sound.
Legacy Support: Many versions include a Parallel (LPT) port and a Serial (COM) port for older peripherals. How to Identify Your Specific Model
Since "N1996" is just a certification, you need the MS-XXXX number to find the exact manual or drivers.
Overview
The MSI N1996 is a Socket 775 motherboard based on the Intel P31 Express chipset, released in 2007. It's designed to support Intel Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, and Core 2 Extreme processors.
Key Features
Additional Features
Rear Panel Connectors
Specifications Summary
The MSI N1996 motherboard offers a solid feature set for its time, supporting Intel's 45nm processors and providing plenty of expansion options. However, it may not have some of the more modern features we take for granted today, such as USB 3.0 or SATA 6Gb/s.
You're looking for the specifications of the MSI N1996 motherboard. Unfortunately, I don't have direct access to a database of specific motherboard models, and detailed specs can vary or become outdated. However, I can guide you on where to find the information and provide some general insights.
The MSI N1996 motherboard is an older model, likely from the early 2000s, given the chipset and processor technologies available during that time. Motherboards from MSI (Micro-Star International) are known for their quality and feature-rich designs.
If you are stuck with this motherboard and want to maximize its potential, follow this proven upgrade path:
| Component | Best Budget Pick | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | CPU | Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (G0 stepping) | 2.4 GHz, 1066 MHz FSB. Works out of the box. | | RAM | 2x 2GB DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) | Corsair, Kingston, or Crucial. Keep timings at 5-5-5-15. | | SSD | 240-256 GB SATA III (e.g., Kingston A400) | The board only runs SATA II, but a SATA III SSD will still be 3x faster than a HDD. | | GPU | AMD Radeon HD 7770 or NVIDIA GT 1030 | Avoid anything that requires external 6-pin power. | | OS | 64-bit Linux (Xubuntu/Lubuntu) or Windows 7 Pro | Windows 10 runs, but drivers for G31 graphics are legacy and unstable. |
Crucial warning about the PSU: Most N1996 boards came in cheap OEM cases with 250W-300W power supplies. If you add a Q6600 (95W TDP) and a dedicated GPU, upgrade to a reputable 400W-450W PSU (e.g., EVGA 450 BR).