1. Final System Preparation & Testing (Bench)

1. Perform full system validation:
   • 100% CPU + GPU + RAM stress testing
   • In-game benchmark run to confirm stability and zero artifacting
2. BIOS configuration:
   • Update BIOS to latest stable version
   • Secure Boot enabled
   • EXPO / XMP enabled
   • Re-Size BAR enabled
   • Custom fan curve applied (balanced acoustics vs cooling)
   • If Premier Optimisation is selected:
     • Additional BIOS tuning applied (PBO / Intel boost duration as applicable)
3. Operating system (if Windows selected):
   • Windows installed using a local offline account
   • Username set to customer-specified name at checkout
   • Power plan edited to disable Fast Startup for stability
   • Chipset driver installed
   • Video card driver installed
   • RGB software installed where applicable (typically SignalRGB)
   • Windows Updates checked and applied
   • Time/date synchronisation confirmed
   • If Premier Optimisation is selected:
     • Windows debloating applied (removal of Copilot, telemetry, keylogging, tracking, and 100+ additional optimisations)
     • Ultimate Performance power plan enabled
     • Windows animations disabled
4. Final confirmation:
   • System shut down cleanly
   • PSU switched off and mains power disconnected
5. GPU anti-sag support:
   • Installed only if selected by the customer at checkout / listing options

2. Internal Case Bracing

2.1 GPU Support

1. Instapak expanding foam placed under the GPU, supporting the GPU mass vertically.
2. Ensure no foam applies pressure above the GPU.
3. Confirm GPU load path is GPU → case, not GPU → cooler or motherboard.
4. Caveat (small form factor systems):
   • Foam wedges or alternative packing materials may be used where Instapak is not practical.

2.2 Tower Air Cooler Stabilisation (Not applicable if liquid cooling is used)

1. Insert foam wedges:
   • Left side of the cooler (lateral restraint)
   • Top of the cooler (vertical restraint)
   • No foam beneath the cooler
2. Install a temporary cable tie restraint:
   • Loop around the cooler fin stack (preferred)
   • Anchor to top fan mounting rails / structural steel, not perforated mesh
   • Leave slight slack (movement arrest only, no preload)
   • Add a small foam or cardboard pad at the contact point if required
3. Verify:
   • Cooler does not swing
   • No downward force is applied to the CPU socket
   • No contact between cooler restraint and GPU

Note: Temporary shipping restraints must be removed before use.

3. Internal Visual Check

1. Confirm:
   • GPU is supported from below only
   • Cooler (if applicable) is restrained to the case, not the GPU
   • No cables are under tension
2. Close side panels.
3. Confirm glass-side-up orientation marking.

4. Case Boxing (Inner Box)

1. Place the PC into the original case box using manufacturer foam inserts.
2. Orientation:
   • Glass side facing up
   • GPU weight acts vertically, not as a cantilever
3. Seal the case box.

5. Double Boxing (Outer Box)

1. Use a double-walled exterior carton:
   • Typically 60 × 60 × 60 cm
   • Smaller or larger cartons may be used depending on system configuration
2. Place cushioning (air packets or padding) at the bottom of the carton.
3. Place the case box into the outer carton, centred.
4. Fill remaining voids to prevent movement.

6. Accessories, Documentation & Tracking

1. Place the following on top of the case box, inside the outer carton where space permits:
   • Component boxes (GPU, motherboard, power supply where available)
   • Additional component boxes if space allows
2. Notes on included boxes:
   • Some components are OEM and do not include retail packaging
   • Some boxes may not fit due to size constraints
   • GPU and motherboard boxes are always included
   • Power supply box is included in most cases where available
3. Include documentation:
   • Printed receipt
   • Copy of shipping label
   • Setup / unboxing QR code
   • If a solid side-panel case is used: include an additional printed notice reminding the customer to open the case, inspect internals, and remove all packaging before first power-on
4. High-value shipment tracking (where applicable):
   • A tracking tag (e.g. Apple AirTag or Motorola Moto Tag) may be included
   • A prepaid return label is provided
   • The customer is required to return the tracking tag to PC36 after successful setup
   • Tracking tags are registered to PC36 and cannot be reprogrammed or repurposed by the customer
5. Ensure no heavy items can shift onto the PC during transit.

7. Final Sealing & Labelling

1. Seal the outer box securely.
2. Apply two shipping labels to the exterior of the box.
3. Apply orientation labels:
   • “This Way Up”
   • “Fragile”
4. Record package condition and orientation prior to courier handoff.

8. Customer Unboxing & Setup Notes (Provided Separately)

1. Follow the QR code for unboxing and setup instructions.
2. Remove all internal packaging materials.
3. Cut and remove the temporary cooler cable tie (if fitted).
4. Confirm GPU anti-sag support remains installed (if applicable).
5. Proceed with first power-on.

Design Principles (Summary)

1. GPU and cooler are independently supported.
2. No component is used as a structural brace for another.
3. All heavy loads are transferred into the case chassis.
4. Packaging mitigates shock, vibration, and shear forces.

Status: Approved – exceeds industry standard

Images for reference

Figure 1: Cable tie loop for tower air coolers