Shipping an entire computer

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Dawgdoc

Limp Gawd
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
209
This is the only forum I found that might be semi-relevant so here goes :p

Im building a system for a friend who lives far away. Im am in NY and he is in Kansas.

I want to ship the completed computer. We are purchasing a case and planned on putting the finished rig back into the packing/box for the case.

I have never shipped a full/complete system before. This will be just the tower no monitor/etc.

Suggestions? Pack the inside of the computer case with something like styrofoam peanuts? Leave it empty?

Any suggestions on which shipping company would be the most reliable?

How much should we budget for this?

Thanks in advance!
 
Take a piece of Styrofoam and cut it out so it fits into your chassis. Slot for GPU, hole for cpu heatsink, etc. That way nothing can wobble.
 
I would not recommend filling the inside the computer with anything due to ESD concerns. I have shipped several systems inside the retail case box, so you should be ok.
The major concern is what type of CPU heatsink are you using? If it's push pins, or large in size, you may want to ship this in a seperate box. Heard many horror stories of these coming loose and totalling everything inside during transit.
Also any items that does not screw in, ie some tooless cases, you want to make sure they can't come loose and do the same thing as a loose CPU fan. If there's a possibilitiy you either need to secure it or remove it and place in another box.
Just recommendations that I use.
 
stuff lots of brown paper inside. that way it wont damage anything and should keep everything in place. just remember to use a lot and stuff it in corners and everything.
 
I'd go with FedEx over UPS. Take out anything big and heavy that isn't secured to the case. I'd get that special foam that conforms to the shape you need.
 
the gfx card will be fine.. if your friend has no clue how to put a heatsink on.. write a step by step guide on how to do it.. tape the heatsink and a tube of thermal grease to the bottom of the case and have your friend install it when he gets it.. and put it in the box that the case came in.. this is exactly how i shipped a system i built for my cousin to S. korea..
 
I also recommend not stuffing the case with anything. Use screws in addition to screwless design if the case allows screws. Insure your shipment.
 
IIRC, the boutique builders use that special foam I mentioned above when shipping a system with a large CPU HSF and large graphics card.
 
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