Board Features

Integrated graphics

One of the key features of the K7N2G-ILSR is the integrated graphics supported by the nForce2 IGP North Bridge. Since the nForce2 IGP is based on the GeForce4 MX, the graphics core is largely the same as that used on the original nForce chipset. That means you’ll get the same dual pixel pipeline architecture, with the ability to process four texels per clock cycle as the GeForce2 MX family.

Red PCB and AGP slot

Back plane of the K7N2G-ILSR

The key additions that you get with the nForce2 IGP are the GeForce4 MX’s crossbar memory architecture as well as the integrated video processing engine, which includes the integrated TV encoder that was mentioned previously. The GPU also runs at 200MHz, with 334MHz memory, placing it somewhere between the GeForce4 MX 420 and GeForce4 MX440 in terms of overall performance. While this may be a little weak for hardcore gamers, keep in mind that this is light years ahead of anyone else in integrated graphics performance. And if an OEM or motherboard manufacturer decides to implement it, the nForce2 IGP can drive two different displays simultaneously.

MCP-T audio

Besides the integrated graphics, the other feature that really turns heads with nForce2 is its Dolby Digital six channel audio. This capability is provided by the MCP-T chip, which is located just below the AGP slot. Realtek’s ALC650 is the physical layer that handles the sound output, and is a popular solution among nForce2 motherboard manufacturers.

The MCP-T chip

Lower portion of the motherboard

Besides the 5.1 audio, the MCP-T is also responsible for networking and connectivity. Up to six USB 2.0 ports are supported by nForce2 (two external brackets are used to connect all six ports) as is IEEE-1394 (FireWire), which supports up to two devices. For networking duties, the MCP-T offers 10/100 Fast Ethernet.

Serial ATA, D-LED

In addition to these features, MSI includes a few additional goodies of their own. For supporting the next generation of Serial ATA hard drives, Promise’s PDC20376 controller is integrated onboard. Up to two Serial ATA drives can be connected to the controller, or the controller can be used to connect an additional parallel ATA drive.

For troubleshooting problems on system boot up, MSI includes its handy D-Bracket 2. This is an optional accessory that uses a bank of four LEDs to indicate the status of the motherboard. Say for example, the motherboard is testing the system memory. LEDs 1, 3, and 4 will shine. If your memory module(s) is damaged or not installed properly, the system will hang at this point, with the LEDs still shining. If you then looked up the LED combination in your K7N2G-ISLR manual, you’d instantly know that your system didn’t boot up properly because of a problem with your system memory.

This feature in particular takes the guesswork out of diagnosing system problems and is one of the key benefits to owning an MSI motherboard that supports this feature.