Moving a large tower PC across the US

[racketboy]

As many of you know, I'll be moving from California to Florida in just a few weeks.

We are only using our two cars Toyota Camry and Corolla as transportation and will be cramming the necessities in there with us.

Now I'm just a bit concerned about how I'm going to safely transport my PC.

I'm guessing I sould take out my Hard drives and maybe the video card to keep them separate and well protectec. I have the nice P4 lock on CPU heatsink/fan so that should be secure.

Do I need to be worried about static buildup?

Any other percautions I should take.

What about transporting a bunch of optical media (CDs and DVDs -- both originals and burned)? When we make stops, the heat buildup in the car might be a bit much.

Please share your ideas.

 

[it290]

Personally, I would just leave the machine intact. As long as you pack it in so that it doesn't have a chance to move around / fall over, you shouldn't have a problem as long as the hard drives are secured to the chassis.

As for the optical media, put them under something else away from direct sunlight and you'll be fine.

 

[Alexvrb]

I agree, wrap a blanket around the chassis so it doesn't get scratched up, and put it someplace where it won't bounce around. As long as none of the components are jarred by a strong impact, nothing should come loose.

As for the optical media, regular DVD/CD cases are always preferred, but if you have a bunch of discs you are taking without cases, a sleeved cd holder of some sort would come in handy. Worse comes to worse, you put a ton of discs in a spent CDR spindle, maybe with tissue paper between them. Put it out of sunlight and you're good to go.

 

[racketboy]

so no worry about static buildup in cars? I always get little shock from my car from static.

 

[it290]

The case should be sufficient to disperse any static that may be present.

 

[ExCyber]

If you're extra-paranoid and have any metallized bags you may want to cover up the ports (aluminum foil might work too but is prone to tearing), but apart from that static generally won't be discharging through the inside of the case since it should act as a Faraday cage.

 

[racketboy]

which would be safer? wedged in the trunk (laying horizontal) or on the floor wedged between the front and back seats (sitting upright)?

 

[it290]

Either way, although I would probably go with option #2 personally.

 

[Alexvrb]

I always prefer it being horizontal with the motherboard on the bottom. See, if its upright and bounces around, it puts more stress on the heatsink retaining mechanism. Maybe that's just paranoia, but I always feel safer with my tower flat in my trunk. Speaking of which, I may have to put it in my trunk on top of a small table tomorrow. Must remember to use proper cushioning.

 

[it290]

That's a good point.

 

[racketboy]

P4s have a good lockdown mechanisim for the heatsink.

But I would definately agree for the Athlons

 

[Gallstaff]

I like them on their side because they're less top heavy and thats they way they were built for 30 years. I dislike the switch from oldschool horizontal cases.

 

[racketboy]

well I put it horizontal in the trunk and all when well.

I also wrapped it in a blanket for padding

thanks guys!

 

[Alexvrb]

:thumbs-up: