how to transort a PC in a plane

[spyral]

Alright guys so I have my entire system assembled and working pretty much. Now I have to take it back home with me on a plane and im wondering what precautions I should take to ensure that everything arrives safely.

I know there was a similar post a while ago and I browsed through it then but now I cant seem to find it.

 

[Kromis]

What ever you do, DON'T plant C4 or Semtex in your computer!

 

[bacillus]

I would suggest you remove the hsf as it it breaks loose during transit, it may do mucho damage within the case.

 

[ForumMaster]

i would suggest taking the CPU and Heatsink as well as harddrives out. i would also take the graphic card out.maybe seal all vents with tape. maybe take the psu out or tape and ziptie all the extra PSU cables. i assume you can take care of the rest.

 

[wwswimming]

22" x 14" x 9" is the max. size for carry-on luggage. i'd carry it on-board the plane if you can. having had a lap-top stolen from checked baggage.

if it's too big to carry on, i'd suggest taking whatever hard drives have critical info or the OS out & carrying them on-board in your briefcase or whatever.

also, yes, if it's a big tall 120 mm Heat-Sink Fan it'll put a cantilevered load on the CPU. a few bumps - even when it's being handled on the ground - and you're putting a lot of stress on the CPU socket assembly.

 

[imported_fallen]

I have had issues with just plain clothing being lost in Airline luggage. I would seriously suggest uisng something like Fed-Ex, or UPS & Sending it to yourself at your destination.
Regardless of if you Take it on the plane, or do the Fed-Ex route, do your self a favor & do the following:

1 As others have suggested & Pull out the HSF & Hard Drives.

2. Pack it very securely inside something that protects it. Wrap it in plastic to avoid dust/water/packing materials from getting inside.

3. Declare & insure it. Take pic's of how you package it to back up any eventual claims, in the event that there is damage. This may not be needed, but it can't hurt.

4. Don't worry "Too" much computer manufacturers ship computers daily & "Most" of those make it to thier destination without damage. Use appropriate caution & common sense & you should be OK.

 

[spyral]

Thanks guys.

I will be removing the HSF and packing it separately.

Ill also remove the HD's or just the HD cage itself and pack it separately.

The GFX card is also pretty big and heavy and so will need to be separately packed.

All cables will be disconnected and ted together and then stuck onto the case with masking tape or someother type whcih wont damage the case when I remove it.

Since I recently ordered most of my stuff, I have a ton of foam peanuts and Ill put as many as I can into the case box (not in the case itself, im not sure if thats a good idea)

I have the box my case came in and saved all the stuff that came with it like the foam protection, plastic cover etc and I plan on using the same to pack the case into. This box will be heavily taped up.

All separate components will either go into my carry bag in small boxes or packed in my check in baggage wrapped up bubble wrap and then placed in my clothes.

Are optical drives safe screwed into the case? card readers?

 

[imported_fallen]

Yes, as safe as anything can be, shouldnt be any problems there.

Also about the foam peanuts, make sure they are seperated from any of your gear by way of plastic, or anti static bags & If they are actual "Styrofoam" throw them out. Static & Small pieces of these can be an issue. You should be fine if they are the stuff like from new egg.

If you bend one & it breaks, its the wrong kind, if you bend one and it bends, you should be OK.

 

[Shadow Conception]

Sequel to Snakes On A Plane:

PCs On a Plane

"I HAVE HAD IT WITH THESE MOTHERF*CKING COMPUTERS ON THIS MOTHERF*CKING PLANE!"

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Shadow Conception
Sequel to Snakes On A Plane:

PCs On a Plane

"I HAVE HAD IT WITH THESE MOTHERF*CKING COMPUTERS ON THIS MOTHERF*CKING PLANE!"

Beat me to it.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I'd say skip the airline because they like to throw stuff around. Fed-Ex it and pay for the insurance (so they pay you the value if they mess it up).

 

[Skott]

Box that sucker up real good. Lotsa padding and protection. Maybe break the components down some first as people above suggested. Expecially that hard drive. You dont want people getting that info! Good luck. You are a braver man than me. Personally I wouldnt take any pc other than a laptop with me on a plane and then only as a carry on.

 

[Baked]

Disassemble everything, pack in anti-static bags, and use a lot of bubbles.

 

[Dethfrumbelo]

I wouldn't recommend going this route. If you're flying into the UK or US right now, security is a nightmare. It's possible that they may make you check it. I've even seen them do a body search on a 4 year old girl and throw her jar of Play-Dough away.

Shipping FedEx or UPS would be much safer.

 

[Baked]

Originally posted by: Dethfrumbelo
I wouldn't recommend going this route. If you're flying into the UK or US right now, security is a nightmare. It's possible that they may make you check it. I've even seen them do a body search on a 4 year old girl and throw her jar of Play-Dough away.

Shipping FedEx or UPS would be much safer.

OMFGWTFBBQ! That's exactly what the "terrorists" wanted!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

+1 for "Ensure you remove all snakes"

- M4H

 

[Skott]

Snakes are okay. They are just as likely to bite the terrorists as they are the non-terrorists. ;-)