Will the TSA mess with my RAM?

[DeadlyPilot]

Flying out of Seattle tomorrow. I'd like to bring a couple sticks of ddr3 with me, but I'm worried the TSA will end up pulling it from the static bag and handle it without care. Anyone else have experience doing this? Should I be fine?

[GDRRiley]

I flew back with ram from NC but it was out of a tiny little airport. you should be fine. 

[NumLock21]

put it as carry on?

or just hope the TSA that's checking the X-ray is a tech head and knows those are ram sticks and not something else.

[ARikozuM]

Did you buy Michael Bay brand RAM?

[DeadlyPilot]

Just now, NumLock21 said:

put it as carry on?

It will be in my carry on in static bag. I really dont want them removing it from the bag however

[NumLock21]

4 minutes ago, DeadlyPilot said:

It will be in my carry on in static bag. I really dont want them removing it from the bag however

So you're thinking the TSA removing them out of the static bag is doing to damage it? So that means everyone out there who had taken their memory out of anti-static bags have broken ram.

Memory actually never came with anti-static bags, they're installed into plastic memory holders not anti-static bags.

 

 

[DeadlyPilot]

Just now, NumLock21 said:

So you're thinking the TSA removing them out of the static bag is doing to damage it? Memory actually never came with anti-static bags, they're installed into plastic memory holders not anti-static bags.

 

 

Yeah I figured the plastic they use doesn't hold much static. However I have heard how RAM is one of the most susceptible components to ESD

[NumLock21]

1 minute ago, DeadlyPilot said:

Yeah I figured the plastic they use doesn't hold much static. However I have heard how RAM is one of the most susceptible components to ESD

All electronics are susceptible to ESD.

You can put ram into plastic memory holder and then put that into a anti-static bag.

[DeadlyPilot]

Just now, NumLock21 said:

All electronics are susceptible to ESD.

You can put ram into plastic memory holder and then put that into a anti-static bag.

I probably dont have the plastic anymore unfortunately. Are you sure they wouldn't completely remove the modules from all packaging? 

[NumLock21]

1 minute ago, DeadlyPilot said:

I probably dont have the plastic anymore unfortunately. Are you sure they wouldn't completely remove the modules from all packaging? 

Don't know and that depends on how they see your items in your luggage.

[Lays]

I mess with RAM all the time leaving it on the table for weeks, setting it on top of monitors, PSU's, coolers, all kinds of shit.  Never caused any problems.  PC components are much more durable than people think they are lol

[DarkBlade2117]

Just now, Lays said:

We handle memory poorly in my lab at work, leaving it on the table for weeks, setting it on top of monitors, PSU's, coolers, all kinds of shit.  Never caused any problems.  PC components are much more durable than people think they are lol

old professor took ESD to the next level... was 10% of our grade on how we handled components relating to ESD

[DeadlyPilot]

2 minutes ago, Lays said:

We handle memory poorly in my lab at work, leaving it on the table for weeks, setting it on top of monitors, PSU's, coolers, all kinds of shit.  Never caused any problems.  PC components are much more durable than people think they are lol

That's the problem. Everyone says they never see problems, but really damage from ESD is impossible to diagnose. Even if your components just work, there's no say in whether or not it damaged their integrity/lifespan

[Lays]

Just now, DeadlyPilot said:

That's the problem. Everyone says they never see problems, but really damage from ESD is impossible to diagnose. Even if your components just work, there's no say in whether or not it damaged their integrity/lifespan

Lol.

[DeadlyPilot]

Man I really hate decisions like this..

[Windows7ge]

9 minutes ago, DarkBlade2117 said:

old professor took ESD to the next level... was 10% of our grade on how we handled components relating to ESD

Was the old professor old themselves? I think I recall hearing much older computer systems like predating DDR memory the hardware really was quite easily damaged from ESD. I do think equipment has become more robust...either that or I just haven't shocked a piece of hardware yet.

[Windows7ge]

How much did the memory cost you and what would it cost to replace if the TSA mess it up? Alternatively you could send it via shipping carrier assuming you don't require it immediately upon arrival to your destination.

[NvidiaIntelAMDLoveTriangle]

You'll be fine as long as you stick them together around your chest and put a digital watch that counts backwards.

 

[shadowbyte]

I've got a ddr3 stick which was shipped in bubble wrap and since then has been all over my house, from the top of my PC case to the bottom of my hardware drawer. 

it's still fine

however

ymmv

[DeadlyPilot]

1 minute ago, Jorgen297 said:

You can file a claim if your RAM gets damaged during a security check. 

Didn't know about that. What if I can't prove they damaged it? Could I just complain they where improperly handling a static sensitive component?

[DeadlyPilot]

2 minutes ago, Jorgen297 said:

Maybe film the RAM working, you removing it, and putting it in a anti-static bag and the newspaper for that day. Then you got proof I guess. 

That is a good idea. I'm too lazy though lol

[DeadlyPilot]

I suppose each stick is worth around $15. I'll be carrying 2 x 4 DDR3

[Arika]

[removed]

[gcubed]

TSA will be too busy squeezing the your toothpaste out of its tube to bother with your RAM. It will be safe.