How to Transport a Graphics Card Safely
Graphics cards can be very expensive items. The last thing you want to do is to damage them during transport. Graphics cards can be affected by bumps and movement in addition to static electricity. The ways we describe below will show you the safest ways of how to transport a graphics card to ensure you can keep your graphics card working perfectly.
Table of Contents
Quick Compare Methods Table
| Method | Cost | Effectiveness | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Box it came in | Nothing | 4* | 5* |
| Anti static bag and box | Cheap | 4* | 5* |
| Just Box | Cheap | 3* | 5* |
| Carrying Case | Expensive | 5* | 4* |
| Plastic Box with paper and cardboard | Cheap | 2.5* | 3* |
Using the Box it came in
The manufacturers almost always package their graphics card in a custom sized box perfect for your graphics card. They also usually include an anti static bag – sometimes bubbled. There is nothing wrong with re-using these boxes for your graphics card and they are almost always the ideal solution as your graphics card came shipped to you in this in the first place.
Obviously, you won’t be able to use this method if you have thrown away the box or had bought your graphics card second hand without the box. In that case check out the other methods below
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Costs nothing if you kept the box | Some people throw out the box |
| Very Ideal solution as your graphics card came shipping in it in the first place | Box can have wear from being used a lot |
| A great overall solution |
Anti Static Bag and Box
Anti static bags are the best way of keeping static electricity away from your expensive components. There are many types of anti static bags that you can get. For instance there are the bubble anti static bags (as above) which are great as they also protect your graphics card from bumps in addition to static electricity.
You’re probably also going to want to use a box to ensure the safety of your graphics card from bumps and movement.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Relatively Cheap | Still costs something |
| Very Ideal solution | You have to go out of your way to get the items |
| Boxes can be found lying around |
Just The Box
Although this method isn’t as good as using anti static bags with it, theres nothing wrong with using just a box. It is unlikely to create static from the cardboard and it protects your graphics card very well. If your box is too big though, you will want to use some kind of paper padding to stop it moving around. Avoid using plastic padding that isn’t anti static.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Cheap | Doesn't protect from static as well as the other options |
| Boxes can be found around your house | Need to find a box of a similar size to you graphics card |
| Protects from drops and movement |
A heavy duty case - How to Transport a Graphics Card Safely
If you’re serious about transporting your graphics card or multiple graphics cards safely, then you can consider getting a heavy duty carrying case. These are waterproof and shockproof and provide ideal protection for graphics cards and other computer components.
You’re going to want to still use an anti static bag with your components as the material inside this may not be anti static even though it is soft.Â
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Re-usable | Expensive |
| Provides great protection | Should still use an anti static bag |
| Waterproof and Shockproof | |
| Easy to carry around with handle and clips |
Using a Plastic Box
Plastic boxes will work okay as long as you use some kind of paper to line the box. You want to do this to prevent any static from the plastic of the box. Use paper and cardboard padding in order to keep the graphics card securely in place.
| Positives | Negatives |
|---|---|
| Can be found around the house | Doesn't provide the best anti static protection |
| Cheap solution | Needs some kind of paper or cardboard to line the box |
Don't use towels, plastic bags, zip lock bags, normal bubble wrap or other plastics
All these methods above can cause static electricity which could damage your components. Whilst it may protect from movement and drops, you won’t want to take the risk of damage from static.
Conclusion
We have seen various ways you can transfer your graphics card. Some or more ideal than others but we recommend you decide which is best. If you want a cheap solution then use a box and anti static bag. If you’re looking for a re-usable and rigid solution then buy a carrying case with an anti static bag. Check more articles on our site.
