How to ship a PC without breaking it

So you need to ship a PC, but you’re unsure about the risks to the components.

What do you disassemble and pack separately? What’s safe to leave in? What about the motherboard?
We absolutely get it.
All these questions make perfect sense, and they also have clear answers if you’ve been shipping fragile items for as long as we have. Let’s simplify things.

This guide has three parts:

01

6 common FAQs: Assembly, boxing, carrier & costs, size limits, coverage, and packaging (with links for more info on each).

02

Detailed step-by-step guide to packing and shipping a PC.

03

Other considerations and FAQs.

6 FAQs about shipping PCs

Which components are safe to ship in the tower?

01

If there’s little risk of the component dislodging and damaging other parts, it might be OK to ship as-is.

For clarity, we’ve split all components into three groups:

01

Those that SHOULD be removed.

02

Those that MIGHT be removed.

03

Those that SHOULD NOT be removed.

Which box to choose?

02

Choose a box that meets the following criteria:

• It’s heavy-duty—double or triple-walled.
• It’s big enough for all parts and generous padding.
• It’s not too big.

How to choose a carrier for PC shipping

03

Choosing a carrier is about striking a balance between speed, reliability, coverage, and cost. We’ve compiled a detailed cost comparison for different PCs.

Do you understand the size limits?

04

If you’re shipping multiple components in a big box, there’s a good chance your package will exceed the size limits.

In this scenario, one of two things will happen:

01

Additional charges for oversized items will apply.

02

The PC will be shipped as freight.

Do you understand the coverage?

05

Declared value is your assessment of the PC’s worth—the number you declare on the shipping form. It’s the shipper’s maximum liability for damage or loss of your package.

Do you understand the risks of improper packaging?

06

Did you know that UPS explicitly states they don’t cover damage or loss resulting from improper packaging? In fact, all major carriers have similar policies.

10 Steps to shipping a PC with minimal risk

Assess the key risks for your PC

Learning about the risks is your first step.

Shipped PC components might get damaged if:

• The components shift inside the box and damage one another.
• The box gives in under the weight of other parcels.
• The parcel is dropped or falls, and the components are subjected to significant G forces when they hit a hard surface.
• The parcel is exposed to moisture.
• The parcel is exposed to a discharge of static electricity.

Disassemble the “risky” components

Let’s be clear—there are very few fast rules for disassembling a PC for shipping. We’ll go over the few that exist.

Let’s name that concept “the risk balance.”

You SHOULD remove the following components:

1. HDs and SSDs (hard and solid-state drives).
2. PSUs (Power Supply Units).
3. CPU coolers.
4. Graphic cards.

These 4 components add the most risk of shipping damage.

You MIGHT remove the following:

1. CPU unit
2. RAM
3. Motherboard
4. Network cards
5. Other detachable parts—those that you and the recipient are comfortable (un)installing.

You SHOULD NOT remove anything that:

1. Is firmly in place or light, with a low risk of falling out.
2. Is soldered on.
3. Would need expert reassembly (unless the recipient is an expert).

Get the padding and packing material

For reference—here’s what the list of packing materials might look like:

Secure other internal components

“Other components” includes anything that you’ve decided not to remove.

To secure the parts, follow these steps:

1. Bundle the cable with ties. If possible, affix them to the chassis’ walls without creating tension in the cable or the connectors.
2. Check that all parts you’re leaving in the chassis are firmly in their slots/bays and can’t be dislodged.
3. Check the screws and the brackets—tighten the loose ones.
4. Add padding around the I/O ports.
5. Cover the sensitive parts with anti-static foam or covers.
6. Fill the chassis with padding to minimize the risk of damage even if a component does dislodge.
7. Use tape and straps to affix all case panels.

Choose the right boxes

05

The correct box for shipping a PC will meet the following five criteria:

1. It’s sturdy and made for shipping—go for double or triple-walled boxes.
2. It’s big enough to fit all the parts.
3. It’s big enough to allow for padding between the packaged parts.
4. It’s not so big that it increases the risk of shifting.
5. It doesn’t add to the shipping cost needlessly.

Shipping a PC as freight

If shipped as freight, the carrier will pack it onto a pallet or a separate container. It will still share a truck with other large and heavy packages, but the risk of contact damage is minimal.

Wrap the PC tower: Anti-static film, foam, and bubble wrap

With the components separated and the inside of the tower filled with anti-static padding, follow these steps to wrap and secure it:

1. Protect the critical parts like the I/O ports on the backside.
2. Wrap it in anti-static material.
3. Add bubble wrap for protection.
4. Secure the wrap.

Pack the removed components and accessories

Follow these steps/guidelines:

1. Wrap the sensitive parts in anti-static fiber and film.
2. Add foam or corner protectors.
3. Wrap it in bubble wrap or foam.
4. Aim for 2-3 inches of padding on all sides.
5. Stabilize it all with packing tape.

Pad and pack all PC parts

To box it all up, work in these steps:

1. Plan the placement of parts—prioritize protection, stability, and efficient use of space.
2. Box the parts and components in “layers.”
3. Fill any empty gaps and empty spaces with smaller pieces of padding.

Choose the shipping carrier for your packaged PC

Choosing a carrier for your PC will come down to the following:

1. Reputation and experience with shipping fragile items.
2. Speed vs. reliability.
3. Cost vs. safety.
4. Delivery options—standard and enhanced.

Master cost and speed comparison of shipping a small PC

Takeaways and conclusions

1. If you’re shipping a smaller PC and trying to save, UPS Ground and USPS Ground Advantage will be the most cost-effective option.
2. If speed is a priority, USPS is the most affordable.

Other considerations of PC shipping

Declared value, limitations, and shipping insurance

Declared value is the maximum liability of the shipper for any damage or loss when shipping your PC.

For you, that means four things:

1. Backing up all your data before shipping is a must.
2. Proper packaging is critical.
3. If you’re shipping an expensive PC, it’s wise to get third-party insurance.
4. Pay attention to the cost of declared value, because the fees add up.

FAQs about shipping PCs

Can I ship used computer parts?
Yes, you can ship used computer parts. The same principles of packing and padding for safety apply.

How much does it cost to ship a PC?
The cost of shipping a PC ranges from a few dozen to hundreds of dollars. The key factors are shipping distances, modes of transport, coverage, and size of the packaged PC.