it's a different platform than their bulldozer chips using a new and different architecture with a new socket. of course they'd require a new mobo. every new socket does. but it's still cheaper than getting a new intel chip [i]and[/i] a new intel socket mobo if you need to upgrade from an ancient system. for what you'd pay for just the premium Intel CPU alone, you get the AMD mobo and the AMD CPU, which represents a great cost savings potential.