PC cooling manufacturer Hyte has issued an urgent recall for its flagship Thicc Q80 Trio all-in-one liquid cooler, directing all users to immediately cease operation and remove the units from their systems. The recall comes after investigations revealed a critical manufacturing defect that causes coolant leakage, potentially damaging expensive computer hardware.
Manufacturing Defect Identified After User Reports
The recall was triggered following multiple user reports of coolant leaking into product packaging upon delivery. Hyte's investigation, conducted in collaboration with the manufacturer, identified a fragile internal component that becomes susceptible to damage during shipping and transport. This component failure creates an invisible defect that can cause the cooling system to malfunction or fail catastrophically, releasing coolant onto sensitive PC components.
Immediate Safety Measures and Refund Process
Hyte has taken decisive action by instructing all Thicc Q80 Trio owners to power down their systems and remove the coolers immediately. The company emphasizes that the internal damage is not visible to end users, making it impossible for consumers to determine whether their unit is affected. Customers who purchased directly from Hyte.com will receive full refunds along with proper disposal instructions. The company has also notified authorized retailers to contact their customers and facilitate the return process.
Premium Features of the Recalled Cooler
The Thicc Q80 Trio represented Hyte's most ambitious cooling solution, marketed as the raid boss of liquid coolers. The USD 350 unit featured a 360mm radiator with three FP12 fans, measuring 52mm in thickness for enhanced cooling performance. Its standout feature was a 5-inch integrated screen powered by its own system-on-chip processor, 32GB of onboard storage, and dedicated RAM for displaying custom visuals and system monitoring data.
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| An example of a high-performance cooling system, representing the advanced features PC enthusiasts look for, much like the Thicc Q80 Trio |
Product Line Impact and Future Availability
Hyte has confirmed that the recall affects only the Thicc Q80 Trio model, while the earlier Thicc Q60 remains unaffected due to its different internal design. The company has not announced whether the Q80 Trio will return to market with redesigned components or improved packaging to prevent transport damage. Given the severity of the defect and potential liability concerns, a complete internal redesign appears more likely than simple packaging modifications.
Industry Response to Hardware Safety Issues
This recall demonstrates the importance of prompt manufacturer response when safety issues arise with PC components. Liquid cooling systems pose particular risks when they fail, as coolant leaks can destroy multiple expensive components simultaneously. Hyte's immediate action to halt sales and issue full refunds reflects industry best practices for managing product defects that could cause significant user hardware damage.