Wrapping a graphics card in bubble wrap

[speedalini]

If I was to send an old graphics card through the post wrapped in bubble wrap, rather than an 'all singing, all dancing' anti-static bag, would I risk damaging it?

 

[easyrider]

Doubt it. Although I would never send out any PC hardware unless it was in an Anti static bag. Just out of common courtesy

 

[Evil-I]

If I was to send an old graphics card through the post wrapped in bubble wrap, rather than an 'all singing, all dancing' anti-static bag, would I risk damaging it?

Yup. Bubble wrap may cause a static charge that could damage the card. trick I've used when there's no anti stat bags is to wrap the kit in paper, make sures it's not glossy Plasticised paper though, then just tape it up then wrap in bubble wrap. Theoretically if the card is completely wrapped in a non conductive, non plastic material then it should be ok.

Anti stat bags easier and safer though....

 

[silversurfer]

newspaper will do it, I'd be more worried you are relying on the pcb to take any pressure applied. touch some copper pipes before handling the card at all

 

[errata]

Its just a gamble, will most probaly be OK but there are good reasons they ship in those bags.

I have received about 5 cards in bubble wrap over the years 1 was damaged despite claims it worked when shipped

 

[cainer]

you could always buy an anti static bag for <£2 ? or maybe try a wanted ad in the MM, im sure someone will have one knocking around they can send you for the price of the postage

 

[speedalini]

thanks for the replies. whats the difference with, say, ram? I have recently bought some brand new and it was shipped in a standard plastic container.

 

[Mr Paul]

Well I've received new Gainward GFX cards straight from OcUK in red bubble wrap, so I say it's fine.

 

[hyperst]

Well I've received new Gainward GFX cards straight from OcUK in red bubble wrap, so I say it's fine.

same here, have had a few graphics cards in bubble wrap, memory in hard plastic pre formed stuff

 

[MikeHunt79]

Bubble wrap may cause a static charge that could damage the card.

The capacitors on the card will absorb the static charge so no damage will occur.

 

[Scougar]

same here, have had a few graphics cards in bubble wrap, memory in hard plastic pre formed stuff

You sure that it isn't that anti-static bubblewrap?

 

[ScottiB]

lol yeah the bubblewrap that you get retail graphics cards in is always anti-static.

I once had a customer return a graphics card wrapped in tin foil

 

[Scougar]

lol yeah the bubblewrap that you get retail graphics cards in is always anti-static.

I once had a customer return a graphics card wrapped in tin foil

 

[ScottiB]

yeah that was my reaction too

 

[danceforfreedom]

LOL

News paper or grease proof paper maybe then bubble wrap would probably be the safest option!

 

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

Well I've received new Gainward GFX cards straight from OcUK in red bubble wrap, so I say it's fine.

The red/pink bubblewrap is anti-static.

 

[Triggaaar]

Use paper first. I sold a motherboard and sent it wrapped in platic. The person I sent it to understandably didn't want to risk it, so they sent it back. I had to rebuild the system to check it still worked.

 

[speedalini]

Use paper first. I sold a motherboard and sent it wrapped in platic. The person I sent it to understandably didn't want to risk it, so they sent it back. I had to rebuild the system to check it still worked.

did it work?

 

[jorzeh]

Send it in the stactic bag or packaging the card came with...

 

[MooMoo444]

LOL @ Card wrapped in tin foil.

That's hardcore.