Der8auer bought a processor from an enthusiast who had been scammed while trying to purchase AMD’s most popular processor. The transaction took place on Romania’s second-hand marketplace, OLX. On this platform, customers cannot return items purchased from private sellers. However, there are safeguards that let buyers dispute the transaction if the product turns out to be fraudulent, preventing the scammer from receiving the payment.
Unfortunately, in an effort to save money, some buyers choose to negotiate directly with sellers outside the platform, leaving them without any protection if the deal goes bad.
This situation illustrates that risk, as the purchased Ryzen 7 7800X3D was a counterfeit and didn’t work at all. The buyer tried to verify if the processor had any PCB connections by testing the pads with a multimeter, but it was non-functional. Der8auer decided to purchase the fake processor from the scam victim and created a video demonstrating how to quickly identify if a CPU is faulty.
It’s important to note that fake CPU scams have been widely covered, and scammers employ various tactics. These include shipping an entirely different CPU, re-labeling a genuine CPU with new laser-engraved markings to make it harder to identify, or even adding an integrated heat spreader to an empty CPU package that contains no actual cores. This case involves all of these scam methods.
The first clear sign of a fake CPU for Der8auer was the absence of glue on the capacitors around the IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader). AMD’s AM5 package design includes capacitors around the processor, which need adhesive for protection. This glue is found on the X3D series processors but not on non-X3D 7000 series models. It is also present on the 9000 series, so when examining second-hand Ryzen CPUs, this detail can help in identifying genuine products.
In the scam, the clean appearance of the capacitors was the first sign that something was wrong. Additionally, the fake 7800X3D had a bluish tint compared to the typical green of genuine Ryzen 7000 AM5 processors, which raised further suspicion. However, it’s important to note that the 9000 series CPUs also have a blue color, so this isn’t a definitive test for all AM5 processors. For professional overclockers like Der8auer, the thinner PCB of the fake CPU was another giveaway; it was noticeably easier to secure the CPU onto the AM5 socket once installed.
Der8auer confirmed the CPU was non-functional by installing it onto a motherboard. He then delid the processor and discovered that it was designed to mimic a real CPU. The IHS (Integrated Heat Spreader) was specifically crafted to resemble a genuine processor, complete with fake CCDs and I/O dies incorporated into the IHS itself. In reality, the package was just an empty board.
This scam involved a high-quality fake, with precise design and capacitor placement. However, some details were not perfectly replicated, revealing signs of fraud. Even the serial number on the box matched the counterfeit CPU.
The Ryzen 7 7800X3D was targeted because it’s AMD’s most popular gaming CPU, and its steady price makes it an attractive target for scammers preying on budget-conscious gamers. To avoid falling victim, carefully check what you’re buying and use customer protection when possible.
