You may remember the case of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU burned in its socket? Well today, Youtuber Gamers Nexus returns with the results of his autopsy after having purchased his equipment from the user concerned. Thus, we have the end of the story with a designated culprit. While AMD had released a BIOS update to protect its processors, today the in-depth investigation can tell us more.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D: visible damage, but a complex origin to identify
Images of burned processors and sockets showed severe damage. Under the microscope, observations revealed several crucial clues:
- Socket fondue : the plastic of the socket had literally liquefied under the heat, allowing the solder to pass from the pins to the surface.
- Pines altered by temperature : A bluish discoloration on some pines indicated exposure to high temperatures, sufficient to alter the gold coating.
- Pressure marks : Traces of melting were visible on the anchor points of the plastic retention system, although the aluminum pressure plate remained intact.
These observations led to the conclusion that the problem was linked to an incorrect installation rather than a hardware or software defect, therefore pointing the finger at the user.
Human error: a poorly positioned CPU
The detailed analysis revealed a slight misalignment of the processor during its installation. This phenomenon, called “offset”, was precisely measured:
- A shift of 1 mm on the fixing edges.
- An inclination of up to 1,4° in the most affected areas.
This poor positioning reduced the contact between the pins and their respective connection points causing internal short circuits. The resulting temperature rise not only damaged the CPU, but also melted the plastic in the socket and degraded the motherboard PCB.
The difference between Foxconn and Lotes sockets
The survey also compared sockets manufactured by Foxconn et Lots. Although both models meet specifications, the one in Lots appears to offer better tolerance for installation errors thanks to a more rigid design.
- Socket Foxconn : more permissive, it leaves more freedom for incorrect installations.
- Socket Lotes : More precise, it reduces the risk of error, although it does not eliminate them completely.
An isolated incident, but an important lesson
The analysis concludes that the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has no intrinsic flaws. Overheating and destruction cases are caused by human errors, including poor CPU positioning. This case reminds us of the importance of handling computer components with care, especially with equipment as efficient and sensitive as high-end processors.
For users, this highlights the need to carefully follow installation instructions to avoid these kinds of costly and, fortunately, rare mishaps.
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