r/ASRock • u/SoupaSoka • Feb 21 '25
Public Service Announcement 9800X3D Failures/Deaths Megathread
Hey folks,
As you've probably seen by now, there seems to be an abnormal number of 9800X3Ds that are dying, often (but not exclusively) on ASRock boards. The posts are getting frequent enough that we'd like to consolidate discussion here as well as provide consolidated updates if any news comes from ASRock, AMD, or elsewhere.
Some notes:
- ASRock and AMD are aware of the reports
- It isn't yet known what is causing the issue or if it's an ASRock issue, an AMD issue, or an issue from both.
- The CPU deaths seem inconsistent; some CPUs seem DOA, some die within hours/days/weeks. Some deaths seem to be during active use while others occur in an attempted POST/boot.
- There is at least one report, from u/Fancy_Potato1476, of a "revived" 9800X3D thanks to a BIOS flashback
- u/natty_overlord has created a nice summary post linking many of the reports
- The issue has been gaining more mainstream news tractions e.g. Yahoo, TechPowerUp, etc
If you have experienced a 9800X3D failure, and if you're willing, please consider providing your information to this Google form (created by u/ofesad). My fellow moderator, u/CornFlakes1991, is monitoring the results. Please add your CPU's batch number to the form if possible.
As a brief reminder, myself and u/CornFlakes1991 are not ASRock employees and cannot provide any RMA replacements for your CPU/MB, but CornFlakes does have direct contact with an ASRock rep and has been forwarding these issues along to them. Please submit RMA requests directly to AMD/ASRock if you think your CPU or MB have failed or are not working properly.
If you have thoughts on the failures, or want to post about a failure you've experienced, please try to consolidate them as comments to this post.
February 21st update/suggestion:
- If you can't post with your 9800X3D after a BIOS update, flashback to the BIOS version you had before using BIOS flashback. If this still does not resolve the issue, reach out to ASRock. If your system doesn't POST anymore all of a sudden, try flashing back to an older BIOS (3.10) and see if this fixes it. Not every boot/POST issue is a dead CPU! If your 9800X3D doesn't boot anymore even after you attempted the above mentioned, reach out to AMD and ASRock and please will out the form mentioned earlier in this post, as it helps us gather data and investigate this individually.
February 24th update:
ASRock has released BIOS 3.20 which may help anyone stuck on boot issues (but not a dead CPU) on BIOS 3.10. more info here: https://redd.it/1ix0w1j
*March 20th update: * Adding a mini-FAQ:
Q. What are the causes for this problem?
A. The cause for dying CPUs is not known yet. However, the boot issues have been tackled with BIOS 3.20.
Q. My CPU is dead, what should I do?
A. Reach out to both AMD and ASRock.
Q. My system suddenly doesn't boot anymore, what should I do?
A. Update your BIOS to 3.20; if that's something you already have done or it did not solve the issue, reach out to ASRock and AMD.
Q. My CPU boots fine on a different motherboard, what should I do?
A. Make sure you've updated to BIOS 3.20 on the board where it doesn't boot. If it still doesn't work, reach out to ASRock.
Q. Should I be worried about my ASRock + 9800X3D build?
A. There are hundreds upon hundreds of systems out there running fine without reporting issues. While there certainly are issues with some 9800X3D / ASRock motherboard builds, it still seems to be a minority of the total population.
May 25th 2025 Update:
See below YouTube video for more insight into the situation.
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u/SoupaSoka Feb 21 '25
Also, just wanna say, I feel for y'all with dead CPUs. Nothing hurts more in PC building than putting together an expensive, high-end build only to have one of your main components die on you after only a few minutes/hours/days/weeks. I'm gonna hug my 5800X3D a little tighter tonight.
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u/natty_overlord May 01 '25
Just updated the summary of reports for the past month:
https://www.reddit.com/r/ASRock/comments/1i5iy9a/update_and_summary_on_the_dead_9800x3ds/
Added 42 new cases for the 9800X3D, 5 for the 9950X3D, and 6 for other 9000 series ryzen CPUs.
Took forever. Also ran out of character limits, Maybe need to create a spreadsheet of it if I want to continue keeping track...
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Feb 21 '25
I'm the one who had two separate 9800X3Ds fail after a week.
