PC Processors

[Xenostar]

I recently purchased this 9800X3D from B&H Photo. However, when I tried to verify the legitimacy of the product, the QR code on the authenticity label doesn't work (it isn't able to be recognized by any QR code scanner I tried). It looks like it wasn't printed very well. The SN on the label does match the one on the processor, however.

I'm not able to check BIOS information because I don't have the rest of the parts for the computer yet. So all I have to go off of is the labels on the box. I'm concerned primarily because the QR code isn't readlable.

Is there a channel I can contact at AMD to verify all of these serial numbers for me to ensure this is legitimate?

[cwiggles · Accepted solution]

Hi,

Comparing your photos to my boxed 9800X3D, they look fine apart from two things

1. The orange on the box is much more intense in your photos. That could simply be due to the colour settings on my monitor or graphics profile, so without doing a in person comparison it's hard to say. Still, I don't think that is a significant issue.

2. The label with the QR Code does seem poorly printed. It looks as if the top 1-2 rows of the text have not printed cleanly, and I would be more concerned about this. The label on my box is fine and the QR Code does take me to an AMD URL. Even the printing on the other label on the bottom of the box does not look quite right to me, something slight off about it.

Given, it could all be due to a bad batch of labels, however, after spending a significant amount of $$$ I would be taking it back and asking either for a refund or have them put the CPU in a system to show it is what the box says it is.

I have no idea who   B&H Photo are or what they are like to deal this, so best of luck. I genuinely hope it is just an issue of a poorly printed label, and that the CPU is in fact legit.  

Best of luck,

Craig

[Xenostar]

Thanks for the reply, Craig. Really appreciate your write up. I also contacted AMD and they felt it was legit as well.

[FunkZ]

B&H Photo is a reputable retailer and authorized AMD distributor that sells computer hardware and software in addition to the cameras and video equipment they started out over 50 years ago.

I would agree the printing on the label looks poor and the QR code did not work for me either. However the holographic sticker appears to be valid and if the serial numbers match you should be good.

https://www.amd.com/en/resources/support-articles/warranty/PIB-Authenticity.html

If you are still in doubt you can open an Online Service request and provide the product serial number and an AMD rep will confirm for you its validity.

https://www.amd.com/en/forms/contact-us/support.html

BTW you may want to delete, blur or otherwise obfuscate the serial number in your photos. No need to give the scammers a legit serial number to copy and burn someone else.