Importing Computer Components: Some Questions?

[gameboy1998]

Hi,

This may not be the correct place to post this thread but fell free to move my thread, moderators.

My Mom's Sister is coming to India (SE Asia) from US in the next two months and they will most probably will get me PC without Case and a PS4. She of Indian Origin but has a green card in US. She will be bringing them with her via air (Luggage), she has a allowance of about 40KGs and has agreed to reserve me about 10KGs.

Will the stock packaging be enough or will she have to use something additionally.

Also, will any customs be applied considering they will be "officially" used (she will remove the seal), If customs will be charged how much will they be approximately?

I understand that rules vary from nation to nation, but I just want a rough Idea. I know that Items like PS3 and Cameras can avoid customs in my country as she has got them to me before, But does the same apply for PC components.

BTW: I'm doing this because PC components imported from there are considerably cheaper than my country. (30%-35%)

 

[Ubrales]

I'll try and address some of your issues:

1. Components packaging: Most motherboards come in some sort of molded paper compartment inserted into a flimsy card box (thick paper, not cardboard). Same story with Graphics cards. These cartons must be protected from being crushed inside the suitcase. The CPU package is adequate and no additional packaging is necessary. RAM modules have good packaging and additional protection may not be necessary. PSUs are heavy items and are the packaging is quite bulky but safe.

2. 10 kgs (22 pounds) may not be adequate especially if you are getting a PSU along with the other components. If total weight (and bulk) becomes a problem I suggest that you limit yourself to the CPU, motherboard, Thermal compound (Arctic Silver 5), RAM modules, and Graphics card - leave out the PSU.

3. Customs: For travelers arriving from the US this is normally not a big issue. Tell your aunt to collect her baggage from the carousal, place it in a cart, and walk right through Customs confidently; tell her not to hesitate. Indian Customs are very generous to US travelers.

Your biggest challenge will be to get all these components safely packed (without being crushed) into travel suitcases. Most travelers tend to pack in more items than the suitcase is designed to safely carry.

Make sure you check the voltage when it comes to PSUs. Most are 220V to 110V but verify.

Good luck!

 

[gameboy1998]

Thank you for replying,

Are the weights mentioned in amazon accurate? I used them as a reference to calculate the total weight. I can post the the list if needed.

The PSU costs about 20$ more in my place, this isn't really a big issue. Yes, I have crossed checked the voltages.

Also, My aunt is coming with her family so she should really attract much attention .

 

[Ubrales]

The weights listed at Amazon and such sites are a good indication of ship weights. Let me know the components and I shall verify the weights. The PSU carton will be about 15" x 8" x 7" because it includes the cables and the weight of this part alone will be over 3 kgs

Since your aunt is traveling with her family there will be no issues at Customs. When they fill out the declaration form they can estimate a total cost of 4,000 INR for your components.

 

[gameboy1998]

Thank you!

 

[Ubrales]

Thank you and good luck!

 

[gameboy1998]

Sorry for unselecting your best answer but since you asked for the weight list, I though I will let you take a look at it.

FX-8320 - 0.5
Hyper 212 - 1
Asus M5A97 R2.0 - 1
G.SKill 8GB RAM - 0.5
Samsung 120GB EVO SSD - 0.5
Asus GTX 770 - 1.6
Seasonic M12II 600W - 2.8

TOTAL : 8KG


So, even after packaging it will come to about 10-11KGs right.

*All the weights are measured in KGs

 

[Ubrales]

Yes, weight-wise you will be ok, but keep in mind that the Seasonic PSU (good one) packaging is quite large. Space in the suitcase may be the problem, Some clothing items can be effectively utilized as padding for these parts, and these parts will occupy more than half of a hard side suitcase. Do not pack these items in a soft side suitcase. This is important!

The motherboard http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/M5A97_R20/ packaging is the blister-pack type inside the thin card carton and this component will need some type of additional cardboard packaging before it is placed inside the suitcase. Too many items above or under this component may lead to the motherboard being crushed.

I suggest the Hyper 212 EVO - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005O65JXI/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=27053656083&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1396789670907528152&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_8k6nxd6oao_b - This has direct contact heat pipes (slightly different from previous models).

And, get some thermal compound - Arctic Silver 5

I don't see an OS in your list. Windows 8.1 Professional or Windows 7 Professional.

 

[gameboy1998]

Ok! Thanks for you suggestions.

Won't the hype 212 EVO come with a thermal compound or is it recommended to get a aftermarket one.

I have one of those three system windows 8 pack and I still have one license left.

Also should I be afraid of DOAs.

 

[Ubrales]

Personally, I don't use the thermal compound packaged with most heatsinks. Manufacturers are not known to include high quality thermal compounds along with their heatsinks. Even the compound used inside the Ivy Bridge CPUs are not that great and that's why some of them have temps issues especially when overclocked or during gaming (I know that you have picked the FX 8320). For gaming and OC every bit counts!

That's why I am suggesting Arctic Silver 5.

DOAs are rare and not a concern. Most of the negative stuff you read are from complainers who generally tend to be more vocal. Don't worry about it!

 

[Ubrales]

If you still have concerns regarding DOA or other issues with this board read reviews here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CPP82oLS_bsCFedAMgod_TEA-A&Item=N82E16813131873&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-AMD+Motherboards-_-N82E16813131873&ef_id=UrjPMwAABdWdLR4B:20140114121355:s

In some instances poor reviews are the result of sub-standard knowledge on the part of the system builder.