A new scam targeting buyers of AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D processors has been revealed by overclocking legend Der8auer. Scammers are selling these CPUs with fake heatspreaders and completely empty printed circuit boards (PCBs), deceiving unsuspecting buyers.
The scam was discovered when Der8auer purchased a second-hand 7800X3D processor from an individual who had fallen victim to the fraud. The processor was purchased through OLX, a platform popular in Romania, which unfortunately doesn’t offer buyer protection for transactions between individuals. While OLX has measures in place to counter-claim fraudulent purchases, buyers often opt for direct deals outside the platform, leaving them vulnerable.
Der8auer meticulously examined the fake 7800X3D and shared his findings in a detailed video, guiding viewers on how to spot these counterfeit CPUs. One of the most prominent signs is the lack of glue around the capacitors on the integrated heat spreader (IHS). AMD’s unique design for the AM5 package features capacitors placed around the IHS, and these capacitors require a protective adhesive to secure them properly. This glue is absent on regular, non-X3D processors, but is specifically added to the X3D models. Therefore, its absence is a strong indicator of a fake processor.
The scam serves as a stark reminder for buyers of second-hand components, emphasizing the importance of exercising caution and verifying the authenticity of any hardware before purchasing. By following Der8auer’s guidance and looking for the key indicator of missing glue, potential buyers can protect themselves from falling victim to this deceitful scheme.
