Msi N1996 Motherboard Specifications

The MSI N1996 is a durable, if modest, LGA775 motherboard from the DDR2 era. Its value today is strictly for vintage computing or low-demand embedded roles. Because it is OEM-specific, driver support is often bundled only with original Medion recovery media, though generic Intel chipset drivers work. Users must verify the exact ICH version (ICH7 vs ICH7R) for SATA features.

Note: Specifications may vary slightly depending on OEM revision (e.g., MS-7191, MS-7246 share similar layouts). Always check board silkscreen and component labels.

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

  • Storage:
  • Audio: 6-channel audio (Realtek ALC888/ALC889) with HD Audio and S/PDIF out
  • LAN: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet (Realtek RTL8111B)
  • USB: 8 x USB 2.0 ports (4 on the rear panel, 4 via pin headers)

    • 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.

    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". msi n1996 motherboard 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 a durable, if modest,

    The N1996 marking is often silk-screened on the board between the PCI slots or near the 24-pin power connector. For exact specifications, look for:

    Once you have the MS-xxxx number, you can search for accurate manuals and jumper settings.

    Before diving into raw specs, you must identify which N1996 you own. The board typically appears in two major configurations:

    | Variant | MSI Model Code | Common Chipset | Primary Use Case | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Variant A | MS-7366 | Intel G31 / G33 | Core 2 Duo/Quad desktops | | Variant B | MS-7528 | Intel G41 / G43 | Later Core 2 Quad systems |

    How to identify your board:

    This article focuses on the MSI MS-7366 (N1996) as it is the most referenced variant in support forums and legacy documentation.

  • Front Panel Header: Standard Intel pinout (Power SW, Reset SW, HDD LED, Power LED).
  • 1 x PCIe x1: For network cards, USB 3.0 controllers, or sound cards.
  • 2 x PCI (32-bit/33 MHz): Legacy slots for old sound cards, TV tuners, or dial-up modems.

    • If you are resurrecting an MSI N1996 system, be aware of these pitfalls: