Both AMD Bristol and Summit ridge processors are to be seated onto a Socket AM4 motherboard. Bristol ridge is based on last gen architecture, Summit ridge is the new 8-core ZEN processor. Photos of that new Socket AM4 have surfaced.
From the looks of the the new socket will get more pins (1331) whereas the older AM3+ had 942. Other then that the retention mechanism and design look rather similar as well as its size at 40x40mm. It is still a little unclear whether or not coolers are compatible with previous-generation AM2, AM3, AM3+, FM2, FM2+ coolers with. Some manufacturers have claimed compatibility, while other have reported to be offering AM4 CPU cooler upgrade kits.
The extra pins will be needed for DDR4 memory (dual channel, up-to 3200 MHz) and obviously the integrated nortbridge that resides in the upcoming processors. We extaect to see the first AM4 motherbaords once Bristol Ridge become available, Summit Ridge (ZEN) is expected to launch in Q1 2017.
