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I am planning to take my PC Tower as a checked luggage on an airplane. I have already looked for answers online and I know that it is allowed by the TSA.

I have also spoken to my PC Build company, who gave me instructions on how to pack it. They told me to confirm with Corsair that their cooler will be able to hold up in the pressurized section of the plane, where checked luggage is stored. Some coolers can leak or even "explode" according to the PC Build company. I have contacted Corsair, but I have not received an answer yet and their phone support will not be available until February, which is before my flight.

Has anyone ever put a PC Tower with a "Corsair H100i PRO - 240mm Liquid CPU Cooler" in checked luggage? Is it safe? I will be removing the GPU, HDD and SSD drives and taking them in my carry-on.

jcaron
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Domeniko
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1 Answers1

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The cargo hold of passenger aircraft is pressurized to the same level as of cabin. The atmospheric pressure at sea level is 14.7 PSI. The minimum allowed pressure is 10.9 PSI (8000ft equivalent), which is about 3.8 PSI difference. It is comfortable enough to breathe for you. It should not cause the well sealed liquid cooler to leak/burst. Unless a rapid depressurization happens, which is very rare.

Being said that, your biggest challenge is how the cargo is handled. Even with fragile stickers, the probability that your packed bag thrown and all is really high. Damaged caused by that is much more destructive to the cabin and liquid cooler. So, if you really want no damage, pack it well so that it won't get damaged while being thrown around.

Note: Those coolers are regularly transported using airplanes by manufactures and distributors.

Anish Sheela
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