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!


Joe

Legacy Testimonial: 1212

I looked at Puget Systems years ago and was impressed by them and finally decided it was time to get a computer specifically tailored to my needs. They offered suggestions, and consistently proved helpful in my decision process. The build was fun to watch as their site showed all the progress from beginning to end with great detail. It shipped great, packed amazingly well. Now that I’ve used it, its performance has been stellar and now I am spoiled! Come the time I want another computer, I will go with Puget again. Highly recommended.

Margery Tran
Irvine, CA

Legacy Testimonial: 1210

Absolutely stellar experience! Great knowledgeable staff and excellent customer service. Each step of the internal process is inputted into a tracking system that is shared with the client – so I know the exact status and condition of my purchased product. I love seeing that level of thoughtful organization & process. I have yet to receive my workstation, but I am so blown away by the service that I needed to leave a review!

Michael S
San Diego, CA

Legacy Testimonial: 1209

I’ve purchased my past 3 gaming computers / workstations from Puget and this latest one is the best yet. The 3d modeling / rendering programs I use are running great on this setup, yet this computer is incredibly quiet. I also always appreciate the clean internal layout they do inside the desktop tower.

Larry Lee

Legacy Testimonial: 1208

I appreciated the feedback during the built/test and the workstation is amazing. The attention to detail ranged from cosmetics, technical compatibility, and custom fabrication of some bracket assemblies. Researching the component costs, I was surprised to find Puget built the system for less then it would have cost me to buy the components myself. I have recommended Puget Systems to colleagues and will seek them in future computer purchases.

Jedidiah Mitchell
NYC

Legacy Testimonial: 1204

I’ve been using custom PC workstations for film post production & VFX since the early 2000s, and I’ve always preferred to build them myself for cost savings & flexibility.

When my current studio brought up the idea of purchasing a pre-built workstation to replace our (woefully insufficient) Mac Pro 6,1 color grading system I was hesitant to let someone else assemble a box for me. I wasn’t thrilled with the configuration options on many vendor websites, and the cost premium seemed a little high, but our EP wanted to give it a shot with Puget due to their apparent focus on the post production industry.

First, my concerns about flexibility were addressed in about 5 minutes on the phone with Puget: they took my requests, understood why I was making them, and proposed a custom build not available through the online tools which met all my needs, even down to specific wire routing for ease of future upgrades. Really surprised that the first person I spoke with — in sales no less (not engineering) — was so knowledgeable about build options and why a customer might want something “off-menu” like I did.

Second, when we got the new workstation it was just as fast as I expected from the parts list, but the big surprises for me have been how stable it is, how well laid out the box is, and more than anything else how *shockingly* quiet the system is even under maximum load. They warned me that with some of my custom requests the sound dampening wouldn’t be as effective as stock options, but I don’t even know what that means in practice: we have laptops, water-cooled systems, tiny desktop RAIDs, etc — all of them are louder at idle than this box is under maximum load. Hell, our router is louder than this thing. Really impressive tuning & testing, far better than I’ve ever done for myself.

In addition to the great build, some 3rd party hardware did not function as expected when we initially received the system — despite it not being their responsibility they have been responsive and helpful in diagnosing the issues and we’ve been very happy with support so far. Having struggled with workstation support from Boxx & Dell in the past this was a very pleasant surprise.

I love tinkering with hardware so I intend to continue building my own workstations at home, but for anyone on the fence about buying pre-built, this is the bar for how it’s done.

mm
Chicago, Illinois

Legacy Testimonial: 1203

I ordered a 4-GPU digits machine for a deep learning project at work. Jeremy was helpful getting the machine configured and when it turned out the CPU I selected wasn’t available from any of their suppliers, Jeremy and Wilson upgraded the CPU to another one they had in stock, answered some of technical questions about it, and expedited shipping so the order would make it in time. I got the machine a day ago, and it’s already running at 100% and saving us $100s of dollars per day that we would otherwise pay for AWS. Very happy with Puget!

gc

Legacy Testimonial: 1202

In my search for a new computer I found two websites that were easy for me to navigate and read: AvaDirect and Puget Systems!

I tried using both sites for pricing but in my case it just did not matter as I had already decided on a specific video card type, a specific minimum amount of RAM and once I knew more about the available hard drives a specific hard drive!

I went with Puget Systems because their site was (at least for me) was easier to navigate and at the time their customization selection was the only one that allowed me to combine all three (video card, RAM and hard drive) that I wanted into one computer!

Also, their help section for comparing specific item choices and an explanation of what it is and what it does helped me out a lot!

Michael Stout
Los Alamos, New Mexico

Legacy Testimonial: 1201

This was my first purchase from Puget Systems. Unfortunately, damage occurred to my system during shipping. The service and technical support people were incredible in identifying what had happened and then providing the necessary replacement components. My issues were successfully resolved to my complete satisfaction as quickly as humanly possible. I will not hesitate to purchase a new system from Puget in the future.

Richard Baker

Legacy Testimonial: 1200

Bought Spirit PC And 17” Laptop in 2014. Bother with SSD and HDD combos. Upgraded to Windows 10 when it was free. They still run just like new. I know any other would have issues by now. Glad I found Puget.

Steve K.

Legacy Testimonial: 1199

I wanted a system that was powerful but silent, so I ordered the Puget Serenity. After it arrived, Alicia emailed me to ask if there was anything that could be improved. I said it was great, but there was a faint whisper from the PSU fan, which wouldn’t even be worth mentioning, except that, you know, the Serenity promises total silence and this one is only like 99% silent. I didn’t really expect much but they shipped me a new PSU overnight at no charge and I installed it and now the noise is gone. So I finally have my perfectly silent PC and the support experience moved my opinion from “pretty good” to “wow that was amazing let me write a testimonial”.

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.