An excellent motherboard for assembling a personal computer based on Socket 754 is all MSI N1996. This solution included almost all possible options for expansion slots, and this allowed using outdated components and their new modifications as part of such a system unit. Thanks to what it was possible to collect the maximum possible PC configuration for each case.
Niche motherboard. Her layout
MSI N1996 was focused on the assembly of system blocks of primary and secondary level. The processor socket "Socket 754" was also oriented towards 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. At the same time, the 939 Socket occupied the segment of high-performance solutions. The key differences between them were an improved RAM controller, more efficient CPU models (including dual-core ones), and higher clock speeds of supported semiconductor chips. The very motherboard of this model is based on only one microcircuit - the “south bridge”. The second component was integrated into the CPU. The right edge of the board was occupied by a set of integrated input / output ports. On the opposite side, on the left were the 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 is located below the "south bridge". Still lower were the cells of the installation of external controllers. In the lower right corner of the MSI N1996, connectors for connecting control elements and front panel displays are displayed.
Chipset, processor socket and processor types
The MSI N1996 is based on the NVidia NForce 4 chipset. This chipset was based on only one chip - the “south bridge”, which was responsible for interacting with additional controllers in expansion slots. The north bridge (the same thing was said earlier) was transferred to the CPU chip. “Socket 754” - this is the processor socket that underpinned the MSI N1996. The characteristics of this product indicated that this device supports all models of Septron and Athlon 64 processors for Socket 754. Alas, dual-core CPUs were not released for this platform and, as a result, they cannot be found in this list.
Input / output ports RAM expansion slots and slots
The MSI N1996 motherboard was equipped with the following I / O ports:
2 x PS / 2 for manipulator and keyboard.
4 x USB 2.0 for connecting peripheral devices (or an MFP, or a scanner, or a printer).
1 x RJ - 45 for connecting a PC to a computer network.
A set of audio ports for creating a speaker system.
1 x COM for connecting various peripherals of this standard.
1 x LPT for switching legacy printer modifications.
Slots for installing RAM - 2. The standard DDR with an operating frequency of up to 400 MHz is supported. The memory controller in this case is single-channel, and therefore there is no particular point in using twice the number of strips with a reduced capacity (there is no difference, for example, between 2 strips of 256 MB or 1 module of 512 MB - the performance will be the same). The list of expansion slots in this case is as follows:
Owner reviews. Possible problems. Product cost
At the time of the release of this, any significant deficiencies in it were not noticed. Given the positioning and cost, this was generally one of the best products for Socket 754. This is exactly what the owners of this solution 10 years ago indicate. Now it’s not so rare to see posts on forums about all kinds of breakdowns of this motherboard. But you need to understand that 10 years is a very, very solid period of time for computer technology. Socket 754 and everything connected with it managed to become obsolete both morally and physically. Therefore, it will be more correct to upgrade in this case and increase the speed of the PC. Now the motherboard MSI N1996 in malfunctioning condition with the possibility of repair and restoration of working capacity can be bought for 150-200 rubles. In good condition, it can be purchased for 500 rubles. It makes sense to buy such a board only if you urgently need to restore the PC on the basis of this platform and there is no additional money to upgrade to a more recent and efficient processor socket.
The results. Relevance of the decision
MSI N1996 was a topical product from 2003 to 2006. Subsequently, the Socket 754 board was replaced by the more progressive AM2 in terms of technical specifications and performance. Since then, the type of processor socket in AMD has undergone repeated changes. Therefore, the motherboard, considered in the framework of this review, is outdated both morally and physically. Computers on this basis need urgent modernization. Its capabilities will only be enough for the simplest and least demanding tasks.