Shipping a motherboard can be extremely nerve-wracking whether you’re sending or receiving. The awkwardly shaped piece of computer hardware links all of the individual parts of a computer together, making it an essential but sensitive item to ship.
Motherboards are light and feature several protruding pieces that are vital to its function. These make motherboards particularly susceptible to handling damage during shipping. But if you follow these steps, you can be sure that the motherboard you ship arrives in working condition.
Use socket covers. There are several sockets on a motherboard, including the pin grid array, plastic pin grid array, micro pin grid array, flip chip ball grid array, and land grid array, depending on your specific model. Use socket covers on each socket before packing the motherboard. These prevent damage to the pins located in each socket.
Place the motherboard in an anti-static bag. Anti-static bags are an important part of the shipping process. They prevent the buildup of static electricity, which can create electrical surges and permanently damage the motherboard. Be sure to double-check the dimensions of your motherboard, so the bag properly fits.
Place the bag in the original box. The original box is uniquely designed for your specific motherboard, so if you’ve managed to hold on to it, it’s a great starting point for packaging. If not, there are a variety of corrugated boxes that will safely fit your motherboard. Be sure to fill any gaps in the new box or wrap the motherboard to prevent it from shifting.
Place the original box in a second box. Double boxing is one of the safest precautions you can take. Find a second box slightly larger than the original. After wrapping the original box in bubble packaging or inserting foam at each side of the second box (or both), place the original box in the second box. As with the original box, fill in any gaps to prevent the original box from shifting.
After taping the outside of the second box, you have fully secured your motherboard for shipping. If you’re unsure of your packing abilities, or you don’t have the right packing supplies, we recommend bringing your motherboard into the AIM Mail Center location in your area.
Our experts have been packing and shipping the awkward and fragile for more than 30 years. That experience has given us the safest techniques with the most reliable supplies and materials in the industry. You’ll be able to compare shipping prices from all of the major carriers, so you know your package will arrive on time and at the lowest price available. Contact AIM Mail Centers for more information on how to ship a motherboard.