[SOLVED] 4 3800x's arrived DOA. What can I do to ensure that my 5th one comes in working?

[CollinTM]

[EDIT]:

In my original post I left out a few key details. This system a dual pc in the enthoo 719 powered by the 1200w revolt x dual system psu. Top atx build is, supposed to be, a 3800x and 1080 FE. Bottom itx build is (currently) a 9900k on an asus rog z390i mini itx mobo w/ MSI 2080 super trio.

The reason I put emphasis on the fact that I'm currently running a 9900k, is because previously I had a 10700 which I swapped out about 2 weeks later for my current cpu. Only after I made this cpu and mobo swap, did the ryzen system stop working.

I've contacted phanteks about possible power delivery issues but they assured me that the psu should have no problem getting more than enough power to everything.
____

I know it seems unlikely but I can confirm that this is true. I've tested each CPU on a working test bench system. It failed to boot up with all 4 of the 3800x's but did so when using a CPU I know to be working. I've also tested the working CPU on my current MOBO (MSI x570 Gaming Edge WiFi) and it booted up no problem just to make sure that my MOBO wasn't the problem. I've used different PSU's as well just to rule out any chance of lack of power.

It should also be noted that this is not an upgrade but merely a replacement for my first 3800x which worked for around 6-7 months before dying, 3 weeks ago. I don't know if anyone else has had a similar problem and what I can do to fix it or at least make sure my next one comes working.

I'm happy to provide any additional info, I just want to get this PC up and running again.

Thank you.

 

[drea.drechsler]

I know it seems unlikely but I can confirm that this is true. I've tested each CPU on a working test bench system. It failed to boot up with all 4 of the 3800x's but did so when using a CPU I know to be working. I've also tested the working CPU on my current MOBO (MSI x570 Gaming Edge WiFi) and it booted up no problem just to make sure that my MOBO wasn't the problem. I've used different PSU's as well just to rule out any chance of lack of power.

It should also be noted that this is not an upgrade but merely a replacement for my first 3800x which worked for around 6-7 months before dying, 3 weeks ago. I don't know if anyone else has had a similar problem and what I can do to fix it or at least make sure my next one comes working.

I'm happy to provide any additional info, I just want to get this PC up and running again.

Thank you.

What is your source for these CPU's? Are you getting them in SEALED AMD boxes with coolers or are they what's called 'tray' product?

Have you tried contacting AMD's tech support with the processor serial numbers to get an RMA yet? or just RTV'd for replacements?

 

[CollinTM]

What is your source for these CPU's? Are you getting them in SEALED AMD boxes with coolers or are they what's called 'tray' product?

Have you tried contacting AMD's tech support with the processor serial numbers to get an RMA yet? or just RTV'd for replacements?

I'm buying them from BestBuy both in person and online as well as Amazon. They all were marketed as new. I have tried contacting tech support for AMD and gave them the serial numbers but the time to get an RMA was around a month compared to 2 days to just get a new one off the shelf. Lemme know what I should do.

 

[drea.drechsler]

I'm buying them from BestBuy both in person and online as well as Amazon. They all were marketed as new. I have tried contacting tech support for AMD and gave them the serial numbers but the time to get an RMA was around a month compared to 2 days to just get a new one off the shelf. Lemme know what I should do.

If you can get an exchange at the vendor, I'd totally do that too! The good thing about working through AMD is they check the serial number and know if it was sold as a tray. A tray unit is warrantied by the company they sold it to, usually an OEM who puts it in a pre-built computer.

I tend to think the BestBuy units would be 99.9% legit. But the problem with Amazon is you COULD be getting tray units that have been packaged in counterfeit AMD boxes. Problem with tray units is you have no idea how they were treated, or even if they're truely brand new.

So that all depends on the Amazon vendor you're using but if getting the Amazon return guarantee at least you're protected. That may mean going through the vendor's stock of tray parts until you find a good one, doing it by shipping back and forth.

Other than buying from a reputable source, there's nothing short of hiring a source inspector to visit the vendor and test the unit you're buying to know you're getting a good one.

Assuming you've bought legit processors each time, I'd be checking my rig to make sure it's truely set up right for the processor after 4 'bad' ones. It's just unreasonable to find that many in a row.

 

[CollinTM]

If you can get an exchange at the vendor, I'd totally do that too! The good thing about working through AMD is they check the serial number and know if it was sold as a tray. A tray unit is warrantied by the company they sold it to, usually an OEM who puts it in a pre-built computer.

I tend to think the BestBuy units would be 99.9% legit. But the problem with Amazon is you COULD be getting tray units that have been packaged in counterfeit AMD boxes. Problem with tray units is you have no idea how they were treated, or even if they're truely brand new.

