Buying used CPUs risks anti-cheat bans
The thrill of a new gaming setup should be pure, but for some, it can quickly turn into a frustrating nightmare. A recent incident highlights the complex, sometimes arbitrary, world of online anti-cheat systems, proving that even the components you buy can carry unforeseen digital baggage.
It all started with a gamer in Germany who purchased a used AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D processor. When they tried to launch the popular title Valorant, they were immediately slapped with a ban. The reason? The processor was blacklisted by the anti-cheat system, Vanguard, because its previous owner was allegedly involved in cheating.
When the buyer reached out to Riot Games for support, they learned that while the hardware ID (HWID) of the CPU was flagged, Riot’s system generally limits these hardware bans to a maximum of four months and keeps them game-specific. However, customer service was unable to reverse the ban, emphasizing that the hardware marker had already been logged against the account.
This situation underscores a key difference in how various anti-cheat technologies operate. While Vanguard enforces hardware bans, other systems, such as Easy Anti-Cheat, utilize hardware IDs to enforce permanent bans across multiple titles, and systems like BattleEye enforce more global bans. Even more stringent systems, like those used in Call of Duty, may consult external servers to confirm system integrity.
The debate surrounding these intrusive systems is intense. While gamers understandably demand robust protection against cheaters and griefers to keep the competitive landscape fair, anti-cheat software has drawn criticism for being overly intrusive and resource-intensive. Some updates have even led to concerns that the gaming industry might be targeting specific types of cheating hardware.
Despite the controversy, the systems are viewed by many as essential for maintaining a playable online environment. However, the incident involving the used CPU leaves a lingering concern for consumers: buying used hardware carries an inherent risk. Even if the previous owner denies any wrongdoing, a buyer purchasing flagged components may face repercussions, highlighting the delicate, and often unfair, intersection between hardware, ownership, and online gaming.
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