
In an unusual and troubling scenario, a customer who ordered an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D from Amazon ended up receiving a counterfeit CPU instead, even though it was packaged in a sealed box.
Unexpected Discovery: FX 4100 CPU Mistaken for AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
While incidents of counterfeit CPU shipments are infrequent, they have been recorded, including cases involving reputable retailers. A previous instance involved a consumer who purchased a fake Ryzen 7 7800X3D from a third-party seller. This latest case, however, highlights a concerning trend where Amazon itself inadvertently sold a fraudulent Ryzen 7 9800X3D.
The report comes from Aris of Hardware Busters, who documented his experience after purchasing the CPU directly from Amazon. Upon opening the package, he noted that the CPU featured pins underneath, a clear indication of a counterfeit, since legitimate AM5 processors, including the Ryzen 9800X3D, adopt an LGA design, lacking any pins on the underside.

This alarming detail was merely the first sign of trouble. The counterfeit processor bore a different integrated heat spreader (IHS) design, which could be easily distinguished when compared to a genuine Ryzen 9800X3D. Furthermore, after removing the plastic film on the IHS, he discovered that the CPU was actually an “FX 4100, ”a model that is far less powerful and outdated.

At first glance, one might assume this was a rogue seller attempting to offload fake CPUs, but the user clarified that the order was fulfilled directly by Amazon and marked as “NEW.” Initially, there were suspicions that the product might have been a return and incorrectly restocked. However, the fact that the CPU came in a sealed box suggests that the counterfeit was present from the onset.
The underlying question remains: who is responsible for this lapse, and how did it occur? This incident raises significant concerns about the supply chain’s integrity, indicating that someone may have successfully infiltrated it. It is crucial for Amazon to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that no further counterfeit products are lurking within their inventory, as it raises the possibility that this is not an isolated case.
For further details on this story, visit Hardware Busters.
For more images and insights, check out the source at Wccftech.
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