Overview
I moved cross-country this past year, and it was a painful experience in more ways than one. One of the biggest challenges was figuring out how to safely transport my desktop PC. Thankfully, I still had the original box, which made the process much easier. Here’s what I did:
- Removed the graphics card and packed it in its own box
- Removed the heatsink and placed it in an anti-static bag
- Repacked the PC into its original box with the styrofoam inserts
- Placed that box inside a larger box, padded with blankets so nothing could shift or rattle around
Inside the case itself, I duct-taped the fans to the top so they wouldn’t move.
Heatsink Removal
Reference: DeepCool AK500 Digital CPU Cooler Installation Video: DeepCool AK500 Installation
To remove the heatsink from the motherboard:
- Leave the mounting brackets on the motherboard in place.
- Remove the two screws connecting the heatsink to the brackets. One is easy to access; the other requires a screwdriver about a foot long. You’ll need to remove the cap on top of the heatsink and reach the screwdriver through it to reach the screw.
Watch the installation video linked above; the steps work in reverse for removal too, so it doubles as a removal guide.