Packing PC components into a suitcase....!! Do I absolutely need those anti-static bags??

peanutismint · 6 Feb 2019 at 20:31

I'm moving to the USA and hoping to take my PC components with me, so motherboard, CPU, GPU, RAM and HDDs.... I'm hoping I can just pack them between items of clothing to pad them in. I'm having trouble finding some anti-static bags to pack them in, however, and I leave in 3 days...!

Do you think anti-static bags are absolutely necessary to avoid zapping the components or would ziplock sandwich type bags be just as good?? Or worse?!!

snips86x · 6 Feb 2019 at 20:34

I would most definitely use anti static bags, esp if they're going into the hold.

peanutismint · 6 Feb 2019 at 21:23

Ok thanks, I'll try and see if I can find some in the short time before I leave but all we have around here is PC World and I'm not even sure they sell PCs any more.....?!!

lee32uk · 6 Feb 2019 at 21:27

Can you not take these in hand luggage ? You should be fine putting them in something like a padded envelope. Any post office or pound shop etc should sell them.

peanutismint · 6 Feb 2019 at 21:33

There's a slim chance I could take them in hand luggage but what'd the difference be? I didn't think cards sandwiched between multiple layers of soft fabric would be at any great risk being loaded into the hold in a suitcase? Or is there more chance of static discharge down there??

lee32uk · 6 Feb 2019 at 21:52

You not seen the way baggage handlers treat suitcases ?

Much better to carry them yourself and store them in the overhead locker. I would still try and get hold of a couple of padded envelopes, or even something like those ziploc freezer bags etc. Some fabrics such as Nylon etc can build up static.

peanutismint · 6 Feb 2019 at 21:56

lee32uk said:
You not seen the way baggage handlers treat suitcases ?

Lol yeah, but it's a piece of RAM, not a ming vase.... I mean, even something like a GPU isn't particularly 'fragile' when sandwiched between 10 layers of t shirts?!

Yeah I have plenty of Ziploc freezer bags, but just didn't know whether they might actually be WORSE than nothing as I figured perhaps the anti-static bags were made of a specific kind of plastic that helps dissipate charge or something....?? But yeah if worst comes to worst I'm sure I can just use those or padded envelopes.

lee32uk · 6 Feb 2019 at 23:04

peanutismint said:
Lol yeah, but it's a piece of RAM, not a ming vase.... I mean, even something like a GPU isn't particularly 'fragile' when sandwiched between 10 layers of t shirts?!

Yeah I have plenty of Ziploc freezer bags, but just didn't know whether they might actually be WORSE than nothing as I figured perhaps the anti-static bags were made of a specific kind of plastic that helps dissipate charge or something....?? But yeah if worst comes to worst I'm sure I can just use those or padded envelopes.

Up to you if you want to do that. I would rather have it in my carry on luggage if possible. Plus once you get to the USA they might want to see what those objects are once they x-ray your case.

Skynet5 · 10 Feb 2019 at 07:36

Well, he'll of moved by now. I wonder what he did?

chippy08 · 10 Feb 2019 at 09:52

well, i go on international flights and take pc parts for a good cause, but i always pack the parts in hand luggage or they wont survive.

One of my suitcases didnt survive the last journey and it was only used twice since new so i cant see his pc parts lasting the journey.

Oblivion007 · 14 Feb 2019 at 10:07

lnoton said:
Well, he'll of moved by now. I wonder what he did?

We may never know...