What's the best way to "move" a system?

[Gig-O-Ram]

I put the word move in quotes, because it pertains to my upcoming relocation to Albuquerque, NM - which happens to be roughly 750 miles from where I live now.

So, beyond the obvious things of putting it into a sufficient box (I still have the box my case came in) and making sure it's packed properly with all my other stuff, is there anything else I can do to ensure that it survives the trip without the innards getting jostled too much during transport?

The only thing I worry about is the Big Typhoon suffering a lot of vibration, and possibly coming loose or something. I thought about putting packing material inside the case, but I didn't know if that was a good idea or not.

Any suggestions?

[Jokerswild]

The HDD's are the components that would be the most likely to be damaged from being jostled around so you could remove them and pack them in a box with packing material. What you need to check when you go to set it up again is that nothing came loose, like screws or add in cards.

[Hitman]

I have shipped my computer all over the world. To Korea, and Back to the U.S. and then to Germany. I shipped 5 computers to Germany when we moved here, successfully with no damage. The best thing to do is make sure that all components are secure. Pack the system with bubble wrap or Styrofoam in a sturdy box. When you get to your final destination, open up the case and make sure nothing has come loose. Let it sit for about 12 hours so it can reach room temperature before turning it on. This is most important in the Winter, and not so much in the summer. Also make sure there are no CD/DVDs in the drives, they can break in the drive and cause damage, also make sure you have no stray screws. If you're worried about a HSF or GFX card coming loose, remove it and pack it in a separate box. You don't want packing material inside of the case because it might cause static electricity.

[OcciferFriendly]

I also have moved my PC all over the bloody place without issues.

My method is to remove the cards on the inside, and I also packed my HDD in seperate containers as well. I also removed the wiring just to eliminate the possiblilty of anything being jostled around. It helped of course that I have a modular PSU, so nearly ALL the cables came out.

Maybe I went over the top, but she made it home with no damage, so I'm happy!

[RangerXLT8]

Originally Posted by Jokerswild

The HDD's are the components that would be the most likely to be damaged from being jostled around so you could remove them and pack them in a box with packing material. What you need to check when you go to set it up again is that nothing came loose, like screws or add in cards.

One would think so.... Hard drives can actually sustain huge amounts of gforce during NON-OPEARTION.

What I'd worry about is a big heat sink ripping out of the MB and crashing down onto the video card..

[screwballl]

I heard that you can get some unused antistatic bags from electronics and computer stores that just have a bunch sitting around and fill them with something like paper grocery bags torn up and crumpled... this helps keep everything in places inside the computer while the static is prevented from those bags. I would suggest taking add-in cards out and maybe use them as part of the filler so it all stays put.

[Gig-O-Ram]

I think I still have the styrofoam inserts that my case box came with, so that should help things. I'm gonna have to hunt some down to pack up my wife's system, though hers isn't as heavy and parts intensive as mine, I still want hers to be safe as well. I think I may go ahead and remove my video card, since it has the larger hsf on it. And I think I'll remove the BT just to be on the safe side (though doing that is a job). Maybe while I'm at it, I'll remove the hdds, but I think I'll leave the wiring alone, since it's all placed just so, but I think it'll be fine to leave it.

The only other issue is going to be safely packing our monitors (both of them 19" CRTs) and getting them through in one piece. But there's a place up the street that has boxes especially made for that sort of thing, so it should be ok.

[Reloadron]

If you have the box with the original foam or one like it that would be great. The normal bumps are not what you have to worry about, it is the SHOCK thing. That is where foam and bubble wrap come into their own, they absorbe shock.

I would remove some things as mentioned but again bubble wrap, foam and other natural shock absorbers are what you want. Think about how a new PC is shipped.

On another note, have a safe and happy move.

Ron

[Gig-O-Ram]

Originally Posted by Reloadron

If you have the box with the original foam or one like it that would be great. The normal bumps are not what you have to worry about, it is the SHOCK thing. That is where foam and bubble wrap come into their own, they absorbe shock.

I would remove some things as mentioned but again bubble wrap, foam and other natural shock absorbers are what you want. Think about how a new PC is shipped.

On another note, have a safe and happy move.

Ron

Thanks! I'm actually not only moving us, but my mother as well (she's gotta retire), and my sister is helping us out, so it'll be like one big, happy family roadtrip! First stop is in Las Cruces at my sister's place to rest and unload my mom's stuff, then on to Albuquerque to unload us. Then on to get a SUV rental, to drive back here and get the pets, check out of the apartment, and then back to ABQ to be in new digs by the beginning of July. Hopefully, everything will go well.

Well, I just checked, and it seems I don't have any foam protection for that box, so I'll have to get some, or just use lots of bubblewrap. I'm going to be towing my car on a transport (so it's completely off the ground), and I thought about putting my computer box in the trunk of the car, but I don't know about that yet. I was thinking it would reduce shaking and shock potential, but maybe I'm wrong on that. I just have this nightmare vision that I'll get in my new place and set up the rig, and then it won't work!

[Reloadron]

I wouldn't worry too much, I have a machine I call my road trip box. Older P4 running Windows 2000 & Linux Suse. I take it with me when I travel. Yeah, I need a laptop but blew my lappy budget when I built my last workstation.

Anyway, I shove the machine in a box with foam. Actuall an old Antec Case box. The box gets tossed in the truck (Chevy Burb) and away I go. Oh yeah, I drag along a monitor. I have dragged that unit with me all over that way. Never a problem. It also gets unpacked and repacked along the way. Next week I am outta here for W. Virginia and then on to N. Carolina to see friends. Just a week of screwing off. The wife does not make that trip. Then in July we will go to NY. Till I get a Lappy that is my way of dragging a PC for doing my pictures daily. LOL.

I wouldn't worry just pack things well.

I hear alot of good about NM. Have a friend that retired to NM years ago. I guess it is a great place. I recall an earlier post where I believe you mention going there for a job.

Ron