This short review will focus on the MSI N1996 motherboard. Its technical characteristics, the list of supported microprocessors, the procedure for connecting it to the rest of the components of the computing system will be discussed in detail below. Also, recommendations will be given as to which computers based on it are better to implement.
Contents of delivery. Purpose of the motherboard
The manufacturer has included the following items with the computer component in question:
- The motherboard itself is marked MSI N1996.
- User manual in various most common languages.
- Metal cap for mounting into a PC case.
- A set of interface cords.
- A disk on which you can find all the drivers necessary during the setup process, specialized utilities with a diagnostic bias, and even electronic system documentation.
- Warranty card valid for a limited period of 36 months.
The MSI motherboard in question is based on the Socket 754 processor socket, which debuted in the world of computer technology in 2004. Initially, it allowed you to create an entry-level or intermediate-level PC. But the premium segment was filled with solutions based on Socket 939. In the latter, the organization of RAM was improved by an order of magnitude, and this circumstance ensured a higher level of its performance.
It should also be noted that MSI has released a whole group of such motherboards, and each of them has its own technical specifications. Within the framework of this material, a model marked MS-7181 version 2.0 will be considered.
Main settings. Layout
The K8M800 chipset from VIA is at the heart of the MSI N1996 computer component in question. Its technical characteristics indicate that it includes two microcircuits. One of them is K8M800, and this is the “northern” component of the chipset. And the second one is designated VT8237R, and this is the “southern” chip of the system logic set.
Strictly in the center of the board is the “north” element of the chipset, which is covered with a heatsink. Above it, the processor connector is brought out. To the right of it are two slots for installing memory sticks. It also contains connectors for connecting outdated IDE drives, a power supply and a floppy drive. On the left are the batteries and the communication panel.
In the lower right corner, the “south” chip of the chipset is soldered. Expansion slots are installed to the left of it.
Microprocessor models
As part of the socket for installing Socket754 microprocessors, only two generations of chips were released. The least productive solutions in this case were those labeled Septron. They had lowered frequencies and cut their cache. This negatively affected their performance and allowed only to solve the simplest tasks, which included office suites, video playback, listening to audio files and surfing the web.
The segment of more efficient solutions was filled with devices from the Athlon 64 line. As you might guess, clock frequencies in this case were higher, and the cache was increased. Due to this, it was already possible to assemble entry-level and even mid-level gaming computers.
Communications
MSI N1996 specifications indicate the presence of the following communication connectors and ports:
- one AGP for mounting a discrete accelerator;
- three slots PCI form, with their help you can connect additional controllers to the computer;
- two PS / 2 connectors for connecting peripheral solutions;
- four USB sockets for switching with modern printers, MFPs and scanners;
- one RJ-45 port for connecting to a computer network.
Assembly and configuration algorithm
Assembling the system unit and connecting the MSI N1996 is as follows:
- We disassemble the PC case. This board is made in the microATX form factor, and it can be installed both in a full-size system unit and in a reduced one.
- Install a cover plate in the back of the case. Then we lay down the motherboard and fix it.
- After that, you need to install the CPU along with the cooler.
- The next stage is the installation of the power supply and its connection.
- Then we install all the drives and switch them.
- At the next stage, we will install the graphics adapter into the expansion slot.
- Finally, connect the front panel wires to the connectors located in the lower right corner of the component in question.
Device cost. Owner reviews
Now such an MSI motherboard can be purchased for 300-600 rubles. Again, in a used condition. The owners refer to the advantages of the motherboard as reliability, functionality, low cost and the ability to create both economy-class and mid-level computing systems. But all this is true for the Socket 754 platform, which is outdated. And both morally and physically. This is the main disadvantage of the considered computer element.
Conclusion
MSI N1996 specifications indicate that it is an outdated motherboard today. PCs based on it have a very low performance, and they urgently need to be updated and upgraded. In any case, they have already fully exhausted their resource.
This article will describe the device MSI N1996 - motherboard. We will consider its description and features further. This device is perfect for assembling a computer system based on the "Socket 754".
Niche
MSI N1996 includes various kinds of slots, which allows legacy components to be used together with newer hardware modifications. The described capabilities allow you to obtain the optimal PC configuration in each individual case. MSI N1996 allows you to get an entry-level and mid-range system unit. The above-mentioned "Socket 754" is also focused on this niche. The main limitation is the small list of processors that was developed for this platform. This list includes the following solutions: Athlon 64 and Septron. Socket 939 was created for the segment of high-performance solutions. The latter version has an improved RAM controller, supports more powerful CPU models and relatively high clock speeds of semiconductor chips.
