My PC does not work any more or I want to upgrade my PC and I need to send it back, what should I do and don't do when packing it? (25/04/2007)
Answer:
Before putting the PC in a box you must...
- Remove any CD's from the CD/DVD ROM drives
- Remove or provide any passwords to your system, as we will need to stress test the system
- Supply any heatsinks or stock coolers supplied to you at the time of purchase (this will cover the unlikely event of any replacements needed). Pack this securely in a small box and place inside the box to be shipped (ie your system box).
Then
- Fill it bubble wrap or foam (avoid using polystyrene peanut shaped ones as they have static properties)
- Make sure you fill it such a way so as to stop the components from being able to move from their position, e.g fill in between the graphics and above them so that if/when the PC gets knocked it doesnt put preassure on where they are attached to the motherboard.
If you are using a box that isnt your PC's original box you must...
- Fill in all empty spaces in the box with bubble-wrap, foam, newspaper or whatever you can get your hands on.
- Put a layer of said materials on the bottom of the box before putting in your PC.
- Make sure when the PC is in the box that you fill up the box with these materials to the top, so if the box is turned upside down the PC will not move.
Once you have filled the box thoroughly and the PC is safely in position in the centre of the box you must....
- Close the lid of the box and give it a good shake to make sure the PC or anything else isnt loose and able to move around inside.
- Tape up the box securely so no flaps are open and will not come open easily without the use of something sharp.
Generally, try to have your PC packed as close to out method as possible with what packaging materials you have available to you.
You can see how we pack our PCs by clicking here
Here is an Example of how NOT to pack your system.
The principles we have outlined above have been violated in this photograph. The absence of any bubblewrap on the Northbridge cooler with the blue fan in between the two graphics cards is a particular worry. The internals aren't padded enough and neither is the PC case inside. Fortunately, no PC was hurt during shipping this time round, but we strongly recommend taking more care than has been taken in this photo.
Here's one that HAS been damaged in transit!
As you can see, there was no bubblewrap used inside the system!
In this particular instance, the memory was not secured into the DIMM slots and the graphics card was not screwed down.
Fortunately, the graphics card was not damaged, but the memory and motherboard were not so lucky! They were damaged during transit, and also replaced at the customer's cost!
You can see how we pack our PCs by clicking here
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