PC Building

[eebiii]

Anyone ever shipped a fully built PC? 

I want to ship out a newly built PC to my nephew but not exactly sure how to go about it. Doesn't have a custom water loop but does have a AIO and beefy video card. He doesn't know anything about putting it together and I would prefer for him to be able to unbox it and turn it on. Just a ton of bubble wrap? Any suggestions would be nice. I have watched a couple videos but the filling they use must be special order because I can't find it locally.

[johnnyenglish]

I would disassemble the cooler to avoid flexing on the board/socket and also the graphics card. Even with those airbags, I've seen some nightmarish shippings.

Lots of bubblewrap and airbags that you can inflate, put them inside and around the case.

Good Luck

[FunkZ]

If you have the original packaging for the case that will help to protect the outside during shipping.

To protect the inside and prevent components like the graphics card from breaking free use large plastic bags and expanding foam to create a custom fit in the interior spaces.

[mengelag]

The removable expanding foam in a bag that the manufacturers use when shipping out PCs. I'm sure you can find that somewhere to ensure things don't move.

[Sam_AMD]

I know our Gaming BU receives all types of custom-built rigs every quarter. And it ships our custom-built rigs to trade shows all the time. The ones I've seen never had internal wrapping or padding - I believe this is based on how well the rig(s) are built, and the level of the shipper's confidence. In your case @eebiii, I know you're an expert builder and something tells me that your rigs are built to last or "battle-tested" (no loose wiring, screws, dangling parts, etc.), and since the rig has an AIO, I wouldn't worry about too much. 

That said, I have two tips for ya:

1) [MUST DO] Be sure to require a signature by the carrier. For all good reasons! 

2) [OPTIONAL] If it doesn't break the bank, get insurance.

3) It's a given, I know you know this, just make sure all the components are installed, plugged and/or wired effectively. 

[rtbh99]

having shipped a few computers in my time, you definitely want to use the expanding foam packs. airbags will not be enough, you need something solid inside the case holding the gpu in place.

[BigAl01]

I would look for a family member to help your nephew insert the graphics card that I recommend you remove and pack separately.  If it must be inserted during shipment, extra braces to hold the graphics card will give you peace of mind.

[eebiii]

It's been a busy week with work, daughters birthday and prom. I am going to pick up some expanding foam and other packing materials this weekend. 

Thank you all for your advice. I have watched a few videos too but most of them kept every part in the system. I think removing the at least the video card is a smart move. But as @johnnyenglish said: "disassemble the cooler to avoid flexing on the board/socket" and I think this might be best. I will just print him instructions and/or facetime him. Thanks again all! I will post my packing job. lol

[mengelag]

I'd suggest also finding a good youtube link with a tutorial and forwarding that as well. lots of good guides on YouTube University