I travel internationally for work and spend several months at a time in different countries. I recently built a desktop because I'm tired of relying on laptops, and managed to fit the system into a Mechanic Master C28 case. The build uses a Ryzen 9800X processor and an RTX 5080. I chose this compact case partly because it should fit in carry-on luggage, but I'd still prefer a protective wheeled bag or hard case rather than carrying the PC by hand. Does anyone have recommendations for a suitable travel case or pilot-style luggage?
2 Answers
A metal hard-shell pilot case could work well. It should handle the bumps and abuse of frequent travel much better than a soft bag. Whatever case you choose, remove the graphics card before transporting the PC. A large GPU can put leverage on the PCIe slot and potentially damage the motherboard during movement.
The exact dimensions and weight matter more than the component list here. A compact system in a C28 is much easier to transport than a full-size tower, but you’ll still want to measure the case carefully and compare those dimensions with the airline’s carry-on limits. Look for a rigid case with interior padding, room for cables and accessories, and a handle or wheels that won’t make it awkward to lift.
The system is built in a Mechanic Master C28, with a Ryzen 9800X and RTX 5080. I’m mainly looking for a practical way to protect and carry that compact case, rather than choosing luggage based on the individual components.
That’s the plan. I chose the compact case so it can potentially go into the cabin as carry-on luggage, but I’d still rather have some proper protection than carry the computer loose. Do you have a particular pilot-case brand you’d recommend?