MSI N1996: an excellent motherboard for building a computer based on Socket 754 and AMD processors

An excellent motherboard for building a personal computer based on Socket 754 is all MSI N1996. This solution included almost all possible options for expansion slots, and this made it possible to use both outdated components and their new modifications in this system unit. Thanks to this, it was possible to collect the maximum possible configuration for each case.

The niche of the motherboard. Its layout

MSI N1996 was aimed at assembling the system blocks of the initial and intermediate level. The Socket 754 processor socket was also aimed at the same niche. And the limiting factor in this case is not the motherboard or processor socket, but the list of processors developed for this platform. It included only single-core Septron and Athlon 64. The segment of high-performance solutions at the same time was occupied by "Socket 939". The key differences between them were an improved RAM controller, more efficient CPU models (including dual-core models) and higher clock speeds of supported semiconductor chips. The very motherboard of this model is based on just one chip - the "south bridge". The second component was integrated in the CPU. The right edge of the board occupied a set of integrated I / O ports. On the opposite side to the left were RAM slots, power connectors and ports for connecting IDE and SATA drives. Strictly in the middle between them in the upper part of the board was a processor socket. Below it lies the southern bridge. Even lower were the cells of the installation of external controllers. In the lower right corner of MSI N1996, the connectors for connecting the front panel controls and displays are displayed.

Chipset, processor socket and processor types

The MSI N1996 is based on the NForce 4 system logic from NVidia. This chipset was based only on one chip - the "South Bridge", which was responsible for interacting with additional controllers in expansion slots. The north bridge (about the same it was said earlier) was transferred to the crystal of the CPU. "Socket 754" - this particular processor socket was the basis of MSI N1996. The characteristics of this product indicated that this device supports all models of processors Septron and Athlon 64 for Socket 754. Alas, for this platform, dual-core CPUs have not been released and, as a result, they can not be found on this list.

I / O ports. Expansion slots and installation of RAM slots

The MSI N1996 motherboard was equipped with such input / output ports:

• 2 x PS / 2 for the manipulator and keyboard.

• 4 x USB 2.0 for connecting peripherals (or MFP, or scanner, or printer).

• 1 x RJ - 45 for PC connection in the computer network.

• A set of audio ports for creating an acoustic system.

• 1 x COM for connecting various peripherals of this standard.

• 1 x LPT for switching out-of-date modifications of printers.

Slots for installing RAM - 2. Supports DDR standard with an operating frequency of up to 400MHz. The RAM controller in this case is single-channel, and therefore there is no particular point in using twice the number of slats with a reduced capacity (there is no difference, for example, between 2 slats of 256MB or 1 module of 512MB - the speed will be the same). The list of expansion slots in this case is:

• 1 x 16X PCI-Express or 1 x AGP 4X - for a discrete graphics accelerator.

• 3 x PCI for external controllers.

Responses of owners. Possible problems. Product Value

At the time of the release, there were no significant shortcomings in it. Given the positioning and the cost, it was generally one of the best products for Socket 754. This is exactly what the owners of this solution say 10 years ago. Now it's not so rare to find messages on the forums about all possible failures of this motherboard. But we need to understand that 10 years is a very, very long period of time for computer technologies. "Socket 754" and everything connected with it, managed to become outdated both morally and physically. Therefore, it will be more correct to do in this case, upgrade and increase the speed of the PC. Now motherboard MSI N1996 In a faulty condition with the possibility of repair and restoration of serviceability can be purchased for 150-200 rubles. In good condition it can be purchased for 500 rubles. To buy such a board makes sense only in the case when you need to immediately restore the working capacity of a PC based on this platform and there is no additional funds for upgrading to a more recent and productive processor socket.

Results. Relevance of the solution

MSI N1996 was a topical product in the period from 2003 to 2006. In the future, the Socket 754 board replaced the more advanced one in terms of technical specifications and performance of AM2. Since then, the type of processor connector at AMD has undergone repeated changes. Therefore, the motherboard considered in the framework of this review is obsolete both morally and physically. Computers on this basis need urgent modernization. Its capabilities will be just enough for the most simple and least demanding tasks.