No, you don't need a new key.
No, you don't need a new key.
I’m changing my computer’s motherboard, which means it’s considered a new hardware upgrade. Will that require a different Windows activation key? My existing SSD will stay, but the Windows key is still OEM.
The key is generally linked to the motherboard, yes. Some users create a Microsoft Acc and tie the key to it, ensuring the swap of the boot drive doesn’t affect it. I’m aware that certain keys can be reused across machines, which could suit your situation. (This might be your case) Unfortunately, I’m not in the right area to provide a clear solution. The worst option is contacting Microsoft support and having them reactivate your key.
Although true, the person who bought an OEM key usually can't transfer it between machines. From Microsoft's perspective, a new motherboard counts as a fresh computer. If the original had a retail key, that wouldn't be a problem. In certain situations, though, it might work fine. Some users have even reached out to Microsoft with OEM keys and received a replacement for free—depending on how friendly the employee was. Personally, if I were in their shoes, I'd try using the key you already have and check the outcome. The worst scenario is needing a new key, but you can usually add a fresh one to an existing Windows setup without a full reinstall.