TSA issues with water cooling?

dvno · July 29, 2015

Hi all! I'm relatively new here, coming back to pc building after a 10+ year hiatus.

I'm considering a tiny build, most likely with the silverstone SG13b, pairing it with a xeon E3-1231 v3 with a TDP of 80 watts.

I assume that it would be best to get an AiO liquid cooler for this chip, as that is what most folks are doing with such a tiny case. The problem stems from the fact that I need to move this high performance small PC back and forth from the US and Europe over the next year. That's where the $1500 question comes into play (if any of you have had the wonderful experience of going through US customs with pc hardware know):

- Does anyone know anything regarding the rules / stipulations / practices of TSA agents regarding AiO liquid coolers?

Kyuubixchidori · July 29, 2015

Hi all! I'm relatively new here, coming back to pc building after a 10+ year hiatus.

I'm considering a tiny build, most likely with the silverstone SG13b, pairing it with a xeon E3-1231 v3 with a TDP of 80 watts.

I assume that it would be best to get an AiO liquid cooler for this chip, as that is what most folks are doing with such a tiny case. The problem stems from the fact that I need to move this high performance small PC back and forth from the US and Europe over the next year. That's where the $1500 question comes into play (if any of you have had the wonderful experience of going through US customs with pc hardware know):

- Does anyone know anything regarding the rules / stipulations / practices of TSA agents regarding AiO liquid coolers?

Are you going to carry on or luggage? Aios have had issues with the pressure changes(not 100% sure, but worth looking it)

Mine only gets up to 50*C with a noctua cooler . I'd recommend a nice air cooler, less problems with frequent moving it

dvno · July 29, 2015

It would be carry on; that's the main reason I'm sticking with the 11 liter sg13 case to begin with - you can stick it in a backpack. I don't know if I want my $1000+ computer rattling around the luggage bay in any case. I've seen lots of posts on other forums but there doesn't seem to be a consensus yet.