You can keep some items on the case while you move, and others you should take with you.
You can keep some items on the case while you move, and others you should take with you.
Hey everyone! I’m moving out and hoping to keep as many parts as possible inside the case. It’s likely there’ll be a lot of shaking and movement while the truck carries it, so I’d like the case to fit snugly with the Styrofoam padding. I plan to leave the main components—like the MB, CPU (i5 8400), RAM, PSU—and everything else I take, such as the CPU cooler, fans, GPU, HDDs, and SSDs. Is this a solid approach? Any adjustments you’d suggest? Thanks!
Ensure the large heatsink is taken off to avoid damaging the board. For closed-loop water cooling, keep it on. Take out the dedicated GPU. The main problem here is risking damage to the PCI-e slot during transport. Also consider HDDs just to be safe with your data. That's all—fans, SSDs and so on can remain.
It really comes down to how they handle the packing. If they no longer have the original box, using thick moving sheets and securing them well can make a big difference in keeping things safe. Unless they just toss it around, which is why insurance is important for moving, to safeguard your belongings from damage. Make sure to photograph everything before and after the move if you're doing it yourself.
I did exactly what I planned, placed it securely inside a wooden crate and wrapped it with four layers of bubble wrap. The monitor was still damaged, but the insurance company refused to cover the loss. They even mentioned my photo and video before and after delivery, which is pretty clear proof. They said something about exceeding their coverage, though my monitor only costs $150 while they claim up to $350.
In the end, I learned not to trust people too much and that over-precaution isn’t always wise. Can anyone confirm whether the delivery service will handle my package safely? The fragile sticker would have been fine, but insurance can always step in if needed. I’m also wary of the insurance firm because they’ve bailed out five times before, despite my following the rules and paying on time. I really hope the insurance industry collapses soon.
The fans and SSDs you can keep in are acceptable. An HDD is less reliable but still fine. Just ensure you secure the head during shutdown (this might not be possible anymore). The GPU is the most sensitive component since it’s exposed to all components. If you use a custom loop, AIO, or a small/medium air cooler, it’s better to keep it connected. However, remove a big air cooler as well—coolers add weight. A heavy or oversized cooler could strain the motherboard.