ASRock boards ‘kill’ Ryzen 7 chips, user loses $880
A computer enthusiast in South Korea destroyed three AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processors after installing them sequentially into an ASRock B850 Pro RS motherboard. The forum user OnOr documented each failure on QuasarZone, noting that none of the chips survived despite updated firmware and diagnostic testing. Two initial processors purchased through AliExpress stopped functioning, prompting the owner to send the board for professional inspection at retailer Compuzone. Technicians found no defects but a third processor from an authorized Korean supplier also failed, costing approximately $880 total.
Reports across online communities indicate widespread problems with ASRock AM5 motherboards damaging Ryzen 9000 series chips. Analysis from Gamers Nexus showed that roughly 80 percent of submitted cases involving dead processors implicated ASRock hardware. The Korean user confirmed operating firmware version 3.40, which ASRock released to improve processor stability, and denied using overclocking or voltage modifications. ASRock extended warranties for certain models in Japan following consumer pressure but has not implemented similar policies in other markets. AMD maintains that no systemic design flaw exists in its chips. The damaged motherboard and final processor remain with Compuzone, awaiting additional evaluation.
