Fake Ryzen 7 9800X3D appeared in China. How do they differ from the original?

Fake AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors have surfaced in China. Experts have explained how to spot the counterfeit and avoid falling victim to scammers.

Recently, a counterfeit AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor was identified in China: a customer contacted an AMD service center complaining that the CPU would not boot. A thorough inspection confirmed that the device was indeed a fake. 

Counterfeiters used older processor models and circuit boards to assemble a replica that visually resembled the original Ryzen 7 9800X3D. One of the key distinctions was that authentic chips are mounted on a PCB labeled 33050, whereas the fake used a board labeled 32546, which is typical for Ryzen 7000 series processors. 

Additionally, genuine Ryzen 9000 chips feature a bluish hue on the printed circuit board, while the counterfeit unit sported a dark green board — a visual characteristic of older models, such as the Ryzen 7 7700X.

Furthermore, the counterfeit CPUs contained components inconsistent with the original configuration, and some units even bore the marking “Ryzen 9 9800X3D” — a model that does not exist in AMD’s product lineup. 

The incident came to light courtesy of the Chinese forum Chiphell, whose users posted comparison photos of the counterfeit and the genuine article. 

AMD strongly advises purchasing processors exclusively from authorized distributors, as units acquired from third-party sellers are not covered by warranty or service support.

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Cover image credit: AMD / Adam Patrick Murray / Foundry Cover source: PC World