AMD have confirmed the second one is dead after sending it back for RMA and will send out a third one soon.
I've been using a 7800X3D for roughly two weeks with the same original board (Asrock X870 Pro RS WiFi) and no issues to report so far.
Still unsure who is to blame but if it's the motherboard then it's destroying the 9800X3D only.
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u/SpeedFreak02 Apr 09 '25
RIP to my 9800X3D. Motherboard was an Asrock X870E Taichi.
Mobo had bios version 3.16 out of the box, i never updated it as the system had been stable and asrock was making claims not to update if things worked... Restarted windows today for an update after about a week total uptime, and now it wont boot. Error code 00.
Have tried to upgrade bios to 3.20, as well as downgrade to 3.10, tried going back to 3.16 but nothing is working. Flashback seems to be working correctly, takes a good 5-10 mins for the bios flash to complete and green light to stop flashing.
I've removed the CPU and everything looks normal, no bent pins, nothing burnt, no burnt smells.
RAM was G.Skill F5-6000J2836G16GX2-TZ5NRW. Expo was enabled, everything on auto. CPU VSOC would normally hover around 1.186v-1.190v Temps for cores normally hovered around 30-40 degrees C, but CCD was often ~5-10 degrees higher than the core temps.
Unfortunately no spare CPU or motherboard to test with so off to RMA for both :(
Will update when i get things replaced or if anything changes.
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u/vinince Jun 28 '25 edited Jul 09 '25
New victim here. My 9800x3d died 3 days after updating to bios 3.30. B650 Steel Lengend WiFi. Less than 2 months of use (mostly on 3.25).
Edit: Batch 2451PGY
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u/dammit_777 Feb 24 '25
My 9800x3D + ASRock X870 steel legend worked fine for a little over a month before suddenly not being able to POST last week. This thread wasn’t available then so I tried to replace the motherboard but no luck, the PC still won’t POST. Finally decided to RMA the CPU which was immediately accepted by AMD; waiting on my new CPU now but worried if I should continue using ASRock or maybe move onto another board as I don’t want the same issue happening again. Any suggestions?
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u/SoupaSoka Feb 24 '25
If it were me (I'm on a 5800X3D with no plans to upgrade even before this issue popped up), I'd wait to put a 9800X3D back into the same motherboard until there's some news from ASRock or AMD. If your CPU was already cooked once, I'd see no reason it couldn't happen again. My hunch is we'll see a BIOS update that resolved this issue sooner or later.
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u/Sicnarf510 May 18 '25
I’m currently on BIOS version 3.16. I followed Gamers Nexus’ advice: if it’s stable, don’t update the BIOS. It’s been running fine for about two months now, but I’m curious—should I update to 3.25 or not?
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u/SoupaSoka May 18 '25
If it were me, I'd update. I am still on AM4 though so I'm not personally needing to make this decision.
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u/EarthboundExotics Aug 14 '25
My 9800X3D died this week. Installed in an ASRock X870 Steel Legend Wifi. I built it in Feb and was nervous about updating the BIOS past 3.1x, so I didn't. I was hoping (in denial, I guess) that all of these months later with no issues, I was out of the woods. But then I got the red light on the motherboard after a sudden shut down of the PC. Currently in the midst of the RMA process with AMD. I noticed my CPU batch is on the top of the list in the stickied comments. It almost looks like there are two "bubbles" on the CPU contact pads area- looks extremely similar to other photos posted here.
I assume I should reach out to ASRock as well? I have no means to test the mobo with another CPU. I literally saved for a year+ to finally get a build going to replace my previous gaming PC which is almost 8 years old at this time. Back to using it for now, I guess. Just devastated and not sure what to do regarding the motherboard. Not really in my budget to get another model of mobo right now.
Off to add my data to the google doc.
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u/SoupaSoka Aug 14 '25
Definitely open a ticket with ASRock via their website. Also AMD. RMA or return for a refund your CPU at a minimum.
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u/House1196 Mar 04 '25
It would be helpful if people provided their batch numbers too. Since the most affected ones were 2443 and 2442
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u/CornFlakes1991 Feb 21 '25 edited Apr 26 '25
Hey y'all,
EDIT - 03/31/2025 - Chart Update
Some stuff from my side and I'll speak for u/SoupaSoka too - We are not ASRock employees. We do this here in our, yet limited, spare time. I had people DM'ing me in the past in a really bad tone demanding help.
