Travel-Ready Pcs: What To Take Out?

When travelling with a desktop computer, there are a few things you should consider to ensure the safety of your device. Firstly, it is important to note that you should always back up your data before travelling. This will ensure that you do not lose any important information if your device gets damaged during transit.

If you are planning to travel with your desktop computer, it is recommended to remove certain components, such as the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and graphics card, and carry them with you in your hand luggage. These parts are often the most valuable and fragile, so it is worth taking extra care of them. Additionally, removing these components can reduce the weight of your desktop, making it easier to transport.

When packing your desktop computer, use a hard-shell suitcase or box to provide extra protection. Line the case with soft towels or clothes to cushion the computer and prevent it from moving around. You can also use anti-static bubble wrap to protect your device from static electricity, which can damage internal components. Make sure to handle your computer with care and avoid dropping or knocking it.

It is also a good idea to label your luggage clearly with fragile and computer to ensure that handlers take extra care when moving your bag.

Some people suggest removing the CPU cooler and graphics card, especially if they are large, as they can put strain on the motherboard if the bag is thrown around. However, if you are not comfortable with removing these components, it is best to leave them in place to avoid any potential damage during the removal process.

Finally, when going through airport security, you will likely be asked to remove your computer from your carry-on bag and place it in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

Remove the GPU and CPU cooler

Removing the GPU and CPU cooler from your PC is a delicate process that requires careful preparation. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it safely:

Before You Begin:

• Turn off your PC and unplug all cables, including peripherals, to ensure no power is running through the system.
• Place your PC on a flat, solid surface, avoiding carpeted areas to prevent any static electricity discharge.
• Touch a metal object, such as your PC case or power supply, to discharge any static electricity from your body.
• If you want to be extra cautious, consider using an anti-static wristband, which will ensure you remain grounded throughout the process.
• If you are only cleaning your GPU and not replacing it with a new one, you can skip the software preparation steps.

Software Preparation:

• Download and run Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove existing GPU drivers and ensure a smooth installation of new drivers when you reinstall your GPU or install a new one.
• Follow the instructions provided by Guru3D for using DDU effectively.

Removing the GPU:

• Disconnect all display cables (HDMI, DisplayPort, etc.) from the rear of your GPU.
• Remove the screws holding your PC's side panel in place, and carefully take off the side panel to expose the internal components.
• Locate your GPU and remove its power cables by pinching the small tab on each connector.
• Unscrew the GPU from the PC case. Typically, GPUs are secured with two mounting screws.
• Release the PCIe expansion slot clips that hold the GPU in place on the motherboard. The method for doing this will vary depending on your motherboard. Some clips snap open, while others require constant pressure as you pull the GPU out. Ensure the clips are fully undone before proceeding.
• With the clips released, grab the GPU by its cooling housing or backplate and pull it straight out of the PCIe expansion slot. Avoid touching the PCB side of the GPU to prevent any potential corrosion.

Removing the CPU Cooler:

• Run your PC for about 10-15 minutes to warm up the thermal paste between the CPU and the heat sink, making it easier to detach the cooler.
• Power down your PC and unplug it from the wall.
• When removing the CPU cooler, use a gentle back-and-forth twisting motion. Start with small movements, gradually increasing the range of motion until you feel resistance, then reverse the direction.
• If the heat sink feels stuck, you can run the PC for a longer period to further warm the thermal paste.
• Avoid pulling up on the heat sink; instead, focus on twisting and wiggling it to free it from the CPU.

Storage and Reinstallation:

• Store your GPU in an anti-static bag, preferably the one it came in, to protect it from damage.
• If you are only cleaning the GPU, you can skip this step and reinstall it following the steps outlined above in reverse order.
• To reinstall a GPU or install a new one, simply reverse the removal process, ensuring all connections and screws are secure.

By following these steps, you can safely remove and reinstall your GPU and CPU cooler, minimizing the risk of damage to your PC components.

Pack the tower in a box with clothes

When packing a computer tower in a box with clothes, it is important to take precautions to protect the computer from damage. Here are some steps to follow:

• Turn off the computer and unplug all cables and peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power cable.
• Back up important files before moving.
• Find a box that is slightly larger than the computer tower and reinforce the bottom with packing tape.
• Line the bottom of the box with soft towels or clothes to provide cushioning.
• Wrap the tower in a blanket, anti-static bubble wrap, or clothing (avoid wool) to protect it from scratches and static electricity. Secure the wrapping with packing tape.
• Place the tower inside the box in an upright position, ensuring it is stable and not tilted.
• Fill any remaining space in the box with clothes, towels, or packing paper to prevent the tower from shifting during transport.
• Close the box and seal it with tape. Label the box with "Fragile" and "Computer" to ensure careful handling.

Additionally, when packing computer accessories such as the monitor, keyboard, and cables, it is recommended to use cardboard, cloth, and packing tape for protection. Label the boxes clearly to identify their contents and handle them with care.

