Frequently transporting nzxt phantom 530

drhaire

Honorable
Oct 6, 2013
16
0
10,520
Hello again everybody. I have found myself needing advice on another aspect of my pc.

My current build is:
I5 3570k with antec 620 cooler
Galaxy gtx 660 ti GC 3gb gpu
Asrock z77 extreme4 mobo
Kingston ssd now 120gb
Wd 1tb hdd
Bluray cd drive
900w psu
All in a nzxt phantom 530 full tower case

Now my question is regarding the title. I built this pc because I want a high end custom water looped upgradable gaming rig once I finish the build (above is current setup) so that is why I didn't buy laptop. My issue however is that my current living and work situation leaves me wanting to be able to tote around my pc back and forth between the two. Weekly basis is the frequency. All I need to transfer is pc, the setups I have in both places. What I am asking is first and foremost can this be done practically and relatively safely (I know pc's aren't built to be laptops and I know this is unusual question, regardless it is where I am at.) Also if I am expecting to much and this is just flat out not safe and unreasonable please tell me without offensive language.

The second question is, if this can be done practically (not disassembling everything) and safely (the pc won't get damaged and the gpu fittings won't get worn out from being taken out and put back in) how would you suggest I proceed?

Few things to keep in mind. First, if the disassembly/reassembly can be accomplish in less then fifteen minutes and it won't cost me money (reapplying thermal paste or similar every time) then I do not mind one bit. Second, what are real dangers, if there are any, of removing and reinserting gpu into motherboard this frequently. Third, this transport does not have to happen but would be ideal. Fourth, the drive is 45 minutes on the highway. Fifth, I would like to eventually install custom water loop, however address this issue regarding transport separately from current build. Finally, the last but most important thing to remember is the safety of my pc is utmost important and I do not want to cause damage that is preventable so please be honest with me if you respond.

Thanks so much to all who read,
Doc

P.S. I know this a long post but I would appreciate the most thorough and accurate response I can get so I want to provide the most thorough and accurate post I can give.
 
Solution
You should be able to do this without any problem. You have a liquid cooler which is a benefit because they do not put much if any stress on the motherboard. The only part I would be concerned about is the GPU, you could probably get some form of packing to support it in the case so you don't have to remove it. I know company's ship PCs with GPUs in them but I don't know what they use to pack the inside with.

An alternative would be to get or make a support for it. I'm not finding info on nor do I have experience with removing GPUs on a weekly basis but PCIe slots are slots, just like USB or more acuretly, like Nintendo cartridges. Based on that I would say that removing and reinstalling it could cause issues with the contacts wearing...

FastGunna

Honorable
Jun 25, 2013
532
0
11,160
You should be able to do this without any problem. You have a liquid cooler which is a benefit because they do not put much if any stress on the motherboard. The only part I would be concerned about is the GPU, you could probably get some form of packing to support it in the case so you don't have to remove it. I know company's ship PCs with GPUs in them but I don't know what they use to pack the inside with.

An alternative would be to get or make a support for it. I'm not finding info on nor do I have experience with removing GPUs on a weekly basis but PCIe slots are slots, just like USB or more acuretly, like Nintendo cartridges. Based on that I would say that removing and reinstalling it could cause issues with the contacts wearing out and getting dirt inside. Without any info on it I wouldnt suggest doing it because I don't know if you can blow on a graphics card and it will spring back to life haha.

I bought a Cooler Master Storm Scout 2 because I plan on transporting my PC more than the average person, I also plan to add a Corsair H100i for the same reason.
 
Solution

drhaire

Honorable
Oct 6, 2013
16
0
10,520
Awesome thank you for your speedy response, I was thinking of doing something like that (stabilizing the gpu in its socket) but didn't know which was better idea. It's good to know I'm not only one wanting to move mine around.

I will continue to receive advice on the issue but @fastgunna, I will try and research ways to protect my gpu and if I find something I'll post it on here for future reference.