Transporting a desktop on a train?

Dellboy · 9 Dec 2011 at 14:08

I have no idea where this thread should be posted.

I am going home from university next week and I want to take my desktop home. I am going home on a train. Is the best way to take it back just padding a suitcase out and putting it in there? Or do trains have a separate area for valuable/delicate goods? I know it's a strange question but I need some help as I don't want my pc damaged/stolen..

citizenx13 · 9 Dec 2011 at 14:11

Place in padded suit case and handcuff to wrist perhaps?

But yeh I would out it in a padded suitcase and not leave it out of my sight, I’d imagine one can request "safe" storage but doubt it will be free

Reaper 392 · 9 Dec 2011 at 14:35

i would recommend is, if you have a big air cooler, either try to give it some support inside the case cardboard is great for this) or make sure the PC is kept horizontal, with the cooler above the motherboard. you dont want the PC to be bouncing around with 1kg of cooler hanging off of the motherboard by 4 screws

PhillyDee · 9 Dec 2011 at 14:36

You could always remove the cooler and pack it seperate. Which would be my preferred way of shifting a large aftermarket cooler.

darael · 9 Dec 2011 at 14:38

Which train should we look out for?

SupermotoMX · 9 Dec 2011 at 15:23

i would personally remove the cooler & gfx card and pack them on there own, you will be kicking yourself if you open it up at home and you see that your heatsink has bounced around the case and destroyed your gfx card.

FARGO · 9 Dec 2011 at 15:31

How are you getting your monitor back?

As above, I'd remove your cooler, graphics card and sound card then package them in their original boxes if you have them.

Depending on the train, there's nothing you can do to guarantee you not having to put it on the floor next to you - could get a first class ticket which would increase your chances of having a seat next to you.

TNGL · 9 Dec 2011 at 16:11

I'd probably put it in a suitcase, padded with scrunched up newspaper (if unable to find anything more suitable) to protect the case. As with others, I'd also remove the CPU cooler and graphics card; I wouldn't take the risk of supporting it with cardboard.

GTO656 · 9 Dec 2011 at 16:38

Tingle said:
I'd probably put it in a suitcase, padded with scrunched up newspaper (if unable to find anything more suitable) to protect the case. As with others, I'd also remove the CPU cooler and graphics card; I wouldn't take the risk of supporting it with cardboard.

Yes I would strongly agree with that aswell

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olivier renault · 9 Dec 2011 at 18:41

Can't hitch a ride? Else, you gonna have to watch your precious things with the eyes an hawk.

Moeks · 9 Dec 2011 at 19:05

If you can drive, but don't have a car, I would be inclined to hire one for this rather than using the train.

Rik1254 · 9 Dec 2011 at 20:00

Why dont you find/ buy a large enough box and send it via courier?
At least if it gets damaged in transit you can claim from them (as long as you prep it correctly)?

Mutt · 9 Dec 2011 at 20:09

I'm often on the train with about £2000 worth of camera gear which doesn't leave my side for the whole journey. That includes taking it to the lavvy.

Socrates470BC · 9 Dec 2011 at 20:56

Get a shipping quote from someone like parcel2go.

As was said previously, remove graphics card and maybe also stuff the inside of the computer case with foam or scrunched up newspaper to suppor the cooler if you do not want to remove it.