Transporting a desktop computer internationally

[xitshsif]

A friend is flying internationally with their desktop computer. The current plan is to pack it inside a suitcase surrounded by clothes, after removing the hard drive and any other sensitive goodies. Has anyone done this, or have any thoughts about how to pack it?

I would remove the hard drive and maybe optical drive. Do you think removing the heatsink is a good idea? I wouldn't want to see the weight tear the CPU off the board.

 

[Matthias99]

The hard drives/optical drives (assuming they're screwed into the case well) are actually the things I'd worry least about. Though I'd definitely want to pull the hard drive, just in case the whole thing never showed up (or else make a full backup of it before shipping it). Everything but the data can be replaced.

Pull all the expansion cards, and DEFINITELY pull the heatsink off the CPU (and I would recommend removing the CPU itself as well so it doesn't get jarred loose from the socket).

Watch weight limits if you want to put it in a suitcase. You might be better off packing it in a separate box and paying the $50 or whatever they will want to ship it along with your luggage. Or else ship it separately through Fedex/UPS/whatever.

 

[bacillus]

yup, definetly remove the heatsink as it can cause terrible damage if it breaks free in the case.

 

[Skott]

He's going to put it in a suitcase and then have it loaded into the belly of the same plane he's flying on? There isnt a airline anywhere in this world I'd let have my desktop go through their baggage system. Better to ship it seperately in proper packaging thru FedEx or UPS. Let us know how it goes. Curious how this will turn out.

 

[taterworks]

Another vote for shipping. If you ship the system, the people dealing with the package won't assume they're just dealing with somebody's old clothes and tubes of toothpaste. Though the way UPS treats some of their heavier packages these days, you'd almost wonder if there was a difference. If you've ever seen the opening title sequence of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective ("Hmmm...sounds broken..."), it's surprisingly appropriate. I'd use FedEx if I could.

 

[xitshsif]

Just a quick update.

Everything (including hard drive and heatsink) was simply secured well inside the case. It was packed with the styrofoam ends that came with the case on the top and bottom, then wrapped in a quilt, and placed in a suitcase.

It travelled internationally just like any other suitcase did, and everything arrived in perfect condition. Maybe he got lucky. Maybe the baggage handlers aren't as terrible as we all think. Either way, I was both impressed and relieved that nothing was damaged.

 

[Skott]

Great to hear. I still wouldnt chance it myself but thats just me. The PC gods were looking down on him. The extra care in packing played a big part as well I'm betting.