Long-time storage for pc(s)

[Newbie12]

Hi, it's me again; just got question - I'm, uh, sort of trying to clean the house and putting away un-used computers in the shed so I get free hazard-less walking space. I was wandering if I should take out the graphics card(and stick it back in it's original box) of the computers that are going for long-term-storage in the shed or should just leave the graphics card still in the system and not worry about it.

Any replies would be welcomed.

 

[azareus]

Why would you only want to take out the graphics card?

If the computers are going to stand somewhere humid it might be a good idea to take out most of the hardware, or at least let it dry thoroughly before you try to use it again.
I would recommend finding somewhere completely dry to store them. That way you can be sure that water won't get into the parts.

Also, be aware that mice or other animals might take shelter inside your computer and gnaw in the cables / damage the hardware if you put it in a shed that might be open to the outside.

 

[Newbie12]

Why would you only want to take out the graphics card?

Errr, because that's probably the only thing I think might screw up in a humid/hot place like the shed...why do other hardware components too?

If the computers are going to stand somewhere humid it might be a good idea to take out most of the hardware, or at least let it dry thoroughly before you try to use it again.
I would recommend finding somewhere completely dry to store them. That way you can be sure that water won't get into the parts.

What hardware can I take out? RAM should be easy enough to do, along with the graphics card and psu, can't really take out the cpu without possible screw-over...what should I take out then along with the graphics card?

Also, be aware that mice or other animals might take shelter inside your computer and gnaw in the cables / damage the hardware if you put it in a shed that might be open to the outside.

I'll leave the case fully enclosed screwed. unless maybe spiders or other small things like bugs, would they take a bite of the hardware, you think?(probably a stupid question but I want to confirm...)

 

[azareus]

The CPU might also be good to take out as it is also prone to nearly everything. Take out as much as you can, but the CPU, graphics card, RAM and HDD should be enough. (Please note that I am not a professional and cannot be held responsible if anything goes wrong)

Even though the case is fully closed, many rodents can get into very VERY small holes, so you might want to put it in a box or something. You could also get some plastic and wrap it into that completely. That way you might also be able to ward off the worst humidity.

 

[Slapshot136]

I wouldn't take stuff out.. rather put mothballs and those moisture absorbent stuff that you find in shoes/etc. inside it, and just put it in a large trash bag and close the bag - that way moisture/etc. shouldn't get in

 

[Newbie12]

...?

...so in a box inside a large trash bag? Mothballs? moisture absorbent stuff? Not covering it? Hm, the trash bag I can do, the box... well, I don't I have a big enough box to stick the case in with.... Morthballs, no idea what they are - unless those are those paperballs that come in brand new shoes....yes? If that's the case, well, I chucked them all out because didn't think they'd be of any use. if those little bags are the absorbent stuff in brand new shoe boxes, then I also already chucked them out...

Wait, but wouldn't rodents eat through the box? And trash bag too?

 

[azareus]

You can buy those moist absorbent balls for near nothing. Rodents will eat through cardboard but most likely not through plastic. If you want to be completely sure, encase it in aluminium wrap too. Aluminium wrap is very painful to chew through.

 

[Slapshot136]

moth balls are just small balls that smell bad to mice.. you would normally put them in the attic/etc. - you should be able to find them in a general grocery store/hardware store

and those silica gel packets are found in everything.. beef jerkey bags, with sandwich meats, those little "do not eat" bags - im sure you will find some without needing to buy them, but those are just to keep the moisture out

 

[Newbie12]

Okay, so the steps are:

1 - Don't take components in there out (as suggested by slapshot)
2 - Place a bag of moth balls and a bag of silica gel packet (as suggested by slapshot)
3 - Keep the case fully enclosed (as suggested by me...)
4 - Put case in a box (as suggested by azareus)
5 - Put the case that's in the box in a trash bag (as suggested by slapshot)
6 - Then wrap aluminum foil all around the trash bag? (as suggested by azareus)

Hm, this is to keep out any condensation and insulate the case + components inside from over-heating from high heat outside and rodents? Did I get this right?

 

[Slapshot136]

sounds good, that should protect it from humidity, rats, and condensation - as far as temperatures go you don't really need to insulate it, 45º C (113 f) is fairly mild for a computer and I doubt your shed would get that hot

 

[Newbie12]

So temperature isn't a problem, so it would survive even if outside is like around 40 - 44 degrees Celsius(actually happened once...)(World's getting hotter nowadays - global warming...)? Great then!:thup: