This guide aims to clear up the confusion, explaining what "N1996" really means, the different real models it refers to, and how to locate the correct specifications for your particular motherboard.
The is a legacy motherboard produced by Micro-Star International (MSI), primarily found in pre-built OEM systems such as Medion desktops (e.g., Medion MD 8389) and early 2000s workstations. It is not a standard retail board but an OEM-specific design. The N1996 is based on the Intel 945G or 945P chipset, targeting Intel’s LGA775 platform.
and type your "MS-XXXX" code into their search bar. msi n1996 motherboard specifications
Because the "N1996" text is printed prominently on the circuit board, many users mistake it for the model name. In reality, an "MSI N1996 motherboard" could refer to any generational platform spanning from Intel Socket 478 up to LGA 775, or AMD Socket AM2.
While models vary, most MSI motherboards from this period share these legacy characteristics: Form Factor This guide aims to clear up the confusion,
This board was heavily utilized by HP in their budget desktop lineups around 2008–2010. Specification Micro-ATX (9.6 x 7.6 inches) CPU Socket Intel LGA 775 Supported CPUs Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium Dual-Core, Celeron Chipset Intel G31 Express / ICH7 Memory Slots 2 × DDR2 DIMM (Supports up to 4GB dual-channel) Graphics Integrated Intel GMA 3100 + 1 × PCI Express x16 slot Storage 4 × SATA II (3.0 Gb/s) ports Rear I/O 4 × USB 2.0, VGA, 10/100 Ethernet, 3-plug Audio 2. MSI MS-7366 (P6NGM-FD) Specifications
2 × SATA II ports supporting RAID 0 and RAID 1. The N1996 is based on the Intel 945G
If your N1996 board does not match the above, it might be one of these: MS-7222 (PT890 Neo-V) Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
The 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.
Determine if your specific board takes DDR2 or DDR3 memory. They are physically different and cannot be interchanged.
Once you have uncovered the true model number (such as MS-7255 or MS-7309), you can safely hunt down the software and documentation.