Shipping a PC

TVeblen · 09 Dec 2014

I am building a new Haswell PC here on the right coast of the US, and need to ship it to the owner on the left coast - built, tested, and loaded.

Has anyone done this and have any tips to try and get it to it's destination in working condition?

The owner is fairly mechanically inclined, but has never worked inside a PC before, so I am wary of what I can ask her to do.
My main concern is we are considering a CoolerMaster Hyper 212 EVO, and I am concerned about the height of this thing creating enough leverage to tear the socket out if there was a jolt. I've considered removing it and then trying to walk her through installing it at her end but I'm not sure this is the best plan.
Or we could just stick with the stock heatsink and fan and not deal with the EVO.

Any experiences and tips would be appreciated!

oscer1 · 09 Dec 2014

Well if it was me I would get bunch of static free bubble wrap and stuff the inside of case so things don't move then wrap outside of case put in box then get bigger box and put more wrap between the two boxes. That should protect everything then make sure you put insurance on it for a value twice the amount of the package. Forgot to say to mark the box this side up so motherboard is on bottom of box.

ignatzatsonic · 09 Dec 2014

Expect the package to be dropped from waist high at some point in its travels via conveyor belt. I frequent musical instrument forums, which are filled with horror stories from all the usual suspects--Fedex, UPS, etc.

Go to a local instrument dealer and ask them how they would ship a $4000 electric guitar.

Consider shipping by Greyhound.

Lower your overall expectations, particularly as regards any insurance claim you might later file.

Consider having the shipper pack it to their own specifications on the possibly laughable theory that that might increase your chances of a successful insurance claim.

Consider a low profile cooler if you need something better than stock Intel. Scythe Big Shuriken, Noctua NH-L12, Noctua NH-L9i, Scythe Kodati SCKDT-1000. The Big Shuriken is very effective, but requires assistance from Superman to mount.

If you use a tower heatsink, consider attaching temporary bracing between the tip of the tower and the case to offset any forces applied to it during shipping. Possibly wires, fishing line, etc.

Lower your expectations some more.

Get lucky and find someone flying coast to coast and have them take it as carry-on. I once built a PC for my daughter and transported it that way.

Tell yourself you won't be doing this again.

Shippers are notorious. 30 years ago, I never received an inbound UPS shipment. UPS claimed a neighbor signed for it. Neighbor denied signing for anything. UPS denied my claim and I recovered nothing. Package value over $100.

TVeblen · 09 Dec 2014

You have confirmed all of my fears!

Do you remember the days of mail order PC's (from vendors out of Computer Shopper magazine)?
My very first PC was just like you described. I saw the delivery guy driving up, but before I could get downstairs he had reached the steps where he slung the box off his shoulder and WHAM! onto the concrete steps. Of course the thing didn't work (just a blinking light on a black screen). It ended up being just a loose IDE cable, but it took a while of spitting and swearing to figure that out!

essenbe · 09 Dec 2014

I will confirm everything ignatzatsonic and you stated. I have never shipped a PC coast to coast, but I have seen UPS sling My Motherboard and High End Graphics card over the fence at my house. Whatever your fears are about UPS or FedEx will come true. I do know there are shippers who will deliver fragile stuff. I bought a 55" Smart TV from Amazon and it was delivered by one. They brought it in and unpacked it in front of us to verify there was no damage. I only wish I could remember their name to give you. They did not set it up, but inspected it with us to make sure there was no damage.

TVeblen · 09 Dec 2014

Thanks guys. I'm currently thinking out Plan B.

RogerR · 09 Dec 2014

I have shipped vintage electronics (80's stereos, receivers etc) cross country on multiple occasions and never lost a piece. These are items which frequently can NOT be replaced.

Pack the item in a box large enough to have at least 3" clear in every dimension - more is better. Wrap the item in bubble wrap, then space out the 3"+ with polystyrene. Now box this box inside another box, again with bubble wrap and or styrene. Use good sturdy cardboard boxes and use the USPS type reinforced paper tape that requires moistening with a sponge. Yes, its a bit of a chore, but you sleep better.

UPS delivers millions of items every day, and they don't break many. You just have to pack it right!

TVeblen · 09 Dec 2014

Thanks Roger. Now that you mention it, I've sold a few vintage pieces of high end stereo equipment on Ebay and shipped those by UPS, wrapped and double boxed as you say. They were all happy customers.

essenbe · 09 Dec 2014

But, I imagine they didn't weigh 100 Pounds. It's not so bad when you drop something light that has good packing.

TVeblen · 09 Dec 2014

The Marantz receiver I sold was 46 pounds in shipping. Real wood veneer and particle board casing!