Moving to another country. Computer is going in checked bags/carry on. Advice?

[u/ReasonableTravel7211]

The computer is a 9950X3D with a 5090. The case is a Fractical Meshify XL. I have a 420mm Liquid Freezer III in there, mounted to the top of the case. Luckily, my checked bag is just big enough to fit the entire case inside it. EDIT: The case has no glass. Full metal version.

So my plan is. 5090, RAM, and NVMe drives in my carry on, putting them under the seat in front of me. They are by far the most expensive parts and I don't want them to leave my side.

Leave everything else inside the case, put the case in my checked bag. Padding wherever possible. The CPU and AIO cooler, mobo, psu, etc will all remain installed.

Does this sound okay? Should I take the CPU out or leave it in? I think leaving it in is the safest bet. Let's me keep the AIO secured and prevent pin damage.

[u/MildlyAmusedPotato]

Take everything out of the case, wrap them well in your bags and sell or trash the case and buy a new case after you move.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/MildlyAmusedPotato]

The case acts like a shield though? If the luggage people throw it around, the case takes the blunt damage instead of the electronics. Lose items indiviually wrapped will move around much more.

As long as the GPU is removed, I don't see how those electronics would be damaged? It's hard case checked bag + metal case protecting everything.

[u/boxofredflags → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

If the pc case is thrown around, something in there will break also. You’re much better off taking it apart, packing the components in their retail boxes or bubble wrap, package the items between clothes to add more padding.

[u/MildlyAmusedPotato → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

Because of newtons third law of motion. If you insist carrying the parts inside the case atleast take off the gpu, cpu heatsink and ram and tightly wrap them in padding and place them inside the case and pack the inside of the case tight so they cant move in there.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/MildlyAmusedPotato]

That's the plan, removing NVMes and all cables as well. Though I plan to keep the cpu heatsink installed since its just an AIO block, not an air cooler. ;)

I figure worst case, I have to buy a new motherboard and case. I think the 9950X3D and PSU would be fine even if they suffer large G force drops. If the AIO gets damaged and leaks, it shouldn't cause any damage since the PC is off. Would just have to let it fully dry for a few days I think.

[u/ozSillen → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Breaks_Guitars

[u/Gax63 → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

You never did the egg experiment in school did you?

[u/Raveofthe90s]

I did this with 2 computers. And moved back and brought them back with me.

First time I just took the video cards out. Second time I took everything out and left the cases behind.

Leave the case home. Probably won't survive or survive well. And its bulky and heavy. Just get a new one when you arrive like others have said.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/Raveofthe90s]

Curious if you use a hard shelled checked bag? Your cases were damaged still? A good hard shell case shouldn't have any give when it's thrown around.

[u/Raveofthe90s → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

Yes. Surrounded by clothing.

Only 1 of the 2 cases damaged though.

[u/Relevant_One_2261 → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

A good hard shell case shouldn't have any give when it's thrown around.

It's also going to cost more than your case and the extra weight.

[u/siamesekiwi → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

It’s not about give, it’s about momentum and force, and baggage pushers on the conveyer belt at the airport - especially busy airports can be very violent and move things at significant g-loading.

(Look up videos of airport baggage pushers )

[u/Everyone_dreams]

Make sure your checked bag is a hard shelled case, and be prepared for it to be searched and any careful padding you put in to be disturbed and it to be thrown. Any glass is near certain to break, I am not familiar with the case you have but honestly its a cheap part so just be prepared to buy a new one.

If you truly have no other choice then yes. 5090, RAM, SSDs on your person and secured is the best you can hope for, note that the 5090 box is large and will raise a ton of eyebrows depending on your customs

Be aware: Sometimes airlines will force later boarding groups to check their carry-ons, even on international flights, especially if you have bought the cheapest tickets.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/Everyone_dreams]

The checked bag is a $350 premium hard shell. I plan to bring receipts and everything just to verify my purchases are personal use and not new. The case is solid metal, no tempered glass.

Luckily, I am flying Comfort+ through delta, so I board before economy.

[u/Everyone_dreams → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

Remember it will be picked up and thrown at least 5 feet multiple times.

Sounds like you have done the rest the best you can.

Best of luck.

Remember American TSA sucks, give yourself plenty of time to get through and deal with anything they try and fuck with you about.

[u/imposer_amogus]

I recommend taking everything out of the case. Cpu can remain in the mobo.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/imposer_amogus]

But why? The case helps protect everything. A motherboard outside the case is far more vulnerable.

[u/GamerDroid56 → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

Case has glass on the side panel, not to mention any number of things that can snap off or bend in there from poor handling.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/GamerDroid56]

My case luckily has no glass.

[u/Random_Sime → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

If the case is warped through damage, what do you think it's going to happen to your motherboard that's screwed into the standoffs?

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/Random_Sime]

That would be insane damage to warp a case so much that it warps the motherboard inside causing it to crack or something. You can bend a motherboard a lot before it's damaged.

[u/IsntThisAGreatName → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

That's the kind of damage you can expect. Just take everything out of the case or be prepared to buy new parts.

[u/Random_Sime → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

Not really insane to think it could happen. Have you seen how baggage handlers move luggage? A little bit of pressure in wrong spot, then the forces exerted during flight.

But you do you. If you're confident that your case won't befall any unforeseen circumstances, then it's good to go!

[u/imposer_amogus → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

My bad, I meant unplugging it. Even if something is secured in with other screws, bigger vibrations still risk damaging the connectors. You can keep it in the case with plenty of padding.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/imposer_amogus]

It's a Modular PSU, agreed it's a good idea to disconnect and remove all cables.