Arrangement of elements
So, before us is the MSI N1996. Description, characteristics and location of its individual elements will be given below. The device of the model we are interested in is based on a single microcircuit, which is the south bridge. The second component is integrated into the CPU. The right edge of the motherboard is reserved for the integrated input ports. On the left are the ports for SATA and IDE drives, as well as power connectors and RAM slots. The processor socket is located strictly in the middle. The south bridge is located under it. Cells for installing external controllers are grouped below. In the lower right corner there are connectors for connecting control elements, as well as for displaying the front panel.
Chipset
Other features
MSI N1996 has two PS / 2 ports. They allow you to connect a keyboard and a manipulator. Also, the design provides four USB 2.0. Through these components, interaction with peripheral devices is carried out. These tools can be scanners, printers and other equipment. Through the RJ - 45 port, a personal computer can be connected to a computer network. A set of audio ports is provided that allows you to create a speaker system. COM provides interaction with peripheral devices of the corresponding standard. It is also possible to connect printers with an outdated for today modification. For this, an LPT port is provided. There are two slots for installing RAM. The memory standard is supported, the operating frequency of which reaches 400MHz. Single-channel RAM controller. The list of expansion slots is as follows: three PCI for connecting external controllers, 16X PCI-Express for interacting with a discrete graphics accelerator.
Reviews
Above, we have detailed the MSI N1996 motherboard. We will give reviews about it below. At the time this device appeared on the market, users and experts in their assessments could not indicate any shortcomings of the motherboard. In the reviews, this solution is called optimal for Socket 754, taking into account the ratio of cost and capabilities. However, let's not forget that many years have passed since the release of the device we are interested in, so today it is less and less discussed by lovers of modern technologies. Socket 754 is now deprecated. To improve performance, it is necessary to make a large-scale update of the elements of the computer system.
You can still buy the described device today. It is easy to do this using the ads of other users. A motherboard in a faulty condition, which, however, has a chance of recovery and successful repair, can be purchased for about 150 rubles. If we talk about fully serviceable equipment, you will have to pay up to 500 rubles for it. It makes sense to buy this solution if you urgently need to restore the performance of a personal computer based on the appropriate platform, and at the same time you do not have additional funds to upgrade to a more efficient processor socket.
The maximum relevance of the described device remained until 2006. After that AM2 appeared. We are talking about more productive solutions in comparison with the "Socket 754". The AMD processor socket type has been significantly changed. Therefore, we can speak of the equipment described above as obsolete from the physical point of view. Computers based on such a device require modernization to perform a number of tasks. The possibilities of such a technical solution are sufficient for the implementation of the least demanding tasks. By the way, doubling the memory sticks with reduced capacity will have no effect with this hardware configuration.
N1996 - motherboard companyMSIfor computer platformLGA775,which combined excellent technical characteristics and support for all chip models available for this processor socket. At the same time, the cost of this solution is quite democratic. All of this added up toN1996an excellent basis for assembling system blocks of various classes.
Socket and Chipset System Logic
As noted earlier, the processor socketLGA775 equipped with the motherboard Specifications this socket indicated the presence of 775 pins and the ability to install processor solutions that included 1, 2 or even 4 computing cores. Unlike AMD, Intel never had an intermediate version with 3 code processing units. It should also be noted that this processor socket is sometimes referred to as "Socket T". The system logic chipset in this case included 2 elements: "north bridge" 945CG and "south bridge" ICH7.This chipset was officially introduced in 2007. Its semiconductor part was manufactured according to the 45 nm process technology. The recommended values of the system bus frequency in this case could be set at 533 MHz or 800 MHz.
Processor list
The characteristics of the N1996 motherboard in terms of supported CPU models, as noted earlier, indicated that any chip for the LGA775 socket could be installed in it. This list included:
To build office systems with minimal speed and minimal cost, Intel recommended using a Celeron D series CPU. For work in Word, Excel, or Powerpoint, the capabilities of this semiconductor crystal are quite enough. It was also able to handle web browsing, video playback and listening to music without any problems.
Budget computers within this platform could be based on Pentium DualCore, Pentium 4, or Pentium D CPUs. The improved architecture and increased clock speeds allowed these CPUs to already demonstrate decent results in gaming tests.
The chips of the Core 2Duo series were even faster and at the same time energy efficient processor solutions. A more advanced semiconductor crystal architecture, even more increased frequencies and a larger cache size were the factors that allowed these processors to come close in performance and speed to the flagship solutions of this platform.
In this case, the premium segment of the CPU was occupied by Core 2Quad solutions. These silicon solutions already had 4 computing units. All other features in this CPU family have also been improved.
As noted earlier, any of the previously listed models of processor devices could be installed in this modification of the N1996. The motherboard was truly versatile and made it possible to build PCs of any level.
