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Ideas for transporting computer overseas

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JonathanYoung

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Just want to get some thoughts on permanently moving a computer overseas. I will be taking it with me on a plane, most likely as checked baggage.

I have a Thuban X6 which I really like (great for video encoding), a GeForce 8800GT, a BD-R drive, 4 hard drives, and an SSD. At first I thought I would just bring the entire box, but then I realized that my allotted luggage space is limited and a lot of the hardware is easily replaceable. So, my idea now is to:

- Bring the motherboard with the CPU installed on it and HSF removed
- Bring the 4 hard drives and SSD in anti-static bags and adequate padding/protection

This should be the lightest possible load without having to re-install Windows when I'm overseas. I'll then have to get a new case, PSU, video card, etc., but I will have preserved my data and settings.

What do you guys think? Anything I'm missing? Better ideas? Thanks in advance!
 
I was going to say to ship it but breaking it down to the most important components seems the smartest method. The four hard drives will take up a lot of space but is necessary. Consider purchasing more hard drives to bring with you if you think you may need them. Also consider taking the gpu with. Maybe take the SSD, as possibly the most important component, and put it someplace separate and safer from the other components.

Edit: If low on space, consider shipping the hard drives separately. Possibly even making backups of the most important data for home and possibly even DVD's to take with you.
 
lots of antistatic bags/thin foam padding and just shove it layered into a box.

shouldn't be much more than a thick motherboard box.
 
I did this and just brought CPU, hard drive/RAM, motherboard (micro ITX so easy) and GPU.

All other items' value-to-weight ratio are too low (case, optical drive, PSU, etc).
 
Wow, checked baggage on a plane would potentially destroy it all. I shipped mine by sea using the case's original packaging. All worked out pretty well. In your case, perhaps taking it apart and using LOTS of anti-static bags, etc. should do the trick.
 
Remove the heatsink, ram, hard drives, etc. Pack the case in tons of bubble wrap and foam and maybe put a big wad of bubble wrap inside the case as well. All components you remove should be in anti-static bags and bubble wrap. I would ship it rather than take it with you.
 
Hand carry will prove to be a real hassle at security. You will probably have to unpack it all.

any reason why you can't just buy one at destination?
 
I would ship it out as suggested. You'll want to take of the heat sink at very least. They are so huge and heavy now, a slight drop from even a few inches and it will rip out of the motherboard, unless you ship it in a box where it's sideways, but I don't think UPS people actually follow "this side up" so would not really matter.

Though it would probably be easier to sell it and just keep the hard drives, then build a new one at destination.
 
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