Burn-In Process

Burn-In Process

Any time you use new computer components, you are subject to the risk of manufacturing defects, shipping damage, and many other possible sources of hardware failure. A “burn-in” process stresses the components in a system, so that if they are close to failure, we can make sure they break here – allowing us to fix or replace them before the computer gets to our customer. It is much like the way Boeing puts huge stresses on aircraft wings before flying the aircraft: if the wings have a defect, and are going to fail, they want that failure to happen before the aircraft leaves the plant. So, a burn-in test helps ensure that only hardware without defects leaves our facility.

What exactly do we do? The first test we run is very targeted, with a rigorous memory verification tool that makes sure the proper amount of system RAM is detected and that it functions without error for an extended period of time. This test also hits the CPU pretty hard, and depending on the amount of memory in the computer can last several hours. It is critical to make sure that the RAM is rock-solid before moving on, though, since misbehaving memory can cause a whole host of issues once the operating system is up and running.

Next, Windows is installed and all driver and OS updates are applied. Afterward, we run several benchmarks to collect performance data which we use to make sure the workstation is performing as expected for its particular specifications. Toward the end of that process we use a combination of utilities at the same time, with the specific intention of pushing the hardware to its limits – putting the CPU, RAM, and GPU(s) under heavy load for several minutes to ensure stable operation, before considering the PC ready for quality control. A similar system-wide stress test is run again as part of QC, where we can also monitor temperatures to ensure adequate cooling and power draw from the wall to verify that the included power supply will be able to run the computer safely.

Read what our customers have to say about our burn-in process!


Michael N Clive
Castro Valley

An amazing rig

This thing is fast, quiet, and well-built. The whole thing came together in two days, and worked like a charm. I love this machine!

Connor R
Houston, Tx

Unbeatable, honestly.

My CPU died in my previous machine (Intel defects started showing up a year later, completely outside of Puget’s control). They replaced the CPU no questions asked. However on the return shipment, the PC ended up getting lost in UPS. Puget took it upon themselves to completely rebuild a brand new machine and sent it on one-day delivery. Words really can’t express the level of customer service you get with the company. If you were hesitating on a purchase for whatever reason, you should just do it. You won’t regret it.

Thanks to everyone from the techs, to the UPS representative, to the guy that handles shipping. All of you are the best.

Connor

Bill Johnson

Puget Systems is the BEST in the business

This is my second PC built by Puget Systems. Their attention to detail, quality of their builds, and the extensive research into component reliability is unparalleled. They update you as the unit is being built with all of the extensive testing and build checklists that they follow, which leaves every other PC maker I’ve ever bought from in the dust. They recently built an incredible system for me, exactly how I wanted it, and in just one week’s time. Their systems are built to last, and it is no surprise to me that my first system that I bought from them back in 2015 is still running perfectly to this day as well. I can’t imagine a better company to buy my computers from, as their customer service is also top-notch. If you want a PC that will be reliable, super quiet, and long-lasting, look no further. I highly recommend them and can’t imagine buying a computer system from anyone else.

TYLER S MARTIN
Arcata

Thanks for all!

Puget Systems was great to me throughout a slight malfunction of my laptop. As far as I know, nothing actually went wrong, but they wanted to check out the unit anyway, and worked with me to get a new unit to my home for replacement free of charge! I’ve never been so satisfied with customer service and responsiveness. They were on top of their emails, were quick to fix my issue, and were a breeze to deal with. It’s a great computer made by a great company!

Robert H Rhines
Selah

The Finest Computer Purchase Experience

Please convey to the build-team my thanks for their expert help building my new computer.

Team members: Jeff, Conner, Beth, Jason, Eli, Bryan & AJ.

Over the years I’ve purchased many computers. The experience with Puget Systems & your capable staff has surpassed all of these in an extraordinary way. Beginning with the interview to start the process, that was both educational and personal, it became clear to me that the machine eventually ended on would certainly meet or exceed my needs. Following this the open step-by-step reveal of the build provided a unique connection to the process and each team member that touched unit along the way.

In the end, admittedly computers are cold calculating machines. Your approach to helping customers is quite the opposite! Keep up this fine service. I’ll certainly be telling others about you.

Sincerely,

Bob Rhines

Marcus Sherman
Casco, ME

The gray area between “want” and “need”

TLDR: “Yes, it’s expensive, no it’s not overpriced.” – Linus Sebastian

I was an unofficial Puget Systems evangelist before I even owned a Puget Systems workstation. So my testimonial is rife with bias. That said, I have also built all of my computers till now. I just didn’t have the time this time.

