MSI Investigates Burnt X870 Motherboard Socket and AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

MSI has officially announced an independent investigation into the reported issue of a burnt X870 motherboard socket and an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. The company is committed to determining the root cause of the incident while collaborating closely with AMD and Gamers Nexus.

MSI Collaborates With AMD to Address Burnt Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and X870 Motherboard

A recent case involving a damaged AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU and an X870 motherboard has drawn attention within the PC-building community. Unlike the widespread issue of melting 12VHPWR connectors on RTX 4090 graphics cards, this problem appears to be isolated, but it has nonetheless sparked detailed investigations by tech enthusiasts and hardware manufacturers alike.

In a previous report, a Reddit user shared photos showing their X870 motherboard socket and AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU with visible burn marks. According to initial analyses, the damage likely resulted from human error, rather than a design flaw in the processor or motherboard.

MSI, whose MAG X870 Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard was implicated in the incident, has issued a press release confirming that it has launched its own investigation. The company stated:

“Recently, we received a user report indicating damage to an AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor on an MSI MAG X870 Tomahawk Wi-Fi motherboard. At MSI, we are fully committed to the quality of our products and have begun investigating this incident. Additionally, we are working closely with AMD and are in contact with Gamers Nexus, which is independently investigating this incident.

We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.”

Potential Cause: CPU Installation Error

Reports indicate that the damage to the CPU and motherboard was caused by incorrect CPU placement on the socket. Experts, including Buildzoid, have pointed out that the user may have attempted to install the CPU vertically, ignoring the triangle alignment mark. This mishandling likely led to physical damage, including chipped plastic on the socket and the CPU substrate.

The affected user has since sent both the CPU and motherboard to Gamers Nexus for a thorough investigation. Enthusiasts and manufacturers alike are eagerly awaiting the results to better understand the exact cause of the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.

MSI’s Commitment to Quality

While this incident highlights the risks of user error during CPU installation, MSI’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. By working closely with AMD and independent investigators, the company aims to address concerns and ensure its products meet the highest standards.

As the investigation unfolds, MSI is expected to share more updates, offering insights into the incident and any potential solutions.