A Reddit user reported a sudden AMD Ryzen 9 9900X processor failure accompanied by physical swelling on the underside of the chip. The owner, posting under the name u/TheImmigrantEngineer, stated that the computer suddenly refused to boot or POST. The motherboard displayed a Code 00 error code and lit the red CPU debug LED, indicating a critical hardware failure.
After removing the CPU and cooler, the builder discovered a distinct bubble-like blister protruding from the center of the bottom contact pads. The top metal integrated heat spreader (IHS) of the processor appeared completely normal with no signs of thermal damage. The motherboard socket pins corresponding to the swollen area also showed signs of compression from the physical pressure.
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Hardware failures involving physical swelling are not entirely new to the AMD AM5 platform, which is also used on budget motherboards like the Colorful iGame B850M Ultra V14. In a prior incident, AMD initially denied a warranty claim for a swollen Ryzen 9 7950X3D before reversing the decision after public pressure. The owner of the failed Ryzen 9 9900X CPU plans to submit a return merchandise authorization (RMA) claim to replace the damaged chip.
Source: Reddit
