Bringing a desktop computer to college via minivan

[eLiu]

Hey all,
I'm going to be brining my desktop with me to college in less than a month. Now I've never had to move the computer before, and I don't want it to bump around in the minivan and die...if that's even a possibility.

So my quesiton to you guys is this: have any of you stuck a computer in a car and driven it somewhere? If so, how do you recommend doing it? Do I need to put my case in a box with some foam "popcorn" things? Can I just sit it on the floor of the van, between some boxes/pillows/something so it doesn't move around...? Do I even need to do that much?

Oh, do I need to remove the heatsink? It's a SocketA system; the heatsink uses those tension clips to grip the socket. I realize they apply an a**load of force, but should the heatsink come off, it'd probably smash the other components...so I gotta know...do I take it off?

Well, thanks in advance. I hope it doesnt require anything special to move this box...make my life easier, hehe

-Eric

 

[hevnsnt]

floor, Just make sure it doesn't bounce around, you will be fine..

I normally just cram mine between the front & back seats..

 

[PunDogg]

yeah floor is fine

Dogg

 

[dc]

never had a real problem with just sitting it on the floor, might have a small chance of a loose pci card or stick of ram when you arrive though.

 

[MacBaine]

I usually save a seat for mine, buckle it in. Backseat though... it's only a few months old. My server is getting a little older though, I may let it sit up front next time.

 

[Leetman]

Just put it on the floor and make sure it's not sliding around and slamming into things too much. (put it between other things or something)

 

[The Stigenator]

yup i have transferred a lot of computers.. i usually seat belt it to one of the seats.

 

[eLiu]

Cool...this makes me feel better. I'll buckle it into one of the minivan's backseats or use some duffle bags (full of clothes) + my pillow to sandwich it in somewheres. Good that I don't have to take the HSF off too...mine is a pain to get on/off.

Thanks,
-Eric

 

[JoeKing]

just make sure everything is seated securly in the box and there are no loose screws.

 

[GeekDrew]

I routinely have to move desktops and servers between buildings for the school I work for... how I treat them depends on how they are built. The Dell PowerEdge servers, for example, I just let lay down in the back of my SUV. None of them have ever gone anywhere before, nor have they become damaged or have failed.

The tower servers and desktop towers that are lighter, I normally either strap very well into my backseat, or, because my seatbelts don't like towers to much, I sit them (when transferring one at a time) between the rear seat and the front passenger seat. Slide & recline the front passenger seat until it's secure in place (as long as there's nobody riding in it).

 

[eLiu]

Originally posted by: GeekDrew
I routinely have to move desktops and servers between buildings for the school I work for... how I treat them depends on how they are built. The Dell PowerEdge servers, for example, I just let lay down in the back of my SUV. None of them have ever gone anywhere before, nor have they become damaged or have failed.

The tower servers and desktop towers that are lighter, I normally either strap very well into my backseat, or, because my seatbelts don't like towers to much, I sit them (when transferring one at a time) between the rear seat and the front passenger seat. Slide & recline the front passenger seat until it's secure in place (as long as there's nobody riding in it).

Well, I'm going to be riding in the front passenger seat, so that's probably a no-go. I'll find somewhere else to wedge it in or strap it in with a seatbelt...sounds like everyone has had success with either of those methods.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Tie it on a string and let it drag behind the back of the minivan.

 

[fs5]

if you want to be on the safe side:
put it right behind a passenger seat on the floor. Lean the passenger seat back far enough so that it wedges the tower there. Also put a pillow and maybe a blanket underneath incase you hit some nasty bumps.