Reinforce the box with packing tape

When preparing a PC for travel, it is important to take precautions to protect its internal components. While opinions vary on the extent to which a PC should be disassembled, most sources agree that removing the GPU is a good idea, as it is often one of the most expensive parts and is only supported on two sides. Additionally, removing the CPU cooler if it is a large model is recommended, as it can put a lot of torque on the motherboard. Other components, such as the CPU and RAM, are less likely to be problematic during travel, as they are lightweight and well-secured.

When it comes to reinforcing the box containing your PC with packing tape, here are some detailed instructions to ensure maximum security:

Choose the Right Tape:

Select a tape that is specifically designed for packing and moving, such as paper packing tape or clear packing tape. These tapes have strong adhesives and are resistant to splitting or slivering. Avoid using duct tape, as it is not suitable for this purpose.

Prepare the Box:

Start by assembling the bottom of the box to create a strong base. Fold down the smaller flaps first, followed by the larger flaps. Ensure that the cardboard flaps are close together and tightly packed.

Tape the Seams:

Use the chosen packing tape to seal the centre seam that connects the larger flaps on the bottom of the box. Ensure that the tape touches each flap and extends 2-3 inches beyond the edges for added support. Flip the box over and repeat the same process for the top flaps. Press down on the tape to ensure it adheres well, and add extra strips of tape if needed.

H-Tape Method:

For even more reinforcement, you can utilise the H-tape method. This involves taping the vertical edges of the box, perpendicular to the horizontal tape line you've already established. The tape should overlap the existing tape, forming the shape of an "H".

Snowflake Method:

If you want to further bolster the strength of the box, you can use the snowflake method. Choose a side of the box and use two separate pieces of tape to form an "X" by lining tape from corner to corner. Then, use two more pieces of tape to form a plus sign (+) over the "X". This adds four additional layers of tape, ensuring the bottom of the box is extremely secure.

By following these steps and choosing the appropriate packing tape, you can effectively reinforce the box containing your PC for travel, providing maximum protection for its internal components.

Label the box as fragile

When shipping a fragile item, it's important to label it as such, to ensure handlers are aware that the package requires special attention.

• Use the Right Box: Choose a box made of corrugated cardboard, which is thicker and more protective than plain paperboard. Select a box size that allows for a 2-inch gap around the item on all sides. This provides enough space for padding without increasing shipping costs.
• Label Placement: Affix the fragile label on the top of the box, so that handlers can easily identify it. It's also a good idea to label all sides of the box with "Fragile" or "Handle With Care" stickers, to ensure the message is clear.
• Use Official Stickers: Some shipping companies, like USPS, offer their own "Special Handling-Fragile" stickers. Using these stickers and paying the associated surcharge may result in additional care being taken during the shipping process.
• Cover with Packing Tape: Ensure the fragile label is securely attached to the box by covering it with a layer of packing tape. This will help prevent the label from falling off during transit.
• Consider Alternative Labels: Some shipping handlers may not pay attention to "Fragile" stickers, as they are so commonly used. As an alternative, you could try labelling the box with "Glass" or "Cremated Remains", which may be more effective at catching the attention of handlers.
• Insure the Package: While labelling a box as fragile is important, accidents can still happen. To protect your item further, consider purchasing insurance for its contents. This will provide added peace of mind, especially if the item is valuable or irreplaceable.

By following these steps, you can effectively label a box as fragile and increase the chances of your item arriving at its destination safely.

Take out the hard drive

Taking out the hard drive is a good idea if you're travelling with your PC. It's one of the most valuable and fragile parts of your computer, so it's worth taking extra care of it.

Before you start, back up your data. You can do this by copying your data to an external hard drive or using a cloud storage service like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, or OneDrive.

Next, turn off your computer and unplug it. You'll need to open your computer and access the inside, so it's important to make sure it's powered off and unplugged for safety reasons.

Now you can open the computer case. The process for doing this will depend on the type of computer you have. If you have a desktop PC, you'll need to remove the side panel from the tower. For a laptop, you'll need to remove the bottom panel and possibly the keyboard. If you have an iMac or an all-in-one PC, you may need to remove the back panel or the screen.

Once you've opened the case, locate the hard drive. It looks like a large metal box and will be clearly labelled, usually with "SATA", "HDD", or "SSD". Newer hard drives are M.2 Solid State drives, which are small, chip-like hard drives that are inserted directly into the motherboard.

Now you need to disconnect the cables attaching the hard drive to the motherboard. Most hard drives are connected with SATA cables and power connectors. Be careful not to bend any of the thin metal pins inside the plugs. Some older hard drives may be connected with an IDE connector, which is a thin, ribbon-like cable.

Finally, you can remove the hard drive. Desktop hard drives often sit on a set of rails towards the front of the computer case, so you can carefully slide it out using both hands. For laptop hard drives, slide the hard drive out of the slot it's mounted in, gently wiggling it loose if necessary.

If you're planning to reuse the hard drive, put it into an anti-static bag to protect it from moisture, dust, and electrical shock. Anti-static bags are cheap and can be purchased at most office supply or computer stores.

Frequently asked questions