UPDATE (15/11/2024): MSI has provided a statement on the developments described below. I have included this at the end of the original story which follows.
It’s been a week since the launch of Ryzen 7 9800X3D, the new gold-standard for gaming CPUs. In that time, the chip has flown off the shelves but an issue of processors past could be rearing its head to rain on AMD’s parade. On closer inspection, though, there may be little to worry about.
Reddit user TrumpPooPoosPants took to the PCMR subreddit to share their unfortunate experience of burned 9800X3D and motherboard socket, namely that of MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk WiFi. They claim this damage occurred following an unsuccessful boot, with their board display a ’00’ error code, indicating a problem with the CPU. Upon inspection, that was certainly the case.
Their images evoke memories of scorched Ryzen 7 7800X3D processors. However, AMD and manufacturers nipped these SoC voltage issues in the bud with BIOS updates, so a resurgence seems unlikely. Furthermore, there are no similar reports elsewhere so far, suggesting this is an isolated incident.
As such, user error or a freak manufacturing error seems to be at fault. Looking at the highlighted portion of the AM5 socket above, you’ll notice there’s some minor damage to the plastic frame. Whether this occurred during setup or on the factory floor is unclear. All I can say for sure is that Club386 staff haven’t experienced similar problems with either component in question.
In any case, an improperly seated CPU could cause problems like this through poor contact between pins and pads. Regardless, it pains me to see both processor and motherboard in this state. That’s not forgetting the cost of this problem, coming in at a cool $779.
With all this in mind, we may learn more about this incident in the coming weeks thanks to Gamers Nexus. The YouTuber reached out to the Reddit user, requesting their CPU for evaluation. Naturally, they’ll cover the cost of the broken board and processor, saving TrumpPooPoosPants the hassle of an RMA. So, stay tuned.
MSI has since commented on these developments with the following statement:
“Recently, we received a user report indicating damage to an AMD Ryzen™ 7 9800X3D processor on an MSI MAG X870 TOMAHAWK WIFI motherboard. At MSI, we are fully committed to the quality of our products and have begun investigating this incident.
Additionally, we are working closely with AMD and are in contact with GamersNexus, which is independently investigating this incident.
We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.”
