Transporting a PC.

Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member -  
Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member -
Hello,
I sometimes make trips to Germany. I would like to take my PC with me for LAN parties during my longer stays. Since these trips are not regular (2/3 times a year), I don't want to use a mini case for my setup (I find the Elite 430 more comfortable).
I once completely disassembled it to put it back together there, but I'm afraid of damaging the components over time, and it's not very practical.

I'm asking you about the risks for my setup that a car trip entails (potholes, speed bumps, etc...).

Is it risky? What precautions can I take?
I think transporting the monitor is not risky.

Thank you for your attention. :)

Configuration: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Processor: Phenom x II 965 B.E (3.6 GHz)
Motherboard: Gigabytes micro ATX
Graphics card: GTX 460 1 GB Gigabytes
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws 2 x 2 GB 1600 MHz C7
Hard drive: Samsung Spinpoint F.3 1 TB
DVD writer: LG dual layer
Power supply: Cooler Master Gx 550W (Soon a Seasonic, for the silence)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 430 with 2 additional 120mm fans.

4 answers

LordMacDragus Posted messages 13817 Status Contributor 2 886
 
Hello,

"Is it risky? What precautions should be taken?"
It's always risky to transport a desktop PC over long distances since it's not designed for that. But since you don't plan to move it very often, just pay attention to these few points:

- Try to pack it in a box with polystyrene (or something else that can absorb shocks...)
- When you place it in the trunk of a car, for example, lay it on the side of the motherboard
- Secure it well so that it doesn’t move from one side to the other in the trunk during the trip
- And of course, when transporting a desktop PC, the best thing is to try to drive smoothly...

There you go!

See you! =)
--
LordMacDragus
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
Hummm, thanks for your reply, that's indeed the idea I had about transportation, but are you sure that one or two trips a year won't damage it more than that if I take the right precautions? (I plan to put it back in the box with the polystyrene).
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LordMacDragus Posted messages 13817 Status Contributor 2 886
 
No, it will be fine if you are careful not to bump it while moving it and take a minimum of precautions like I mentioned above.

"(I plan to put it back in the box with the polystyrene)."
There you go, good idea.

=)
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
Well, thank you for your response even though I’m a little apprehensive.
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elrking096 Posted messages 1482 Status Member 49
 
I think it would be better to buy a netbook to be safe :hap:
Otherwise, if you have to transport this one, wrap it in polystyrene or its original box but keep it upright
Also, how much does your tower weigh? Because a mini tower is not too bad.
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
Ah well, lying down or standing up? I don't know, she's not excessively heavy. Maybe 6/7 kilos. She's an average height. So it's too risky to transport her?
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LordMacDragus Posted messages 13817 Status Contributor 2 886
 
A desktop PC should be transported lying on its side with the motherboard facing up. Transporting it "upright" increases the risk of falls during the journey.

=)
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
So, let's recap:

The PC is on the side of the back of the motherboard and in its box with possibly some blankets to secure the PC even more in the box.
I will wedge the box in a corner of the trunk, I will dismantle the hard drive, it's quick and safer I think, and maybe the graphics card or is it worse to take it out of the slot and put it back than to leave it in?

And that's it, is that correct?
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LordMacDragus Posted messages 13817 Status Contributor 2 886
 
You can leave the hard drive and the graphics card. But make sure to secure the box so it doesn’t move around in the trunk during the trip.

And that will be fine, you don’t have to worry about anything more than that...

=)
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
Thank you.
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Coleen10 Posted messages 178 Status Member 3
 
Are you required to take it apart?
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
No no, I'm not obliged.
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Coleen10 Posted messages 178 Status Member 3
 
Yes, if you pack it well and wrap it in a blanket, the shocks can be avoided, I think.
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Vachet Posted messages 701 Status Member 52
 
Thank you for your help!
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