Gaming computers are a new breed of computers that are specifically designed for playing games. These computers feature faster processors and graphics cards to render the best quality images, and they come in desktop form factor as well so you can easily upgrade them yourself. If you love to game thus would want to travel with a gaming PC, then this guide is for you.
To travel with your gaming PC we recommend packing it in your carry-on bag. That way, the gaming PC will be checked in but ensure that it is labeled as fragile and also ensure that packaging protects the gaming PC.
Here are some tips on how to travel with your gaming PC. From safe packing tips for your expensive equipment, to what items you should pack in order to have the ultimate gaming experience while traveling, read on to learn more about the ins and outs of traveling with a gaming PC.
Why should you travel with your gaming PC?
There are many reasons why people travel with their gaming PC. The first and most obvious reason is that you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience in your hotel room or at a friend’s house.
Traveling with a gaming PC will ensure you do not get bored especially in a new land. You can enjoy your gaming experience when you are in a different place with minimal things to do.
But on the other hand, there are some people who don’t consider it worth the risk.
One of the main concerns is that airlines may not allow you to bring your computer on board due to baggage weight restrictions. It’s also possible that they might charge you more for bringing a large, heavy item on board.
As much as traveling with your gaming desktop seems like a great idea, it’s important to know what to expect before trying it out for the first time. Check out this guide on how to safely travel with your computer before making a decision.
Packing tips for your gaming desktop
The first thing you will need to do is pack your desktop computer. Your desktop computer should be packed inside of a hard case or a box to avoid any damage during the flight.
We recommend that you partially disassemble your gaming PC when traveling with it. Thus, you remove the CPU heatsink, video card, and drives. The heatsink goes in bubble wrap, while the video card can be wrapped in bubble wrap or with a cloth.
Make sure that your hard drive is disconnected from your gaming PC before packing, and it’s always best to pack any additional accessories in a separate bag so they are easy to find once you reach your destination.
Now, let’s move on to the most important part: what items you should pack with you to ensure that you have the ultimate gaming experience while traveling.
- A laptop stand: This will allow you to use your laptop as a second screen while gaming on your PC and give yourself more room when playing games with friends.
- A mouse pad: The desk surface in an airport or hotel isn’t always ideal for using a mouse. Use this as an extra precaution so that you’re comfortable, relaxed and ready for anything.
- A keyboard and mouse: You’ll likely want these handy at all times since it’s not always possible to pull up your virtual keyboard on your laptop screen when playing games or typing documents, etc.
What to pack in order to have the ultimate gaming experience while traveling
If you want to have the best gaming experience possible, there are a few items that you should bring with you. These are the accessories for your gaming experience other than the gaming PC which you have partially disassembled.
Games: To keep your gaming experience fresh, it’s a good idea to bring games with you. The great thing about this is that most games these days are digital downloads and can be played on any device with an internet connection. This means that you will not need to carry around discs or cartridges.
Headphones: It’s also a good idea to bring headphones with you. Gaming headphones are specifically designed for video game playing, so they can provide better sound quality than regular headphones! And if the people next to you don’t mind their volume too high, then noise-canceling headphones will do the trick as well.
External Hard Drive: If you have a lot of data that needs backing up and/or downloading, it can be easy to fill up your laptop’s storage space quickly at 20GB per hour of video footage! So while traveling, it may be wise to pack an external hard drive so that you can store any excess data on one.
Monitor: You should also bring a monitor with you! Though most laptops come equipped with one, it is still a good idea to bring an external monitor for when your laptop screen starts getting small. A second monitor can be used for multi-tasking or just for pure convenience!
Mouse & Keyboard: Other essential gadgets needed for gaming are the mouse and keyboard!
Planning and preparing for your trip
When you travel, you’ll want to take your gaming PC with you. You might be a gamer who wants to game on the go, or maybe you just need your PC for your job. Either way, it’s important to prep and plan ahead of time when traveling with your PC.
One thing that is very important is what type of bag you use to carry your computer in. The worst thing that could happen is if something happens and the computer was damaged or lost during transit. It’s best to get a padded case for protection.
Most of the computer parts are fragile and thus should be labeled fragile by the airport staff during travel. This will offer extra protection in addition to having bubble wrap, cloth wrap, and paper wraps to protect the components.
Another thing that is good to think about is how you will power up the computer during travel. There are many different options out there from battery packs, power adapters, and even solar panel chargers.
The key takeaway from this section is: to be sure to prepare well so that your gaming experience goes uninterrupted while on the go.
Can you take a gaming PC on a plane?
