The Hidden Risk of Used Hardware
A gamer in Germany who purchased a used AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D encountered a Valorant ban upon launching the game. Although the processor functioned properly, the user was immediately removed from matches. Support inquiries revealed the CPU had been blacklisted by Vanguard due to actions by its previous owner, highlighting that while some anti-cheat systems enforce temporary bans, others utilize permanent restrictions tied to hardware IDs.
pcbaumeisterfrom r/PCBaumeister/comments/1wqomor/gebrauchte_cpu_erlaubt_kein_valorant
Customer service confirmed that the ban originated from the CPU hardware ID and could not be reversed, though the affected buyer noted the restriction did not critically impact their overall system use.
Developer Policies on Hardware Bans
Following discussions on social media, Riot Games anti-cheat specialist Phillip Koskinas clarified that hardware bans are game-specific and last for a maximum of four months. Support channels provide remaining ban durations, and the system targets only the specific component rather than blacklisting every part of an offending player's computer.
I couldn't find his ticket, but this is pretty unlikely. Our hw bans only last 4 months maximum, they're game-specific, and support tells you the time remaining on the ban when you write in.We also don't add "everything else" onto the denylist when we match one component.October 2, 2026
Varying Enforcement Across Titles
Hardware ID bans extend across multiple developers and titles with varying enforcement conditions. Easy Anti-Cheat applies bans across all supported games, while BattleEye enforces permanent global restrictions. Other systems implement strict validation protocols, such as requiring Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Modules, or direct server checks to verify system integrity.
The Anti-Cheat Debate
Modern anti-cheat software remains a subject of debate among players due to concerns over system resource usage and intrusiveness. While some updates have targeted dedicated cheating hardware, online gaming communities generally view these security measures as essential for maintaining fair gameplay against cheaters and griefers.
No Pre-Purchase Verification
While temporary bans eventually expire, purchasing used processors or graphics cards still presents a distinct risk for buyers. Because secondhand components cannot be checked for pre-existing flags prior to purchase, unsuspecting consumers may acquire hardware already restricted by game developers.
