Counterfeit AMD 9800 X3D CPU scam highlights growing threat of fake processors on retail sites

The Gamers Nexus team exposed a convincingly built but entirely non-functional counterfeit AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D, uncovering it only after delidding the sample and examining it under a microscope. What looked like a legitimate chip — even matching the expected weight and retail packaging — turned out to be nothing more than an empty shell with no silicon, no solder, and no actual CPU die.

This fake was purchased from Amazon as a new item but had clearly been tampered with and returned by a previous buyer. It passed through Amazon’s system undetected and was resold to another customer, a typical case of return fraud. The packaging appeared untouched, and even the heat spreader was modified to mimic the internal structure of a real 9800X3D, complete with fake indentation under the IHS to simulate a die.

Boot attempts failed, and delidding confirmed the deception. There was no trace of indium solder, no CCDs, and no IO die — just a blank substrate and a modified IHS. A weight difference of around 7 to 8 grams compared to a genuine CPU was the only early clue. Closer inspection revealed mismatched PCB numbers, incorrect SMD layouts, missing component coatings, and minor but telling font discrepancies on the labels.

Gamers Nexus outlined several red flags buyers can watch for: unusual weight, differences in component placement or finish, unreadable or unscannable data matrix codes, serial mismatches between box and chip, poor engraving, and visible packaging tampering. Many of these are only detectable once the CPU is in-hand — or even delidded — which highlights the limitations of AMD’s current four-step verification process. Unlike Intel, AMD does not offer an immediate online serial number check, instead relying on a slower support form process.

Despite being an elaborate fake, the processor made it through Amazon’s logistics pipeline. This incident underscores how vulnerable even major retailers can be to fraudulent returns. Gamers Nexus warns buyers to check CPUs immediately upon delivery, especially when buying from third-party sellers or open-box listings. While such counterfeits remain uncommon, they are getting more convincing — and harder to catch.