Travel Advice

[Rakewell]

I am building a system for my parents out of parts that came from my last system (IE Motherboard, HD, etc.

I am going to carry the parts as a carry-on. Will the metal detectors, in any way, damage them? Especially the MOBO, for which I do not have the original packaging?

Thanks.

Rakewell

 

[sswingle]

Should be fine. People take notebooks through all the time, don't see how a desktop would be that much different.

 

[Rakewell]

Yeah, but isn't the laptop's mobo shielded by the plastic case, or would that shield it at all?

 

[DSF]

Originally posted by: Rakewell
Yeah, but isn't the laptop's mobo shielded by the plastic case, or would that shield it at all?

If a plastic case shielded things from the metal detector would it really be that useful?

I assume you're talking about the x-ray machine rather than a straight metal detector. I don't see why it should be a problem...phones, cameras, laptops, game systems all go through just fine.

 

[corkyg]

I travel regularly - just finished a long trip to South Africa. Laptops and components are not harmed by the XRay machines. Just put the parts in a bag and set it on the converyor belt. They don't let you take bags through the metal detector anyway.

As an aside, I used my new Skooba TSA approved bag - never had to remove my laptop - saved time and hassle.

 

[Denithor]

Wouldn't it be easier to just ship the parts? The TSA people are probably going to look at you funny bringing in a mess of computer parts, wires, etc...

 

[Rakewell]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Wouldn't it be easier to just ship the parts? The TSA people are probably going to look at you funny bringing in a mess of computer parts, wires, etc...

Prolly would be easier, but I'm concerned about not only the big expense of getting it to my parents by this friday, but also packing the stuff so there would be no damage (esp the mobo).

 

[Zap]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Wouldn't it be easier to just ship the parts? The TSA people are probably going to look at you funny bringing in a mess of computer parts, wires, etc...

If having the parts causes you to check in an extra bag, thus incurring fees, then ship the parts. Otherwise if you can deal with the extra weight and hassle, shouldn't be much of a problem. I've gone through security with near whole computers with no problems.

 

[syee]

Are you not checking in any bags? If so, slide the parts in between some clothing for extra padding.

No parts in a PC will be affected by Xrays. I've brought over hard drives and CPU's through hand carry and through an Xray with no problems at all.

 

[Rakewell]

Does anyone have any recommendations as to how I might pack the MOBO and any other parts, to avoid static when the TSA handles the parts?

Thanks,

Rakewell

 

[corkyg]

Put the mobo in an anti-static bag, and pack it in your roll-on bag. If you can get a bag and box from a local OEM builder, that would be golden.

 

[Rakewell]

I have a FedEx padded pack - with bubbles on the inside... would that work in lieu of an anti-static bag?

 

[corkyg]

That would physically protect it, but an anti-static bag would be necessary to minimize static electricity damage.

Just about every computer part containing electronic parts come in A/S bags. If you can find some small ones, you can open them up and mosaic them into a larger bag. You should be able to get A/S bags from any local shop that builds computers. They throw them away.

A/S

 

[Rakewell]

I'm in New York City, and have absolutely no clue where any local shops are (if there are any at all near me).

Is there something I can do, a jury-rig? I already have a plastic base from the box of a MOBO I purchased a month ago (the part that the MOBO sits on in the box).

 

[corkyg]

Well, you can always wrap the mobo in bubble, then stick it in a pizza box of the right size - and put that in your roll-on.

NYC OEMst