Beware of the array of processors available in the market today. A German YouTuber, der8auer, scrutinized a counterfeit Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU sent by a viewer, warning others about potential pitfalls. The convincing copy has some limitations, though.
A Romanian vendor on OLX sold Der8auer’s viewer a fake AMD CPU for approximately €300 ($330), a discount compared to the real 7800X3D, currently the top gaming CPU available for purchase in the EU market at a lower cost than its original price. The pretender doesn’t function properly, and a swift inspection with a multimeter, as demonstrated by der8auer, conclusively reveals its lack of usability.
Before the system even boots up, several red flags signal that the purported AMD processor is counterfeit. In Der8auer’s video, now displayed above, he takes viewers through the purported telltale signs, commencing with the board’s substrate hue. The colouration exhibits excessive bluish undertones, diverging from the typical hue of an untested Ryzen processor’s inexperienced sheen.
Manufacturing discrepancies are evident. A scarcity of protective resin surrounds capacitors nestled between the built-in heatspreader’s legs; conversely, der8auer’s analysis reveals that the printed circuit board itself is remarkably thinner than a genuine X3D processor, measuring 0.964 millimeters compared to 1.308 millimeters for the authentic model.
While the board’s IHS pattern doesn’t perfectly align, nor do its engravings, an examination using overlapping photos in Photoshop reveals discrepancies. Removing the thermal interface material from a central processing unit is often considered an extreme and potentially risky modification that requires meticulous attention to detail and specialized tools. Initially, the IHS surprisingly departs the motherboard with greater facility than expected; yet, upon inspecting the area beneath the spreader, Der8auer fails to detect even a hint of silicon whatsoever. No marvel it didn’t boot.
It’s strikingly reminiscent of another Ryzen X3D processor to the average consumer. Based on der8auer’s video, the packaging seems dependable, with most observed variations being identical to expected standards, except for a few that stand out for exhibiting fewer manufacturer flaws. The purported counterfeit CPU is easily distinguishable from the authentic AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D by several visual cues, rendering it immediately identifiable as a fake.
When purchasing from third-party sellers, it’s essential to remember that not everything may appear as authentic despite its appearance.
The tech reviewer, Der8auer, surprised his audience by fully reimbursing them for their €300 investment in a fake CPU, allowing them to purchase a genuine alternative; however, those who unwittingly acquire a counterfeit processor might not have the same stroke of luck. Considering a new processor? Check out our comprehensive review of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D to discover what this powerhouse has in store for you, and whether it’s worth bringing home.
