How to Pack Your PC
for Shipping

Back up your data first

Before you touch anything hardware, back up any files you want to keep. A wipe to factory/fresh Windows is strongly recommended before selling — it protects your personal data and makes a better impression on buyers.

Remove the GPU (graphics card)

This is the most critical step. The GPU is the heaviest component and will snap its own PCIe slot or bracket under shipping stress if left installed. Always ship the GPU separately.

• Power down and unplug everything
• Unscrew the GPU bracket screws at the back of the case
• Press the PCIe latch at the end of the slot and gently slide the card out
• Place the GPU in an anti-static bag, then wrap in 2–3 layers of bubble wrap
• Box it separately or pack it flat on top of the main PC with padding between them

Support or remove the CPU cooler

Large tower coolers (like Noctua NH-D15, Dark Rock Pro, DeepCool AK620) can crack the motherboard under their own weight during transit.

• Tower air coolers: Run a zip tie through the motherboard tray holes near the cooler and cinch it tight to brace the cooler against movement
• AIO liquid coolers: They're fine left installed — just mark "THIS SIDE UP" on the box so the radiator stays above the pump
• Very large coolers: Remove and wrap separately if the cooler is over ~800g

Remove and secure loose items

Anything that can rattle around inside the case will during shipping.

• Remove any loose HDDs from drive caddies and bag them separately
• Make sure all cables are tied back and can't flap into fans
• Remove any PCIe add-in cards (capture cards, Wi-Fi cards) and bag them
• Close all case panels and tighten thumbscrews
• Put screws and small parts in a labeled zip-lock bag taped to the inside of the outer box

Photograph everything before packing

Take photos of:

• All four sides of the bare PC
• The GPU and any removed components
• The PC once wrapped in bubble wrap
• The sealed box with tracking label

These photos protect you if the carrier damages the package and you need to file a claim.

Wrap the PC case

• Wrap the entire case in 3–4 layers of bubble wrap, securing with tape
• Pay extra attention to corners — add extra padding there
• Use anti-static bubble wrap if you have it (pink/clear); regular bubble wrap is fine for the outside

Pack into a double-walled box

The box is as important as the wrap. Use a double-walled (heavy-duty) cardboard box — single-wall boxes crush easily.

• The box should be large enough to have at least 3–4 inches of padding on every side
• Lay 3–4 inches of packing peanuts or crumpled paper in the bottom first
• Set the wrapped PC in, then fill all gaps around and on top with packing peanuts
• There should be zero movement when you shake the closed box
• If using the original box, use the original foam inserts — they're purpose-built for this

Seal, label, and insure

• Seal all seams with strong packing tape (not masking or scotch tape)
• Write FRAGILE — ELECTRONICS and THIS SIDE UP on all four sides and the top in large letters
• Insure the package for the full sale value — this costs a few dollars and is always worth it
• Keep the tracking number and share it with the buyer immediately