Slots for installing internal controllers, ports for peripherals. RAM
The characteristics of the MSI N1996 motherboard in this case indicated the presence of such slots for installing expansion controllers inside the PC case:
1 slot in PCI - Express version 16X for installing a discrete graphics system.
3 PCI expansion slots. In this case, various controllers could have been installed: a network card, a sound card, or, for example, a TV tuner.
The set of peripheral ports in this case consisted of:
LPT & COM ports - 1 piece.
PS / 2 ports in the amount of 2 pieces.
4 universal ports USB in version 2.0.
1 network RJ-45 LAN connector.
3 familiar audio ports in 3.5 mm audio jack format.
Under the use of standard RAMDDR2 b She was sharpened by N1996. Motherboard could address a maximum of 2 GB of RAM and had only 2 slots for installing such modules. That is, it was possible to install a 1 GB bar in one slot.
Summary
Personal computers based on this computer accessory have been successfully operating for more than one year, and this is indeed its best characteristic. The MSI N1996 motherboard, the reviews only confirm this, still allows you to create current computer systems for the reason that a 4-core chip can be installed in its processor socket, which can cope with any task without problems, including the most the freshest and most demanding toys. Separately, it should also be noted that the N1996 was released in several versions. The motherboard could be equipped, except for the 478 or AM2 considered in this material. But the most productive among them is the first one, which is considered in this article.
MSI N1996 is a motherboard for LGA775 platform, combining support for all chip models available for this processor socket and excellent technical characteristics. Moreover, this solution has a completely democratic cost. Taken together, all this made the N1996 motherboard an excellent basis for assembling system units of various classes.
Socket and system logic set
As previously noted, the MSIN1996 motherboard was equipped with an LGA775 socket. The technical characteristics of this socket indicated the presence of 775 pins with the possibility of installing processor solutions that include 1, 2 or even 4 computing cores. Intel does not have an intermediate version with 3 code processing units, unlike AMD. It is also worth noting that this processor socket is sometimes referred to as "Socket T". In this case, the system logic chipset included two elements: the 945CG Northbridge and the ICH7 Southbridge. This chipset was officially introduced in 2007. The semiconductor part of the chipset was manufactured according to the 45 nm technological process. In this case, the recommended values of the system bus frequency could be set at 533 MHz or 800 MHz.
List of processors
The performance of the N1996 motherboard in terms of supported processors, as noted earlier, indicated that any chip for the LGA775 socket could be installed in it. This list includes:
- for assembling office systems with a minimum level of performance and minimum cost - Intel CeleronD. The capabilities of this semiconductor crystal were quite enough to work in Excel and Word. It also coped with web browsing, listening to music, and playing videos without issue.
- budget personal computers assembled on the basis of this platform could be based on central processing units of the Pentium 4, Pentium Dual Core, PentiumD line. Thanks to the improved architecture and increased clock speeds, these processors showed quite decent results in gaming tests.
- faster and more energy efficient processor solutions were Core2Duo chips. Due to factors such as a more advanced semiconductor crystal architecture, increased frequencies and a larger cache size, these processors were close to the flagship solutions of this platform in terms of speed and performance.
- Core2 Quad solutions occupied the premium segment of central processing units. These silicon solutions already had 4 computing units. Also in this family of processors, other characteristics have been noticeably improved.
As noted earlier, any of the above processor models could be installed in this modification of the motherboard. The MSI N1996 motherboard was truly versatile. On the basis of it, it was possible to assemble personal computers of any level.
MSI N1996: slots
In this case, the characteristics of the MSI N1996 motherboard indicated the presence of the following slots: one PCI Express 16X slot for installing a discrete graphics system, three PCI slots, into which various controllers (sound card, network card, TV tuner) could be installed. The set of peripheral ports consisted of two PS / 2 ports, one LPT, one COM port, four universal USB 2.0 ports, an RJ-45 network connector for LAN connection, and three usual 3.5 mm audio ports. MSI N1996 motherboard has been sharpened to use the DDR2 RAM standard. The maximum amount of addressable RAM was 2 GB. The board had only two slots for installing such modules. One slot could accommodate a 1 GB bracket.
Conclusion
Personal computers based on MSI N1996 motherboard have been successfully operating for more than one year. This is a really high quality motherboard. As user reviews confirm, the MSI N1996 motherboard still allows you to create up-to-date computer systems for the simple reason that a 4-core chip can be installed in its processor socket. Such a chip can easily cope with any task, including the most demanding computer games. It is also worth noting separately that the MSI N1996 motherboard has been released in several versions. In addition to the LGA775 socket considered in this article, it could also be equipped with an AM2 or 478 socket. Among them, the first socket is still the most productive.
