- AMD confirms problems with its 7000X3D processors and motherboards.
- The problem is caused by abnormal voltage issues with the processors.
- The company is working with manufacturers to resolve the problem with BIOS updates.
AMD acknowledges that its latest 7000X3D series processors are causing burns, damaging processors and motherboards. The chip maker recently introduced its latest line of processors using the new 3D V-Cache technology. However, Windows 11 users have been reporting that the 7950X3D and 7800X3D chips are overheating randomly, causing burns for the processor as well as for the motherboard.
According to reports (via The Verge), some devices using the latest processor will suddenly stop booting up without any previous issue. However, a clear burnt on the processor and motherboard is visible after opening the computer and removing the chip from the socket. Of course, the physical damage makes these components unrepairable.
Initially, an MSI spokesperson said on Reddit that the problem was caused by “abnormal voltage issues.” And the person also said that “it’s important to note that the 7000X3D series CPUs do not support manual voltage and frequency adjustments, but only support PBO (Precision Boost Overdrive) overclocking. In order to prevent over-voltage and reduce the risk of damage to the 7000X3D series CPUs, MSI has added some restrictions in both the AM5 series BIOS and the MSI Center.”
AMD has already confirmed that it’s aware of a “limited number of reports online claiming that excess voltage while overclocking may have damaged the motherboard socket and pin pads,” and it’s proactively investigating the situation and it’s working with partners to deliver software updates to ensure voltages are correct.
The board maker has already released a BIOS update for its AM5 motherboards with the necessary modifications to support “negative offset voltage settings, which can reduce the CPU voltage only.” In addition to MSI, Asus has also published a BIOS update for its motherboards to prevent the AMD processors and main board from getting burnt.
Although nowadays, manufacturers allow overclocking their processors, it’s clear that this is a risky approach to configuring a computer. Even though AMD is working with motherboard manufacturers to resolve the issue through an update, the chip maker nor the motherboard manufacturers are saying anything about opening up a program to replace the already damaged components.
Hero image: Speedrookie (Reddit)
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].