My work wears two hats: bioinformatics and photography. While my needs are not unique, they are real and require a more nuanced approach than selecting one of the curated recommended workstations that Puget Systems offers. Using their workstation customizer, there was little left to the imagination when selecting my components and configurations. If there was a question along the way, a simple hyperlink at that option would take you to notes about the components, pictures of the components, considerations to make when making a choice, and even notes from the staff themselves in some cases.

Since my workstation was going to be customer-facing a bit, my tech consultant guided me through the process of getting my custom etching done. When it was discovered that the incorrect operating system was selected on the quote early in the build process, my tech consultant promptly passed the message along to my assigned assembly technician and got the problem sorted out before it got too far down the line. The assembly team took note of the specific needs that I had for the machine and appropriately configured, tested, and benchmarked with just those needs in mind. No more. No less. Exactly what I wanted.

Lastly–and probably the finishing touch of the whole process–was how the customer support team handled a very specific request that I had after I had received my workstation. I am running my workstation about 15 feet away from my desk using a Thunderbolt 4 dock. While the peripherals and CFExpress & SD card reader are easy to handle, I wanted both of my 1440p color-accurate monitors to run off the dock as well for cable management purposes. My workstation came with the appropriate Thunderbolt 4 ports, but to run the monitors from the GPU, I needed two 1-foot DisplayPort cables that connect the GPU to the motherboard’s Thunderbolt 4 pass-throughs. Since the motherboard often comes with at least one such cord, I requested that they send it to me since I didn’t want to have to cable manage a couple of 6-foot cords from Amazon behind my computer. My request was processed and they were going to send me the cords at no cost but they quickly discovered that they do not keep those cords in stock in-house. They then told me that they went ahead and ordered the cords from Amazon and sent them to my address–still at no cost to me. Way to go above and beyond.

At no point did I ever feel like I was being upsold or pressured. I felt that they listened to what I said and I got exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it. I likely won’t be coming back for a while. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t think that I will need to with the quality of work that they sent me. I look forward to putting this workstation through its paces and am proud to continue being an informal Puget Systems evangelist–but with a workstation to back up my claims.

Credits (in order of appearance): Nathan H, Jess E, Chris N, and Chad W.

Eddie Hussein
Evans

Brilliant experience!! Best computer I have ever bought

I have bought dozen and dozens of computers in my life and this by far the most professional, accommodating service I have ever had.
Absolute perfection in every way!!
Thank you Brett for a stellar experience, I could not ask for anything more.

Jedi Nelson
Middleton, WI

Easy and smooth process

First off, some context. I am mildly into computers. Enough to be dangerous, but not enough to truly know the spec differences between AMD and Intel CPUs, for example. I can break down the generation names, and know what part does what and to what extent, and from a few years of off and on research I knew what parts I needed for the things I do, and knew to check for compatibility between all components, but beyond that I know I’m not good at things like debugging. Which is where Puget Systems comes in.

I first heard about them through the YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips, and when they proceeded to perform moderately well to well in all of their subsequent tests, I decided to go with them to make my PC when the time came to upgrade from a gaming laptop to an actual PC. I could have done a bit more research and built it myself, but I know it would have been a bit of a struggle. Going through a prebuilt means I have someone who builds these systems every day working on my system, so they know what they are doing much better than I do. That, and having someone who knows what to test and how to test it to make sure things are performing up to spec, the images provided, the relatively short total time (2-3 weeks for me) and tech support means I’m more than willing to pay the premium to have someone else build the PC for me.

Also, the preinstalled software option, the ability to select windows 10 instead of being forced to use 11.

All in all, the process was smooth, there was no shipping damage, and everything went well! Would use these guys again.

Matt Metz
Phoenix, AZ

Superb

I’m probably an advanced beginner when it comes to computers. The most demanding thing I do is some non-linear digital video editing.

What I like most about Puget Systems is that they will tell me where I can spend a few bucks and get a big improvement, and also where I can spend money but NOT get any improvement in performance.

Their computers are trouble-free and reliable, and I know I will get a lot of use from mine without hassle. It’s definitely worth the premium price.

David Hanes
Gold Beach, Oregon

Wow! What a pleasure

I found out about PUGET SYSTEMS while researching a replacement for my 13-year-old DELL desktop, which was no longer meeting my needs. Puget Systems is very highly recommended and the products they offer have excellent component and configuration options. I contacted Puget Systems and spoke a number of times with Account Manager Braden Sime, who offered spot-on advice and recommendations. I ordered a Photoshop Plus system with components to optimize Photoshop, my primary tool.

I am extremely pleased with Puget Systems build time and quality. The new desktop was delivered in just over two weeks, and WOW!, what a pleasure it is to quickly open 20 to 50 GB Photoshop files, and then experience no lag when drawing on the Wacom – huge difference! A big thank you to everyone at Puget Systems.

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.