Intel 'preparing' to put an end to user-replaceable CPUs

Yesterday, a report emerged claiming that Intel is planning to release its upcoming 14-nanometer Broadwell architecture processors as a ball grid array (BGA) rather than an land grid array (LGA) package.

This would have several widespread implications, including bringing to an end to processor (CPU) upgrades.

Traditionally, the processors in desktop systems are fitted into a socket on the motherboard that allows them to be removed and replaced, while systems such as notebooks and tablets have the CPU soldered onto the motherboard.

Read more at source:
Intel 'preparing' to put an end to user-replaceable CPUs | ZDNet
 
Ugh, that didn't take long after AMD threw in the towel :(

Frankly I don't care about upgradability since that was virtually never possible or practical anyway. BUT, having the socket gives you the HUGE choice of purchasing a motherboard and processor seperately to fit your exact needs/budget. If every MB manufacturer has to now ship thier product with the CPU soldered on and every store has to stock X motherboards times X processor selections, what a mess! The only possible outcome is that availability of options will be severely curtailed to reign the stocking hell back in.
 

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I take this as another move away from the traditional desktop. SoC has worked well in other implementations, so why not here? I understand this move is going to anger some hobbyists, but they are a niche market - one that may find it's methodology evolving with the changes.
Sent from my Nokia Lumia 920 using Board Express
 

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    Windows Server 2012 Standard w/Hyper-V
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    HP ProBook 4430s
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    Intel Core i3-2310M
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    16GB DDR3
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    80GB Intel 320 SSD
    500GB Samsung Momentus
This is not good! :(
 

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    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
Yesterday, a report emerged claiming that Intel is planning to release its upcoming 14-nanometer Broadwell architecture processors as a ball grid array (BGA) rather than an land grid array (LGA) package.

This would have several widespread implications, including bringing to an end to processor (CPU) upgrades.

Traditionally, the processors in desktop systems are fitted into a socket on the motherboard that allows them to be removed and replaced, while systems such as notebooks and tablets have the CPU soldered onto the motherboard.

Read more at source:
Intel 'preparing' to put an end to user-replaceable CPUs | ZDNet
Yep, saw that. Bummer. Throws a monkey wrench in creating custom rigs. But, perhaps mobo manufacturers could offer soldered in processor/mobo combos. Doing so might reduce the pain somewhat.
 

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    Win7 Ult on DIY; Win8 Pro on MBP/Parallels; Win7 Ult on MBP/Boot Camp; Win7 Ult/Win8 Pro on HP
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    Pioneer Blu-ray Burner/DVD Burner
First and foremost, at least from Intel's point of view, is that this move puts the chip giant in an even more commanding position, allowing it greater control over the motherboard market. More control means more money.

I call this a monopoly flat out, and it goes against every anti trust law that was ever created. And with statements like this they might was well sue themselves because it's just a matter of time before someone else does.
While it doesn't seen that Intel wants to cut existing motherboard makers out of the equation just yet, sources I have spoken to seem to be worried that this could happen in the mid-to-long-term.

I won't get into the fact that this move offers ZERO advantage to the consumers who have supported Intel over the years.

This is about cooperate take over of the entire PC industry, they don't like people being able to build their own machines because that removes money from their till and I'm certain this has something to do with hurting sales of OEM machines, which to me is tough luck for company's like HP who sell nothing but cheap substandard Chinese made POS. This statement proves my point:
As far as the PC OEMs are concerned, killing off the PC upgrade market would be a good thing because it would push people to buy new PCs rather than upgrade their existing hardware. The PC industry is currently stagnant, partly because consumers and enterprise are making existing hardware last longer.

I'm sure they hope that this move will kill the PC home building industry, what they don't realize is that it will end up hurting sales from many thousands of home PC builders and this market is bigger than some people think.
The casualties of this move will be upgraders and PC 'modders', the huge market that exists around them. While not many people bother to upgrade their PCs, instead choosing to buy a new one, the market is large enough to support countless manufacturers and vendors. This move by Intel would be the final nail in the coffin for this industry, taking down a number of players. This, unfortunately, would have a corresponding knock-on effect on jobs.

Of course there will still be enthusiast boards with high end CPU's already installed and other high end hardware but having Intel control all that is where the anti trust laws will be broken.
 