So that all depends on the Amazon vendor you're using but if getting the Amazon return guarantee at least you're protected. That may mean going through the vendor's stock of tray parts until you find a good one, doing it by shipping back and forth.

Other than buying from a reputable source, there's nothing short of hiring a source inspector to visit the vendor and test the unit you're buying to know you're getting a good one.

Assuming you've bought legit processors each time, I'd be checking my rig to make sure it's truely set up right for the processor after 4 'bad' ones. It's just unreasonable to find that many in a row.

I'm getting a 'new' one from BestBuy tomorrow so should I hold out on RMAing any others until I get it?

 

[drea.drechsler]

I'm getting a 'new' one from BestBuy tomorrow so should I hold out on RMAing any others until I get it?

I'd try to return to vendor for a refund. What can you do with 4 'bad' CPU's?

An RMA's going to, at best, get you 4 more good CPU's from AMD. Can you use them all? At worse, AMD will find the serial numbers are invalid for some reason (tray units maybe) and then simply tell you 'sorry...see the person you bought it from for a refund/replacement'.

 

[CollinTM]

I'd try to return to vendor for a refund. What can you do with 4 'bad' CPU's?

An RMA's going to, at best, get you 4 more good CPU's from AMD. Can you use them all? At worse, AMD will find the serial numbers are invalid for some reason (tray units maybe) and then simply tell you 'sorry...see the person you bought it from for a refund/replacement'.

And what if that person refuses a refund/replacement? Amazon and bestbuy have already told me to take it up with AMD themselves and that they cannot accept returns for items that are not sold by their website vendors

 

[drea.drechsler]

And what if that person refuses a refund/replacement? Amazon and bestbuy have already told me to take it up with AMD themselves and that they cannot accept returns for items that are not sold by their website vendors

Oh wow. I didn't know bestbuy had that policy...remind me never to buy from them.

I'd cancel any future purchases from bestbuy. Buy only from vendors that give the amazon return guarantee.

If you have a microcenter close by, they have great return policy even on opened product. 2 weeks (i think) for a CPU or even motherboard. That's great, although they keep track and 4 processors in succession would doubtless raise flags.

Newegg used to have such a policy too, but i believe you'd have to pay return shipping. With my Amazon Prime, when I stay to Prime vendors return shipping is usually covered.

As far as your situation...if AMD comes through, it will be a few months, and you're going to have a nice supply of 3800X processors. That really sucks as in a few months used prices (even for sealed box units) are bound to fall as Zen3 comes into market. I feel for you as it looks to me the best you can hope for is AMD to bring Zen3 in at a serious price premium over Zen2 so it doesn't kill the market for you.

EDIT: oh yeah. All Amazon or BestBuy does is basically broker the transaction through their web site for a piece of the action. So contact the actual vendor you bought the CPU's from, not Amazon or BestBuy, they may have some satisfaction for you! If not...well....look up one paragraph again.

 

[CollinTM]

Oh wow. I didn't know bestbuy had that policy...remind me never to buy from them.

I'd cancel any future purchases from bestbuy. Buy only from vendors that give the amazon return guarantee.

If you have a microcenter close by, they have great return policy even on opened product. 2 weeks (i think) for a CPU or even motherboard. That's great, although they keep track and 4 processors in succession would doubtless raise flags.

Newegg used to have such a policy too, but i believe you'd have to pay return shipping. With my Amazon Prime, when I stay to Prime vendors return shipping is usually covered.

As far as your situation...if AMD comes through, it will be a few months, and you're going to have a nice supply of 3800X processors. That really sucks as in a few months used prices (even for sealed box units) are bound to fall as Zen3 comes into market. I feel for you as it looks to me the best you can hope for is AMD to bring Zen3 in at a serious price premium over Zen2 so it doesn't kill the market for you.

EDIT: oh yeah. All Amazon or BestBuy does is basically broker the transaction through their web site for a piece of the action. So contact the actual vendor you bought the CPU's from, not Amazon or BestBuy, they may have some satisfaction for you! If not...well....look up one paragraph again.

Thanks so much man this really sucks

 

[Third-Eye]

I know it seems unlikely but I can confirm that this is true. I've tested each CPU on a working test bench system. It failed to boot up with all 4 of the 3800x's but did so when using a CPU I know to be working. I've also tested the working CPU on my current MOBO (MSI x570 Gaming Edge WiFi) and it booted up no problem just to make sure that my MOBO wasn't the problem. I've used different PSU's as well just to rule out any chance of lack of power.

It should also be noted that this is not an upgrade but merely a replacement for my first 3800x which worked for around 6-7 months before dying, 3 weeks ago. I don't know if anyone else has had a similar problem and what I can do to fix it or at least make sure my next one comes working.

I'm happy to provide any additional info, I just want to get this PC up and running again.

Thank you.

