Packing a PC for flight?

[thegreatone]

Ok, does anyone have any links/advice about packing a PC so it can be moved abroad? I'm on about the physical packaging of it here. All i can think of is bubble wrap for some reason, except i don't think it would be sufficient.

Also, if anyone could find information on how i could run this Power Supply (Currently in the UK) in Norway then i'd be grateful

Thanks in advance people.

[si_the_geek]

A couple of years ago I knew somebody who (at work) sent a server on a similar journey.. they used a specialist company who provided a "flight case" (no idea where/if you could buy one!) and insurance etc, which cost a few hundred pounds.

In terms of the power supply, as long as you have a little switch at the back of your PSU (typically a little red plastic thing that needs a screwdriver to move, and is labelled "220/110") you should be able to just flick the switch and use a different power cable (which you can probably buy for a few euros over there).

[Andy_P]

Should be no need to touch the PSU, as Norway uses 230V 50HZ as we do in UK. As Si says, only a new power lead should do the trick.

Check this link for info on international power sockets etc:

http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

[mendhak]

If you have a CRT monitor, you should be more concerned. We all know how gently luggage is treated at airports.

[thegreatone]

If you have a CRT monitor, you should be more concerned. We all know how gently luggage is treated at airports.

Nah, it's a TFT. Still concerned mind.

Right now my options look like packing in original box with polystyrene packing (although this seems to create static ) or ditch the case, ship components in original packing and rebuild minus case in Norway.

[dark_shadow]

1 word buddy : laptop lol
have fun in norway

now kind of a crazy idea but couldnt you just like ups or fedex it down there? a day or so before you go then it will be there when you get there?

[Al42]

We once packed a PC for air shipment halfway across the country. The plane crashed into the side of a mountain in heavy fog. The PC lost a front panel - the plastic snapped. Otherwise it was okay.

There was 12 inches of compressed foam (kind of like natural sponge, but much denser) on all 6 sides of the case. Just get compressed foam and a carton large enough to allow you to pack the foam in on all sides. It comes in sheets about 4 inches thick, so it's easy to pack.

[mendhak]

We once packed a PC for air shipment halfway across the country. The plane crashed into the side of a mountain in heavy fog. The PC lost a front panel - the plastic snapped. Otherwise it was okay.

There was 12 inches of compressed foam (kind of like natural sponge, but much denser) on all 6 sides of the case. Just get compressed foam and a carton large enough to allow you to pack the foam in on all sides. It comes in sheets about 4 inches thick, so it's easy to pack.

Did you find drops of blood anywhere?

[chris1990]

just make sure you have insurance

[dannyg]

insurance and lots and lots of polystyrene or bubble wrap then you have something to play with when you get there too, bonus

[thegreatone]

Insurance is being taken care of, i think i'm gonna ship it over land, along with my other stuff, and live without it for a week or three...

[chris1990]

just a thought why dont you take it in the cabin with you. You wont be allowed to use it but you can keep an eye on it.

[visualAd]

I would suggest flying it over yourself and taking it as hand luggage but they have since changed the rules on that. Personally, I would dismantle it and ship it in bits as separate parcels.

[schoolbusdriver]

Bubble wrap's a good packing material - but a better one is the foam that's usually laid under laminate floors. You can get it from places like B&Q. It's reasonably tough stuff too, and light. About a yard wide, on looooong rolls. Add a bit of masking tape and you're all set. You can stuff it inside cavities too if you're really paranoid.

[thegreatone]

Bubble wrap's a good packing material - but a better one is the foam that's usually laid under laminate floors. You can get it from places like B&Q. It's reasonably tough stuff too, and light. About a yard wide, on looooong rolls. Add a bit of masking tape and you're all set. You can stuff it inside cavities too if you're really paranoid.

That's a fantastic idea, and i could store stuff inside it too, like the hundred metres of Cat5E & Cat6 i'll be shifting as well...

[dark_shadow]

by the looks of this your gonna be down there for a good while wonder why lol

[schoolbusdriver]

Actually, another couple of things have sprung to mind.

1) If you haven't done it already, remove the heatsink from the processor - they're heavy, and could cause cracks in the mobo with rough handling.

2) Make your budget stretch to one of these wheeled cases - you know the type - 2/4 wheels and a pull-out handle. PC gear is heavy. ARGOS sells types made from ABS - not bomb-proof, but definitely brick-proof. Like Cat No: 075-0879, around £40 http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...Terms=075-0879 My son transported delicates (by air) to and from Ireland in one of these last christmas. Everything survived intact, including large glass fronted pictures. They usually have several large webbed pockets for various bits.

(And you can always use it as a sledge when you've done )

You can also chop up a cheap/old quilt and use that as extra padding.