Shipping/Mailing a PC

[Vertikull]

Hey Everyone!

Semi-weird question: I'm mailing a friend of mine a pre-built computer (I'm actually writing this post on the computer I am sending). Now, how do i mail it? Just put in in the original case box, get insurance and ship as fragile? My main concern is the cpu cooler and the GPU. I'm mailing tomorrow and would vastly appreciate the help.  

[r2724r16]

I suggest you take out the gpu because your pcie slot could break.

[NoRomanBatmansAllowed]

Take cooler and GPU off maybe?

 

Add lots of stuff around the case to break the fall (tshirts, rags, etc).

 

Try to stuff some of those fabrics inside your case too.

 

If you've got the stuff, why not bubble wrap some of those HDDs?

 

But otherwise your PC should be relatively safe.

[W-L]

2 minutes ago, Vertikull said:

Hey Everyone!

Semi-weird question: I'm mailing a friend of mine a pre-built computer (I'm actually writing this post on the computer I am sending). Now, how do i mail it? Just put in in the original case box, get insurance and ship as fragile? My main concern is the cpu cooler and the GPU. I'm mailing tomorrow and would vastly appreciate the help.  

Your going to want to take out and large overhanging components such as large air coolers and GPU and box those separately. For the PC itself ideally adding some foam blocking inside to help secure everything would be a good idea, afterwards you will want to double box for case, so putting it in the original and a larger box around that with some foam. 

[Energycore]

One thing you should do is put some foam or other cushiony material inside, to keep the GPU and cooler in place. Liquid coolers suffer less from this. Then make sure you have good foam surrounding the case, preferably not the hard stuff, but some soft foam.

[NQSD]

You could see if you could get your hands on those foam packaging that expands, just like the companies that build computers.

[Encrypt]

Hello,

I think it'd be a good idea to at least take out the GPU and Wrap it up, as even with the "Fragile" sticker on the box, it will most likely get thrown around within the back of the delivery drivers Van.

 

[Vertikull]

Another Question: What would be safer: Mailing the PC or checking it as luggage? Basically, which transportation is less damaging?

[W-L]

Just now, Vertikull said:

Another Question: What would be safer: Mailing the PC or checking it as luggage? Basically, which transportation is less damaging?

It would be better as carry on luggage, for both those options expect the packaged to be dropped from a couple feet at the worst case possible so it must be packaged well. 

[Egg-Roll]

8 minutes ago, W-L said:

It would be better as carry on luggage, for both those options expect the packaged to be dropped from a couple feet at the worst case possible so it must be packaged well. 

Not sure they'd permit that. Carry on had to fit specific guidelines, unless op buys the computer a seat I doubt they'd let it on (even with a ticket).

 

Best option is to take the heatsink off along with the gpu and mail it, the original box should have sufficient packing for exterior damage. The card and heatsink should fit inside the computer. I wouldn't use foam as suggested above because that'll become a mess if it breaks. Use air cushions or boxes/cardboard to secure the insides. make sure the gpu/heatsink boxes don't sit directly on the motherboard (maybe remove the ram too in this case), use a piece of cardboard to protect the board.

 

Alt you can send 2 packages, one the case the other heatsink and gpu. Might be cheaper too due to weight

[W-L]

11 minutes ago, Egg-Roll said:

Not sure they'd permit that. Carry on had to fit specific guidelines, unless op buys the computer a seat I doubt they'd let it on (even with a ticket).

 

Best option is to take the heatsink off along with the gpu and mail it, the original box should have sufficient packing for exterior damage. The card and heatsink should fit inside the computer. I wouldn't use foam as suggested above because that'll become a mess if it breaks. Use air cushions or boxes/cardboard to secure the insides. make sure the gpu/heatsink boxes don't sit directly on the motherboard (maybe remove the ram too in this case), use a piece of cardboard to protect the board.

 

Alt you can send 2 packages, one the case the other heatsink and gpu. Might be cheaper too due to weight

Depends on how big the system is and certain places allow for it to be carried on just varies from place to place.

[NTDaws]

Anything large that over hands, Graphics Card, Fan Cooler (Bulky ones, sizes like the Intel Cooler are fine) Hard Drives and SSDs.