If you are looking to take your gaming PC with you on a flight, it is important that you know whether or not the airline will allow you to bring your computer. Some of the more popular airlines, like JetBlue and Southwest Airlines, allow passengers to bring their computers as long as they will fit in the overhead bin or under their seat.
Other airlines, like Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines, prohibit passengers from bringing a desktop computer on board.
Even if your airline does allow you to bring a desktop computer with you on the plane, there are still restrictions when it comes to how much space is available for storage under seats or in an overhead compartment.
If your gaming PC doesn’t fit these criteria then you may have to check it as luggage and risk damage during transportation.
When considering how much space is available for storage on board the plane before deciding what to do with your gaming PC, keep in mind that some airlines only offer a limited amount of space for carry-on bags. If all of this sounds like too much work and too many restrictions, then maybe it’s best not to fly with a gaming PC altogether.
How do you pack a gaming PC for a flight?
The first step in traveling with your gaming PC is packing it safely. Here are some tips that will help you pack it so it survives the journey.
- It’s important to buy a good carrying bag for your computer so you can transport it as easily and securely as possible. We recommend a backpack-style bag with padded straps, as this will distribute the weight more evenly on your back and be easier on your arm if you have to carry it for long distances.
- Place bubble wrap around any fragile parts of the computer like the CPU, Video cards, monitor, or keyboard – these items are fragile and susceptible to damage from being tossed around in a bag or knocked against other items.
- Wrap cables up securely in an elastic band, so that they don’t get caught in zippers or other moving parts of your bag during transit.
- Remove any linings or cloths that may tangle with anything else inside your bag, like pens or pencils, and place them inside a protective case.
- There are also specially designed bags for carrying laptops which may come with a separate compartment to store cords, but we recommend using an additional cord storage case just in case.
How do you travel with a PC safely?
When you travel with your gaming PC, there are two things to consider: how to pack it for safe traveling and what to pack in the bag.
Your PC is an expensive piece of equipment, and you want to make sure that it arrives at your destination safely. Here are some tips on how to pack it safely:
- Make sure that you have a case specifically made for carrying your computer. If not, choose a sturdy box or bag that will protect it as best as possible.
- Pack it according to its weight capacity so that you don’t put too much weight on one side.
- Protect the screen by using tape or something similar to prevent any damage from occurring during transit.
- Label the box or bag with your name and contact information so if the device does get lost in transit, it can be returned more easily.
What should you pack in your carry-on bag? There are a few items that all gamers need when they travel:
- Charge cables – You’ll want these because chances are slim that airport outlets will be giving power out freely this time of year.
- Headphones – The last thing you want is someone next to you asking why those headphones are blasting their music so loudly.
- Tablet – You never know when boredom will strike while waiting at the airport! Games like Monument Valley or Crossy Road can help pass the time.
How do I pack my CPU for travel?
The CPU is one of the most important parts of your gaming computer, so it’s important to pack it carefully. When packing for a flight, the CPU should be placed near the middle of your carry-on bag and never packed near sharp objects.
If you have a laptop that also has a working desktop computer inside, you should pack your laptop first before packing anything else.
Make sure to purchase a protective cover for the CPU before traveling. This will help keep it safe while in transit. You can use bubble wrap or other materials to keep it secure and as an added measure, place the CPU in an egg crate foam bedding or in a box while you travel.
The CPU should be placed in a box that is labeled fragile by the airport staff. This will ensure that they handle it with care.
Conclusion
Gaming laptops are great, but if you’re committed to taking your PC on the road, and you’re not worried about packing it, it may be worth your time to invest in a gaming PC.
A PC can often be cheaper than a gaming laptop, for one thing, and you can often upgrade the hardware as you go, which provides an even better value.
Plus, taking a gaming PC on the road is a lot more convenient because you’re not restricted by the length of your power cord.
Traveling with a gaming PC is a great way to keep up with your gaming hobby while on the go.
FAQs
Can you bring a desktop computer on a plane?
Yes, you can bring a desktop computer on a plane as carry-on luggage or as checked-in luggage. The main thing to consider is packaging to ensure the delicate parts of the PC don’t get broken.
Can I carry a desktop in flight?
Yes, you can carry a desktop in flight but as carry-on luggage or checked-in luggage. The package should be able to take care of the fragile luggage and also be labeled as Fragile by the airline staff.
Can I carry a monitor in flight?
Yes, you can carry a monitor in flight. However, a monitor is very delicate and thus requires extra wrapping to ensure that it does not break. The monitor can be wrapped with clothes or special wrapping paper.