Fake processors are more common than you might think, and a recent case involving a counterfeit AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has raised major concerns.
This fraudulent chip was purchased by a user on Amazon, and an investigation by Gamers Nexus (GN) revealed shocking differences between the real and fake processors.
The scam involved a processor that had signs of being fake right from the start, with visible discrepancies between the IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) and the substrate. A closer examination revealed that this so-called Ryzen 7 9800X3D was essentially a dummy chip, lacking any real components like CCDs (Core Complex Dies) or an I/O die.
The counterfeit CPU even had no solder points on the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which is a clear indicator that it wasn’t functional. When the IHS was delidded at 160°C, the substrate beneath was exposed, and it became apparent that it was nothing more than an empty shell.
Beyond the obvious absence of the necessary chiplets, the fake processor exhibited differences in the arrangement and orientation of capacitors compared to the genuine Ryzen 7 9800X3D. It also had a distinct color, font, and cutout size on the substrate. Even more telling was the fact that the serial number on the processor didn’t match the one on its packaging.
While cases of fake Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors are rare, they highlight the need for careful inspection when purchasing high-end components. Fake CPUs may occasionally slip through even major retailers, but vigilance can help prevent these kinds of scams from going unnoticed.