Wont that kill off the the makers like evga, gigabyte, etc? They'd have to make a mobo with the cpu already soldered on and make multiple of the same one with cpu variations.

I thought Intel already killed the rumor and said they weren't abandoning LGA? At least for the time being.

The idea here is that there won't be CPU variations, just motherboard ones. CPU features will be software unlocked by paying for codes. Intel is at the point now where they can make processors at an insanely high yield. They no longer really have a need for binning. Most people here will hate this because it's simply not what they are used to. I, on the other hand, like it. I don't think there's every been a time where I dropped a new CPU on to my older motherboard. Having the CPU integrated allows for kinds of new cooling options on both sides of the motherboard. It technically lowers the cost which should be passed to consumers. It also increases the durability of the chip as a soldered connection is obviously a lot better than just contact. It allows for all kinds of different internal designs because no longer have to worry about pin configurations. Also chances are software unlocking will be hacked so you'll be able to unlock your $100 CPU to a $1000 one for free -- at least in the past everything has been hacked at some point 😛

and most important one, they get rid of crappy connectors, there have been many problems and limitations because of connectors. Anyways if it's like you said, piracy, there we go...

In my life, i have never ever had problems with CPU connectors, i had problems with RAM, pci slots because of oxidation, but not with CPU socket or pins . You stating they have limitations - please name them. If i'll accidentally burn my cpu, i'll have to use soldering instead of just easily changing, wasn't socket built for easy cpu handling? I ain't buying xbox, i'm buying computer.

As far as burning your CPU goes, that's really hard to do now in days with all the throttling they have. I've run machines without coolers at all, the CPU simply shuts itself down. Also motherboards are becoming dumber and dumber. Pretty much everything is integrated onto the CPU at this point, the motherboard is basically becoming a giant switch. When this inevitable push towards integrated CPU's does come, I bet the price of the motherboard at that point will be nil. So cost wise it won't really even matter, only issue would be having to re-seat everything on the board which could be annoying but whatever. Benefits far outweigh the cons in my opinion.

But do you realize how many motherboard options has to be made to allow users to choose what they need? For example i want mid-range motherboard with top of the line processor. You think they will produce these things? oh no, they will produce top of the line motherboards with top of the line processors and plus they will increase the prices instead of decreasing. Well, you'll see, nothing happens without a reason, company never ever let you save your money letting themselves losing it. If you think it's win win, i doubt it.

Intel stated that only the high end ones will be socketed, they didn't say that their entire line will be socketed. deltatux