More AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPUs failing
In recent weeks, defective Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors on Asus motherboards have been accumulating. The manufacturer is launching an investigation.
(Image: Andreas Wodrich / heise medien)
The unusually frequent defects with AMD's desktop gaming processor, Ryzen 7 9800X3D, continue to be a problem. While last year the focus was primarily on motherboard manufacturer Asrock, it is now Asus. In January, five users with various Asus boards reported failed 9800X3D CPUs on Reddit.
Five defects among thousands of processors in use would not be particularly surprising at first glance. However, the spontaneous accumulation points to problems. Especially since many potentially affected individuals may not immediately report defects online.
Manufacturer's Statement
Asus is using the known cases as an opportunity to launch an investigation. In a statement, the manufacturer writes:
"We are aware of recent reports concerning AMD Ryzen™ 7 9800X3D CPUs and ASUS AMD 800-series motherboards, and we have initiated an immediate internal review. Our teams are conducting preventive checks on product compatibility and performance, working closely with AMD to validate reported cases and ensure ongoing stability and quality. We are looking to provide timely solutions to ensure our products and services meet expected standards.
Users are also advised to update their ASUS AMD 800-series motherboard to the latest BIOS via ASUS EZ Flash or BIOS Flashback to help ensure system stability; we provide an official technical support FAQ with detailed instructions.
Customers who are affected or have concerns are encouraged to contact ASUS customer service for direct assistance. We take this matter seriously and value our customers’ trust, and we remain committed to transparency and to ensuring our products can be used with confidence."
The reports involved three different motherboards: the Crosshair X870E Hero and ROG Strix X870E-E Gaming each twice, and the TUF B850M-Plus Wifi once. In cases of processor defects, Asus motherboards with debug LEDs often display the error code 00.
Videos by heise
Ongoing Issues
As early as the beginning of 2025, there were isolated cases of defective Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors on Asus motherboards. By the spring of 2025, a Reddit user had collected over 150 known reports, including 130 with Asrock and 20 with Asus boards. Asrock has since released several BIOS updates that have significantly reduced the error rate.
AMD's X3D processors are more sensitive to voltage and high waste heat than other processors because they stack compute chiplets with the CPU cores and cache chiplets on top of each other. In the 9000 series, the cache chiplets are located below the CPU cores for the first time, rather than above them. Among the current X3D models, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D sells by far the most, so problems with this model are most noticeable.
In most error reports, overclocking memory with Extended Profiles for Overclocking (EXPO) is used. Motherboards might be applying voltages that are too high; AMD already criticized motherboard manufacturers last summer for not adhering to recommendations. Potential silicon degradation may only become apparent after months or years of use.
Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt
Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen.
Ich bin damit einverstanden, dass mir externe Inhalte angezeigt werden. Damit können personenbezogene Daten an Drittplattformen (heise Preisvergleich) übermittelt werden. Mehr dazu in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
(mma)
