Do you have to move your entire gaming setup to another location? But you are afraid of damaging the gaming PC and other parts of the setup. You’ve come to the right place.
This is a very touchy and sensitive subject. If you pack anything wrong, it can cause catastrophic damage to your gaming PC, monitors, gaming desk, and other important parts of the setup. That’s the very last thing you want to do.
Whether you are flying, driving, or even just shipping to yourself, our guidelines will ensure your setup reaches its intended destination safely.
Why Moving a Gaming PC is Challenging?
Here are the main reasons why moving a gaming PC can be challenging:
Big and Heavy
Standard desktop PCs are smaller and lighter than gaming computers. In addition to high-performance processors and dedicated graphics cards, gaming PCs also contain elaborate cooling systems. All these parts combined make the computer heavier and more challenging to transport.
Fragile Parts
Gaming computers are fitted with sensitive, fragile parts like the motherboard, storage drives, and graphics cards. If you are not careful, you could easily damage these parts when moving the PC. Sudden movements, shocks, and vibrations can lead to internal damage and performance issues.
Related Resource: TIPS FOR PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS
How to Pack Your Gaming PC?
The following simple but very useful tips can help you pack and move your gaming PC safely:
1- Backup and Turn Off the Gaming PC
Never forget to back up all your data. Then, properly power down your gaming computer before preparing it for packaging and moving.
2- Remove the CPU Cooler
A tall heavy cooler or a cooler that uses a plastic push pin can put a lot of torque on the motherboard. This can bend or break the motherboard when moving the PC. You can solve this problem by removing your CPU cooler before transporting the PC. Alternatively, you can keep the cooler in place but pack extra material around it to prevent it from moving during transportation.
3- Remove the Graphics Card
Graphics cards are heavy and not firmly secured in place. They can rip the socket apart when the computer case is knocked. It is much safer to take the graphics card out before moving your gaming rig. However, remember to put the graphics card in an anti-static bag to prevent electric charges from building up on your device and damaging the circuitry.
4- Remove the Hard Drive
Another thing that is super fragile in your gaming PC is the hard drive. Vibrations and shocks can cause the recording heads to rattle against the discs possibly scratching them.
You can leave them intact if they are properly secured, but removing the drives and carrying them with you is usually a safer option. Make sure you back up all your data for reassurance.
Other parts are not as vulnerable as the CPU cooler graphics card, and hard drives. You can use zip ties to properly secure them for movement.
5- Use Expanding Foam Packs Instead
You’ve probably been wondering how system builders transport gaming PCs with all the parts intact. They fill the inside of the system with enough material to prevent parts from moving or coming out. You can use expanding foam packs to achieve the same results. Once activated, expanding foam packs will fill the computer case. Alternatively, you can use any other anti-static materials to fill the case.
6- Find Good Packaging
You can opt to find new and safe packaging for your gaming computer. But we recommend you use the original box because it was designed specifically for your gaming computer. The Styrofoam is built to the specifics of your PC to prevent damage.
Further Reading: BEST PACKAGING TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR ITEMS
How to Pack Your Monitor?
The monitors may seem easy to pack but they are a few important steps you need to follow for added safety:
Step 1- Remove the Stand
Start by dismantling the stand or base of the monitor. Some models may require you to remove a few screws, while others may just need you to twist and pull. Put all the hardware and the stand in a bag.
Step 2- Wrap the Monitor Correctly
You can use a blanket or bubble wrap to properly wrap the monitor. We recommend three layers of bubble wrap for added safety. After wrapping, apply tape around the material to secure it properly.
Step 3- Package the Monitor in the Box
The original box that came with the screen is the safest option. Put the bottom Styrofoam in place and position the monitor inside the box. Place the upper Styrofoam and secure the package.
Further Reading: HOW TO PROPERLY PACK YOUR BOXES
How to Pack a Gaming Desk?
Flip the gaming desk upside down to separate the frame from the tabletop to have two or three big pieces depending on the design of the table. Make sure you place all the fastening hardware in a container to avoid misplacing or losing them. Wrap the tabletop and the legs for safe transportation.
In Summary
Packaging and moving a gaming setup isn’t as easy as you might have thought. There is a lot of preparation to be done before putting anything in a box, especially when packaging your gaming PC. Our expert tips should make the whole process much easier. But it is important to be extra careful when moving your gaming setup.
Author:
Stephanine Olivia
Stephanine Olivia is a Moving Business Mentor helping Moving Companies to increase sales & profitability. She helps owners to navigate the challenges of owning a company to create more balance in their life as well as to reach their next level of success.