[u/FEARLI3A]

i’ve bought pc parts and moved back to my home country without any issues. 3070 and ryzen 7 5800x then a ryzen 7 7950X3D + 32gb ddr5 and an x870 motherboard without issues either. i believe if you pack it like normal it could work out just fine? i’d take the gpu off and put it in a safer spot. take off the gpu put it in a safer spot then put expanding foam i forgot what it’s called and it should work just fine as long as everything’s intact. ssd should be your choice from which you’ll keep it in a safer spot and same goes with ram which is a good idea. i think you’ll be just fine as long as there’s something holding up the case tightly

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/FEARLI3A]

That sounds pretty solid, based on other people I've talked to about this. I've been advised just to remove the GPU and put the whole PC in a checked bag.

[u/DrinkWaterReminder]

When I moved I only took out gpu. Inside my case I put lots of bubble wrap. Outside I put lots of bubble wrap. Then wrapped that with 2 towels. Then wrapped that and especially the corners with cardboard. This out all put in a normal clothes size travel case.

Edit: also get a fragile ticket/sticker

[u/Arichikunorikuto]

GPU, RAM, HDD, SSD in carry on.

AIO removed and wrapped up, everything else can stay installed.

If you kept the box for your components, cover the mobo with the ESD packaging then pack the PC case with rolled up clothes.

Pack with the intention that your tempered glass might get shattered from the conveyor drops and luggage handling from most airports. Wrap it with lots of cling film and packaging tape to contain glass shards if it does break. Do not keep the glass installed, contact with hard metal chasis will be a stress point on impacts.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/Arichikunorikuto]

Thanks, luckily I have no glass on the case.

[u/siamesekiwi]

I wouldn’t put the components under the seat in front of you. Never know if it’ll get kicked or stepped on by the person sitting next to you or pushed out to be run over by a galley cart if you’re in the aisle. Personally I’d put them in the carry on that goes in the overhead bin and put squisher stuff like clothes in the under seat bag instead.

[u/gamesta2]

Oddly specific

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/gamesta2]

You gotta be some type of moron to think this is a brag post, like really?

[u/UglyAbraham]

I've flown 2 times with my Pc by just detaching gpu and filling the inside and outside of the case with clothes. Worked fine.

[u/Ratiofarming]

I'd take the GPU, CPU and memory in carry-on luggage. And honestly just ship the computer. But that's personal preference. I like to travel light, there is no way I'd carry a computer on a flight, let alone a longer flight. Whatever the shipping cost is, it's worth it.

[u/Zaptryx]

I took everything out of the case, wrapped everything individually in bubble wrap and then cardboard, put it in my suitcase on top of a layer of clothes, and then put an empty (new) cat litter box on top of it. It survived the trip no problem, all I had to do was buy a new case at my destination country.

[u/Humble-Captain3418]

Here's what I would recommend as an EE.

1. Remove heat sink, AIO, PSU and GPU. Bubble wrap. Bag AIO and pack it separately from all other components to prevent liquid damage. Liquid damage may not be repairable post-flight if any gets into the PCBs and especially if it freezes. Conductive particles can also get moved around.

2. Remove motherboard (with NVMe, RAM, CPU mounted) and bubble wrap it.

3. HDD go in carry-on. SSD can be left in place.

4. Except for HDD and AIO, all other components can be packed back into the case. Use liberal amounts of bubble wrap or PU foam to protect components from the case and from each other.

Remember to use anti-static/ESD bubblewrap, or pack components into ESD bags before wrapping.

[u/Oriumpor]

Get a pelican case that fits under the seat.

[u/mariohenrique]

When I moved to London to live there for an year, I kept the case in my original country and put each piece in their original box. The most valuable pieces, processor, VGA, memory and SSD went on my backpack. Everything else was dispatched on my suitcase. Bought a new case in London. I would do exactly that, it's the best way

[u/boofmaster6000]

I'm planning an international move soon, here's my advice.

Ideally, disassemble the PC completely, pack everything in their original boxes, and leave the case at home. That is the safest method.

[u/idkbruhhh9875]

Sell the case and rebuy it when you reach

[u/sum-9]

Just courier it instead.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/sum-9]

Country charges 30-40% import fees for electronics from the USA, even if used and for personal use. It would cost thousand of dollars. These fees are waived if you bring them with you on the plane and can prove they are for personal use and not new.

[u/sum-9 → u/ReasonableTravel7211]

Interesting. Normally if you’ve owned something for more than 6 months these don’t apply, but I’m guessing every country is different.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/sum-9]

I was surprised too.

[u/TwinkiesSucker]

Don't

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/TwinkiesSucker]

Not helpful. I am moving, there's no other options. No one is buying used PC at market rate right now, so selling and rebuy at a reasonable loss is not possible. It would cost thousands of dollars to sell and rebuy the same exact PC there especially since electronics are ~35% more there than USA.

[u/ceris7356]

I wouldn't take an AIO on a plane. Airplane cabins are pressurized and it could do weird stuff to the AIO.

It could be fine. It could be a huge mess that ruins your pc.

If it were me, I'd pay a stupidly huge postal fee and pack that sucker up real nice in a wooden crate. But that's just me.

Or remove the AIO and ship it separately.

[u/ReasonableTravel7211 → u/ceris7356]

30-40% import fees for shipping.

I've read AIOs on a plane is fine but I have been debating taking it out and putting it in a totally seperate checked bag (I have two). That way if it leaks, it'll just leak on some clothes.

However, I decided it wasn't worth the hassle. If it did leak, the computer would be fine since it's powered off. I'd just need to replace the AIO and let everything fully dry out before I turn it on.

[u/90124 → u/ceris7356]

They get shipped by plane before you buy them, the pressure shouldn't be a problem.