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    Windows 8.1 Pro WMC
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    System Manufacturer/Model
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    CPU
    Q9650 @ 4.05 GHz
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    Gforce 780i SLI FTW
    Memory
    8GB Gskill DDR2 1200Mhz
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    GTX-480
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    Asus D2 Xonar
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    HannsG
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    1680x1050
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    Gskill 120GB SSD
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    Thermal Take 1000watts
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    Thermal Take Xtreme
    Cooling
    9 fans air cooled
    Keyboard
    G15 logitech
    Mouse
    G9 logitech
    Internet Speed
    50mbps
AMD threw in the towel, really?
I still see a few AMDs around, I mean they're not that much slower than Intel.
 

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    win 7, 8.1, Ubuntu
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    HP tx2z
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    AMD Turion x2 Ultra 2.4
    Motherboard
    Quanta
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon 3200
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 256gb ssd
Those producing High-End boards such as the ASUS ROG line will not be happy with Intel's new marketing scheme. Hopefully ASUS, Gigabyte, ASRock and others will have some say about this.
 

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    Win8.1 Pro 64
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    My Build
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    i5 4670K
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    ASUS z87-Pro
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    G-Skill 1600 @10-10-10-27
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    ASIS GTX 660 Ti
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    Dell 24 inch
    Hard Drives
    250GB 850 EVO, 2250GB 840 EVO, 2TB WD spinner
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    Corsair AX-1200
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    TT Urban S31 (quiet case)
    Cooling
    Corsair H100
    Keyboard
    Logitech G15
    Mouse
    Logitech M500
    Internet Speed
    Cable
And no one thinks that a two-tier market is possible?
 

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  • OS
    Windows Server 2012 Standard w/Hyper-V
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ProBook 4430s
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2310M
    Memory
    16GB DDR3
    Hard Drives
    80GB Intel 320 SSD
    500GB Samsung Momentus
I'm going to be a bit controversial here. I wonder whether this will actually lead to more people upgrading their PC's, instead of throwing their old one away and buying a new one?

At the moment, it's quite confusing for an average person to upgrade their PC due to compatibility and jargon. They are faced with whole list's of different CPU's, RAM's, motherboards, etc. with non-descript names such as H67, Z77 , lga1155, lga1156, etc. when all they want is an i5.

Think about it, someone goes to buy a new game, but the minimum requirements say they need an i5 processor or higher. They don't really want to be wasteful and throw away a perfectly good computer, so they look into upgrading their PC, but are faced with a barrage of techno-jargon, when all they want to do is play the latest game. They are probably not going to be too keen on ordering the components on a whim and hope they work, so either stick with their current PC or buy a new one.

Surely this will make upgrading easier? Would it be such a problem if the motherboard and CPU come as one unit? Lets face it, if their computer is a few years old and they want an i5, they will probably have to replace their motherboard anyway. So, surely if Intel make it so that they can just remove the old motherboard/CPU and install a new one, people will be more likely to upgrade and will probably upgrade more often?
 

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    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
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    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
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    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Umm,, Hello, is anyone there?????

Windows OEM installs are locked to the motherboard,,, have a nice day.
 

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    Win 8.1 Pro
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    PC/Desktop
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    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
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    EVGA GTX680 4GB
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    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
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    CORSAIR GS800
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    CORSAIR 600T
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    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
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    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
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    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
:what:
What is this joke...
Soldered CPU's on desktops!

What's next, CPU implants?

I'll consider buying LESS hardware from now on...
 

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  • OS
    Windows 10 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy DV6 7250
    CPU
    Intel i7-3630QM
    Motherboard
    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
    Sound Card
    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
    PSU
    120W adapter
    Case
    small
    Cooling
    laptop cooling pad
    Keyboard
    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
Umm,, Hello, is anyone there?????

Windows OEM installs are locked to the motherboard,,, have a nice day.


I know.

And I'm not... :(

IMO, it should NOT be legal to do this.
 

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    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
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    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
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    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
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    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
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    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
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    Stock
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    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
Umm,, Hello, is anyone there?????

Windows OEM installs are locked to the motherboard,,, have a nice day.

That's probably the main reason it's cheaper than previous versions! :thumb:
...because you'll have to buy more of 'em...:shock:
 

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    HP, Intel HM77 Express Chipset
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD4000 + Nvidia Geforce 630M
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    IDT HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15.6' built-in + Samsung S22D300 + 17.3' LG Phillips
    Screen Resolution
    multiple resolutions
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 250GB + Hitachi HDD 750GB
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    120W adapter
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    small
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    laptop cooling pad
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    Backlit built-in + big one in USB
    Mouse
    SteelSeries Sensei
    Internet Speed
    slow and steady
    Browser
    Chromium, Pale Moon, Firefox Developer Edition
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's basically it.
You know, this sounds kind of bad, but I have to think what if the OEMs like ASUS and others will still offer aftermarket motherboards? I mean, how OFTEN do CPUs explode these days that requires replacing? Sure, you can argue that it prevents simple upgrading, but we're living in an era where technology shifts literally every 6-12 months. Intel has new and different sockets pretty constantly, AMD does too, except they try to make the effort to take advantage of a new socket type for a while; just take a look at AM3+. FM1 is an exception, but they will be making a new APU for the FM2 socket for at least another generation or two of APUs.

Then take a look at how LONG we keep our hardware. Some here have had their i7s since they first came to the market and don't need to upgrade anytime soon. Really, the needed upgrade for PCs generally will be RAM or video cards than anything. So theoretically, if that person that rebuilt their system when the i7 first came out, and rebuild in a few years from now, they WILL HAVE to buy a new motherboard, new CPU, and possibly new DDR4 RAM; maybe a new PSU or video card(s) regardless. With a CPU soldered on board, it just eliminates a step of installation and possibly might filter down some CPU options that are getting to the point of being superfluous. How many different i3, i5, and i7 versions are there right now? Quite a bit.

It might just make upgrading more easier. Although, OEMs and Intel, and AMD, need to play nice in offering decent options though. Intel can't take full control of things nor AMD. It's kind of with GPUs, NVIDIA and AMD both make the dies and cards, but they also sell the dies to OEMs manufacturers to build better enclosures, heatsinks, and tweak around with settings to take full advantage of the chip. You don't upgrade the GPU chip on a video card, you upgrade the whole thing to a new one when it's not powering things well enough. Same goes with puter systems, you can't always upgrade the CPU on an older motherboard and expect great gains, you swap out for new parts.
 

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  • OS
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    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
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    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
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    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
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    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Simple .

Buy AMD.

Intel will pay attention to that.

We aren't the oem's - but if all upgraders/modders shun intel - they will get the message.
 

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  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
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    PC/Desktop


Traditionally, the processors in desktop systems are fitted into a socket on the motherboard that allows them to be removed and replaced, while systems such as notebooks and tablets have the CPU soldered onto the motherboard.

Read more at source:
Intel 'preparing' to put an end to user-replaceable CPUs | ZDNet


This is not exactly true, there are many laptops out there that have sockets for cpu's. I have personally owned a few and upgraded them, its not hard to do. In fact, the laptop i'm using right now I've upgraded. You just find out what socket type your laptop has and then buy an intel or Amd processor with the same socket type or number. I'm not saying all laptops have sockets, so if your looking to buy a laptop that you can upgrade or replace the cpu make sure you do your research first so you know what your getting. Socket type cpu's are good because if one fails, then you can replace it yourself and not worry about the whole laptop not being no good anymore.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Ideapad Z565
    CPU
    AMD Phenom 2.8ghz dual-core
    Motherboard
    AMD
    Memory
    6.00gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 4200 series
    Hard Drives
    256gb 5400rpm sata
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    standard laptop keyboard
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    Wifi
Not good, not good at all.

If Intel goes this route, others will move to fill the gap, AMD and maybe some new companies.
I would not buy anything with Intel products if they start to move in this direction.
This proves that good competition is always best.
 

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  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
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    Logitech Wave
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    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
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    Opera Next
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    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
I mean I can understand pairing the motherboard Intel feels will best show off their own product but I feel this takes away the point of being able to pick your own parts. I'm not a computer custom builder but if I ever was I would want to choose ever part that I can. I don't want things that don't need to be put together, together. Doesn't even matter if you won't upgrade or you if you will, we should have a choice to choose. I don't get these companies trying to force us to play their game. The whole point of customizing your pc is to choose your own parts. I don't even care if I had to change next year, I don't want parts that I don't like stuck together with a part I do like. It's one thing if they approved which motherboards wouldn't break their processors but this is just crazy.
 

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