Counterfeit AMD Ryzen processors have resurfaced. Over a year and a half ago, Intel processors were discovered being labeled as AMD processors. Back then, it was quite easy to spot the counterfeit packaging, as Intel and AMD processors are very different. Now, new cases have emerged, this time involving older processors that have been manipulated and relabeled as new.
This problem is relatively typical in digital stores. Some users buy a new processor and when they receive it, they install it in their system and return the older, less powerful model. Amazon usually offers refund or replacement without verifying the product, hence these types of scams.
[amazon box="B07SXMZLP9"]Fake AMD Ryzen Processors Appear
What happens this time is different, they are processors for the OEM market. These types of processors are sold in batches to system builders and do not typically include AMD's stock heatsink. Those who assemble systems directly buy processor trays, they do not buy the usual bundle that we find in stores.
Note that the processors that have been discovered were sold in digital stores through auction. The user really thought they were getting a Ryzen 9 3900X from AMD. After buying it, the user ends up receiving a processor at home that has nothing to do with the one they bought.
We can see how the original letters of the AMD model have been erased. The identifier of the processor that was initially going to be sold is then laser engraved. The recording is of poor quality, so the scammer has not been particularly careful. Anyone spotting the bug must suspect that they have been misled.
The scammer has posted a website where he trades the fake processors. In addition, the user who receives one of these processors will not be able to use it on an AMD X570 motherboard, since it is a first generation Ryzen. The latest generations of motherboards do not support these very old processors. Not even updating the BIOS can we use this processor.
Source: Twitter