What is the test bench motherboard model? Did you actually test these 4 "faulty" CPUs int he X570 motherboard? It sounds to me more like a motherboard that hasn't had a bios update to support the CPUs if you haven't tested them on the X570 board.

 

[drea.drechsler]

I just noted you said your board worked with a 3800X previously but it died...

did you reset CMOs after that? before installing the next CPU's?

 

[johnsoner13]

4 dead new CPUs and your original one died in 7 months. Sorry but that sounds like user error to me...

 

[Phaaze88]

Isn't it possible that there's a short somewhere?
The first 3800X worked fine for several months, mysteriously died, and every one after insta-dies?

 

[CollinTM]

4 dead new CPUs and your original one died in 7 months. Sorry but that sounds like user error to me...

I'd tend to agree with you buy I've been putting computers together for close to 4 years and have built multiple ryzen based systems. It'd be very unlikely that at this point I either bent the pins accidentally or tried to force something where it shouldn't be. Also the fact that all of my friends also have gotten a ton of dead ryzen chips is a little suspicious

 

[CollinTM]

Isn't it possible that there's a short somewhere?
The first 3800X worked fine for several months, mysteriously died, and every one after insta-dies?

One thing I forgot to mention in the original post is that this is a dual system in the enthoo 719 powered by revolt x 1200w. The ryzen chip only died after I switched out a 10700 on the bottom itx build for a 9900k and new mobo. The intel system works fine but ever since then, no ryzen chip has worked. I checked with phanteks and they told me that a 1200w psu would have no problem powering a system like this (MSI 2080 super Trio/1080 FE)

 

[Phaaze88]

One thing I forgot to mention in the original post is that this is a dual system in the enthoo 719 powered by revolt x 1200w. The ryzen chip only died after I switched out a 10700 on the bottom itx build for a 9900k and new mobo. The intel system works fine but ever since then, no ryzen chip has worked. I checked with phanteks and they told me that a 1200w psu would have no problem powering a system like this (MSI 2080 super Trio/1080 FE)

Wow. That sounds like that X299 mess with the 4 core models.
If using a 7640X/7740X, and the user does NOT reset CMOS before making the swap to one of the 6 core or higher chips, the new cpu will get instantly fried upon powering on.

But this is 2 different systems though...

 

[CollinTM]

What is the test bench motherboard model? Did you actually test these 4 "faulty" CPUs int he X570 motherboard? It sounds to me more like a motherboard that hasn't had a bios update to support the CPUs if you haven't tested them on the X570 board.

The test bench mobo is the gigabyte b450i gaming w/ all bios updated so there shouldn't be a problem there. I also made sure to test each CPU in the x570 board as well

 

[faalin]

Just to throw my 2 cents in.

So the test bench B450i motherboard works, is this a known fact?
.... if true do you test the 3800x on them before putting them in the X570?

If the 3800x works in the B450i then place it in the X570. If then the 3800x does not work and you return it to the B450i and continues to not work then i would say something on the X570 died and is now killing cpus.

 

[CollinTM]

Just to throw my 2 cents in.

So the test bench B450i motherboard works, is this a known fact?
.... if true do you test the 3800x on them before putting them in the X570?

If the 3800x works in the B450i then place it in the X570. If then the 3800x does not work and you return it to the B450i and continues to not work then i would say something on the X570 died and is now killing cpus.

The 3800x does not work in either board. The b450i does work however with other CPUs such as the 1500x which I had lying around

 

[CollinTM]

I just noted you said your board worked with a 3800X previously but it died...

did you reset CMOs after that? before installing the next CPU's?

Yes I was told by an AMD tech that this might be the problem but it has been unsuccessful

 

[faalin]

The 3800x does not work in either board. The b450i does work however with other CPUs such as the 1500x which I had lying around

So the B450i works, are you trying the 3800x in it before placing it the x570? or do you just get a new 3800x and immediately put it in the x570?

The thing im trying to get to is you said the original 3800x just stopped working after 7 months and now each cpu you get is "DOA". The original CPU may have died and hurt the motherboard or the motherboard may have died and is now killing each CPU you put in it.

 

[drea.drechsler]

...The b450i does work however with other CPUs such as the 1500x which I had lying around

which raises the question of whether you're POSITIVE the b450i board has a BIOS update to support the 3800X.... just trying to put it all together in one place to get a clear picture.

I have to agree that 4 bad CPU's in a row is extremely, indeed astronomically rare, notwithstanding your friends' purported experiences. Either something is common between them all that's blowing them...or it's the source of the CPU's. And about that, getting them from on-line e-tailers who don't stand behind their products with a fair return policy make them a bit dodgy from the outset.

 

[neojack]

if it was me, i would quarantine the motherboard, it's probably killing your CPUs.
i would probably quarantine the PSU too.

good luck, you need it !