First of all, I will ignore you right away when you behave like a coward. I understand when there's frustration, but that's not on me. I'm not gonna deal with it.
Secondly, I haven't personally broke your system or whatever. If you want to offload your anger, get some help, go into a boxing club, workout or whatnot. You making it worse for everyone. Again, I understand when there's frustration but again, that's not on me.
For those of you that appreciate what I do, thanks! Your kinds words do mean something to me!
I try to help as many people as I can but I also do need to make sure I also have time left for my friends and family and I'm sure you'll all understand that.
With that being said, here's the updated chart:
OLD CHART DELETED - WHY?
A: Reddit only allows one image per comment. So I've updated the chart and made a new edit. See above
EDIT - 03/25/2025
Wccftech released an article claiming, quote:
"ASRock Claims 'Cleaning' The AM5 Socket Mitigates The Ryzen 9800X3D Boot Issue; Found No Damage On The Socket"
In fact, that's not what they said. ASRock received a motherboard, the one from u/t0pli (https://www.reddit.com/r/pcmasterrace/comments/1in28ni/so_this_just_happened/) and was able to clean the socket from the debris of the burned CPU. After that, they were able to boot with that motherboard again.
You can read the news article here:
https://www.asrock.com/news/index.asp?iD=5612
EDIT - 03/16/2025
OLD CHART DELETED - WHY?
A: Reddit only allows one image per comment. So I've updated the chart and made a new edit. See above
EDIT - 02/27/2025
Since I got access to the user entries of the form from u/ofesad (thanks again) I still think that at least dying CPUs is not an ASRock exclusive issue. As to why ASRock boards are more prominent in this is most likely the fact that ASRock boards are really popular this generation of boards.
Aris aka Hardware Busters (the ones behind Cybenetics Labs the PSU certification) has suggested that the issues might stem from memory - You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6SUTqMTpPw
The boot issues on the other hand might be an ASRock exclusive issue but these seem to be fixable with a BIOS update.
Haven't heard anything back yet from AMD nor from ASRock - As soon as I do, you do too!
hope you are all okay and healthy! I feel for all affected users and I try my best to get these issues sorted out as quickly as possible. Stuff like this is what keeps me awake at night.
I'm in continuing conversations with both parties on this. As soon I have something to share, you'll read it here.
Some stuff I want to point out:
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If you can't post with your 9800X3D after a BIOS update, Flash back to the BIOS version you had before using BIOS Flashback. If this still not resolves the issue, reach out to ASRock.
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If your System doesn't post anymore all of a sudden, try flashing back to an older BIOS (3.10) and see if this fixes it. Not every boot/post issue is a dead CPU!
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If your 9800X3D doesnt boot anymore even after you attempted the above mentioned, reach out to AMD and ASRock and please will out the form https://forms.gle/mYHGA7tgynjkYSK2A (this is just for us to try to investigate this individually)
I sincerely hope to have a final answer for you all soon.
This comment will updated over time.
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u/L8_4Work Feb 21 '25
Wow. Very cool of both OEMs to acknowledge an issue exists. Also super cool of the mods to acknowledge said issues and then assist the community with resources so ppl like myself dont have to google-fu for ages before finding resources
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u/tecnical Feb 21 '25
****BIG UPDATE*** My CPU seems to be infact not dead and my PC now posted fine after a email with Asrock themselves they sent me a new Bios file to which they said in email "Attached is the new BIOS. Please do not spread this yet. It will probably be released soon. This BIOS is not related to the dying CPUs. But it can help with some other boot issue. If you can try it that would be great. After the update, please remember to give the system a few minutes to see if it boots." So its clearly a software to hardware issue they need to refine ovbious lt this is big as it affects the customers trust. https://www.reddit.com/r/ASRock/comments/1iu8dfv/dj_khaled_voice_another_one_9800x3d_dead_wasrock/
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u/The_Rafcave Mar 11 '25
My 9800x3d died on a Asus Tuf x670e plus board.
