Review of AMD support and RMA interactions
Review of AMD support and RMA interactions
I experienced repeated problems with my 5950x processor. It worked fine for over a year before stability issues began. Now, installing Windows 11 is causing major problems—system freezes and it locks up during setup. I've been trying to get an RMA but kept facing resistance from AMD Support. Before reaching out, I completed a thorough troubleshooting process. My machine includes several components (plus a couple extra drives): MSI Meg Ace x570 5950x 128gb Gskill Trident Royal 128gb 2tb, 2tb MSI M470 (data), and 2tb MSI 3080.
My troubleshooting steps were:
- Wiped the boot drive and reinstalled Windows 11, which froze during installation.
- Swapped the boot drive for a WD Blue 2tb, which also froze.
- Removed all components, re-assembled, replaced thermal paste, and double-checked connections.
- Replaced the 3080 with a 2070 Super and reset the BIOS to its latest stable version.
- Downgraded the BIOS to the latest non-beta release.
- Swapped the motherboard from B550 to B560 and reinstalled the original 5950x.
- Updated BIOS settings and installed one RAM stick.
I submitted a service request at 9 PM on March 2nd, but received a generic response. I detailed my steps, BIOS changes, default configurations, and even attached a photo of the case.
Now I’m waiting to hear back about the RMA process and how long it will take for a replacement or fix. Have others had similar experiences with AMD’s support?
Have you considered setting up Windows 10? It might not be essential, but we can check if it’s suitable for you.
From my experience with RMA, it seems the support tech isn’t reading past messages in the correspondence. Just treat it as if your RAM is running at 3200 or even 2133—no surprises!
I updated once my 1700x with brand new hardware (some early Ryzen versions had a compilation issue) and 3700x (experienced significant uneven heat distribution, leading to overheating). Each time the process lasted about two weeks in Europe.
I'm on the way to receive a 5600x today so I can stay connected until I can get the 5950x RMA processed. I haven't attempted a Windows 10 setup or c-states yet. I might try it now before installing the lower-end processor. I just need to stay online with my main machine for this duration.
I experienced a minor issue in my system last year that was difficult to identify. It caused significant problems with my setup. Previously reliable configurations stopped working. I began troubleshooting using AMD, which asked me to perform a series of tests and send the outcomes. It took seven days to figure out the problem was due to a defective Molex connector powering my front 120x38 display. I didn’t complete their full testing protocol, and continue using that same processor. The situation deepened when my 5600X also stopped functioning under expected parameters.
Because OP has been using this product for a while, it seems unlikely to be available. For the stores I know about, they typically provide assistance only for a short period—around two weeks. Be sure to click the quote button so we can view your replies. You may mention several users by quoting them or use @wct097 to get a notification
Purchased it directly from AMD in March 2021. They required me to reset BIOS configurations and repeatedly asked about the latest BIOS version, warning me that 3200 MHz is the maximum they officially support. They dismissed my concerns, of course. They also insisted on placing the processor in the socket and photographed it with a note about my service request number. That seemed unusual. I had to verify my motherboard model, BIOS version, and all troubleshooting steps I’d taken. Here’s what I submitted: Motherboard: MSI Meg Ace x570 BIOS: 7C35v1h1 (also tried 7c35v1F) Troubleshooting notes: Restored Windows multiple times, locking up each time; after reinstall, replaced the boot drive and Windows again, locking up repeatedly; removed non-boot drives and PCI cards except GPU, still locking up; reset BIOS to defaults, swapped RTX 3080 for Asus 2070 Super, kept lockups; removed cooler, swapped 5950x back in, reapplied thermal paste, replaced cooler, still locked up; reset BIOS, cleared all four RAM slots, installed one module, kept locking up; swapped single RAM module, then another, then a different RAM; replaced motherboard with MSI B550 MPG Gaming board, continued lockups; reinstalled original board, reset BIOS, swapped 5950x for 3950x – issue persisted; reverted to 5950x, reset BIOS, confirmed RAM capped at ≤3200 MHz; finally installed 5600x, reset BIOS, lockups resolved. I’m exhausted from repeatedly disassembling and reassembling. I’ve spent a lot of time applying Noctua thermal paste, but getting the right amount is tricky. I don’t enjoy handling components so often. Today the new 5600x module came out of the socket while removing the cooler for a photo with the 5950x. That wasn’t appealing.
RMA has been approved. The QR code on the shipping label failed, so I paid $25 for insurance coverage.