MSI N1996 Motherboard: The Definitive Guide to Manual, PDF, and Technical Specifications (2021 Update)

Introduction

In the vast ecosystem of PC hardware, certain motherboard models become semi-legendary not for their high-end performance, but for their longevity and ubiquity. The MSI N1996 is one such board. While MSI (Micro-Star International) has produced countless models, the N1996 identifier is most famously associated with the MS-7528 (Boston) and similar OEM-specific boards, often found in pre-built systems like Medion, Aldi PCs, and older HP desktops.

Between the Expansion Slots: Look for text between the PCI or PCIe slots (e.g., "P35 Neo" or "K9MM-V").

Detailed Spec Sheet

| Category | Specification | |----------|----------------| | CPU Support | Intel Core 2 Duo (Wolfdale/Conroe), Pentium Dual-Core, Celeron (800/1066/1333 MHz FSB). Not compatible with Core 2 Quad (95W+ TDP limit) | | Chipset | Northbridge: Intel G31, Southbridge: Intel ICH7 | | Memory | 2 x 240-pin DDR2 DIMM, Dual Channel, DDR2-667/800 MHz, Max 4GB (2GB per slot) | | Integrated Graphics | Intel GMA 3100 (up to 256MB shared memory, DirectX 9.0c) | | Audio | Realtek ALC662 / ALC888 (6-channel HD audio) | | LAN | Realtek RTL8102E / RTL8111C (10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit on later revisions) | | Storage | 4 x SATA II 3Gb/s (no AHCI by default, IDE emulation mode), 1 x PATA (IDE) | | Rear Ports | 1x VGA, 1x Serial (COM), 1x Parallel (LPT), 4x USB 2.0, 1x RJ45, 3x audio jacks | | Internal Headers | 2x USB 2.0 (2 ports each), 1x CD-in, 1x S/PDIF-out, front panel audio | | Form Factor | Micro-ATX (24.4 cm x 19.3 cm / 9.6" x 7.6") | | BIOS | AMI BIOS (8 Mbit flash) with limited UEFI boot (no GPT boot for Windows) |

• Navigate to msi.com > Support > Legacy/Archived Products.
• Search for the mainboard code associated with N1996: Usually MS-7369.
• Pro tip: Look for "MS-7369 (v1.x) Manual." The PCB printing (N1996) is the factory identifier; the manual is filed under the MS- code.

Safe sourcing and replacement advice

• Buy service manuals or boards from reputable sellers or authorized service centers.
• Match exact part numbers and revisions; return policies and warranty coverage matter.
• For data safety, remove or image storage before sending device for repair.

Clearing CMOS (Resetting BIOS)

If the system won't post or you forgot the password:

1. Turn off the PC and unplug the power cord.
2. Locate the jumper labeled JBAT1 (usually near the battery).
3. Move the jumper cap from pins 1-2 to pins 2-3 for 5-10 seconds.
4. Move it back to 1-2.
5. Turn the PC on.

Because "N1996" appears on hardware ranging from the early 2000s to more recent models, specifications vary wildly. Below are common examples of boards often mistaken for "Model N1996": MS-7641 (860GM-P43) Go to product viewer dialog for this item. AM3 / AM3+ Intel 845E DDR3 (up to 16GB) DDR1 (up to 1GB) CPU Support AMD FX / Phenom II CPU Support Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron PCIe x16, PCIe x1, PCI Official Support and Manuals Motherboard Support - MSI Global