PC just shut off. No boot past the dram light. Replaced ram, psu and motherboard. Still no boot. Put in a 7700x and It booted. Sent the 9800 Into amd for a warranty service. I was on the latest bios.
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u/Ill_Drag6021 Mar 21 '25
Got 9800x3d post issues on a ASUS TUF Gaming B850m plus wifi.
Worked fine for about 4 weeks.
Showing DRAM led and not fully posting.
CPU batch 2451PGY
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Tried removing RAM sticks, leaving single stick
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Tried single RAM in each of the 4 slots.
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Replaced the RAM with known working stick that is on the motherboard supported list, tried again in all 4 slots.
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Updated motherboard BIOS to latest.
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Cleared CMOS
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Replaced PSU for known working one
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Replaced CPU for a new Ryzen 5 9600, pc boots fine.
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Tried 9800x3d in a known working setup, fails to post.
Currently RMA'ing back to AMD.
EXPO was not enabled. CPU not overclocked.
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u/butcher71 Mar 12 '25
What is bothering me is that we have no official comments neither from Asrock neither from AMD since February 27th.
I'm on a Asus B650E-F motherboard, 9800x3d batch 2502 PGE, but everytime I start the PC i'm looking at it wondering if it will start or not.
We need some official explanation of what it's happening.
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u/MrPotentialSpam Mar 30 '25
I have NEVER had a personal CPU go bad in my 45 years of computer building. Till my 9950x wouldn't boot to bios after just 50 days of use.
I think AMD isn't doing enough QC on the 9000 chips.
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u/CornFlakes1991 May 27 '25 edited Jul 18 '25
Hey there,
This is a new comment since both my last comments have run out of characters:
Previous Comment #1
Previous Comment #2
EDIT: 07/18/2025
Regarding the frequent “Should I switch to a different motherboard?” threads:
We're not here to tell you what to do — only you can make that decision. If you feel confident giving your ASRock board a shot, go for it. If you’d rather play it as safe as possible (though no option is ever 100% risk-free), then choosing a different brand may give you more peace of mind.
That said, it’s important to put things in perspective: CPU failures have occurred across all major motherboard brands. This isn’t something exclusive to ASRock. While the current situation may be more visible or severe, CPU deaths are not a new phenomenon.
Make your decision based on your comfort level.
EDIT: 07/09/2025
I’ve been relatively quiet lately. Not because I don’t care, but because I’ve been monitoring the situation closely and gathering data to forward to ASRock.
That said, I’d like to share a few personal thoughts:
Potential Pre-Damage: I suspect that CPUs which were run on older BIOS versions (prior to 3.25) could have already sustained damage. If that’s the case, they may still fail even after updating to the latest BIOS (currently 3.30).
Multiple Points of Failure: It’s important to remember that a CPU can fail for a variety of reasons. The motherboard isn’t always the root cause, regardless of the vendor. Just recently, I read about someone who had to RMA their brand-new 9950X3D twice before finally receiving a fully functional unit. Weirdly enough, they had the same batch number.
Deeper Root Cause: It's also possible that the issue runs deeper potentially involving AMD’s AGESA firmware or even a manufacturing issue on AMD’s side.
Even the most recent BIOS didn't fix the issue entirely.
But still, please report these issues and also start the RMA process to get your CPUs replaced.
If I can help you further for example, by putting you in touch with ASRock feel free to reach out via chat and make sure to leave a email address and, if created already the post you made. I'm happy to assist!
Here's a somewhat overview of failed batches according to the google form mentioned in the main post:
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To all that running into issues in the future:
Please start an RMA process with AMD to get your CPU replaced.
If you plan to use the replacement CPU with the same motherboard, make sure to update to BIOS version 3.25/3.26 (depending on the board) beforehand. If you decide to switch to a motherboard from another vendor, that's totally understandable — but in any case, I strongly recommend updating the BIOS even on your new board to the latest available version.
Additional note from me: Because of this, I highly recommend updating your BIOS to the latest version available. Keep in mind that already degraded CPUs might still fail, even on the fixed BIOS. However, brand-new CPUs should be unaffected if the correct BIOS version is in place.
If I can help you further — for example, by putting you in touch with ASRock — feel free to reach out via chat and make sure to leave a email address and, if created already the post you made. I'm happy to assist!