The MSI N1996 is one of the most frequently searched terms by owners of older PC hardware, yet it is often misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, "N1996" is not a specific motherboard model number. Instead, it is a designation of conformity (ACA supplier code) issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), indicating the product meets EMI testing criteria for sale in Australia.
Below is a review of the most common variants found in the market today, helping you identify which one you have or need. Common Variants & Key Specifications
How to identify your board:
To draft a useful guide on this topic, one must first demystify the name and then provide a roadmap for identifying the actual specifications of the hardware in question. This essay serves as a guide to understanding the MSI N1996 designation, identifying the specific board, and navigating the typical specifications associated with this era of hardware.
label is not a specific motherboard model, but rather a compliance mark (the ACA supplier code
Below are specifications for some of the most frequent MSI boards often identified by this label: MSI MS-7312 (K9MM-V) MSI MS-7222 (PM8PM-V) MSI MS-7529 (G31M3 V2) CPU Socket Socket AM2 CPU Socket Socket 775 CPU Socket Socket 775 AMD Athlon 64 / X2 Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron D Intel Core 2 Quad / Duo DDR2 533/667/800 DDR2 400/533 DDR2 667/800 Max Memory Max Memory Max Memory VIA K8M800 VIA P4M800 Pro Intel G31 + ICH7 1x AGP 8x, 2x PCI MSI Latinoamérica 1x AGP 8x, 2x PCI 1x PCIe x16, 2x PCI 2x SATA, 2x IDE 2x SATA, 2x IDE 4x SATA II, 1x IDE Standard Features of "N1996" Era Boards