Tech YouTuber Roman Hartung (aka “der8auer”) simply identified in certainly one of his latest movies that elaborate CPU fakes are presently in circulation, and he personally got here throughout a counterfeit AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D that appears deceptively actual when you aren’t trying carefully.

Hartung acquired the CPU from certainly one of his viewers, who contacted him immediately about it. The CPU was initially bought on OLX, an internet market that’s similar to platforms like Fb Market, for about €300 (a pleasant low cost off the CPU’s regular €400).

After the viewer had put in the CPU in his PC, it didn’t begin — so it was apparent that there was one thing mistaken with the CPU. Upon nearer inspection, the CPU turned out to be a faux.

Elaborate counterfeits of AMD CPUs

In his video, der8auer exhibits the variations between the faux CPU and the precise CPU it’s primarily based on.

At first look, the 2 CPUs look very related with solely the colour of the PCB (printed circuit board) and the dearth of adhesive on the capacitors rapidly catching Hartung’s eye. The PCB can also be considerably shorter with a peak below 1mm (the unique’s peak is 1.3 mm).

There are extra refined variations, although, like the form of the heatspreader and the labeling, which might solely be observed by skilled eyes. The heatspreader can also be simply detachable, and on this case it reveals an empty circuit board, so to talk.

To emulate the true deal, the faux heatspreader sits on the circuit board and is given peak with adhesive. Surprisingly, the counterfeiters nonetheless went to the difficulty of inserting capacitors on the board.

The packaging can also be copied fairly effectively from the unique field. When shopping for certainly one of these faux CPUs, there’s hardly any noticeable distinction on the skin. Consumers ought to due to this fact be significantly cautious on third-party platforms in order to not fall for counterfeits like this.

Additional studying: Key ideas for purchasing on-line safely