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!
Legacy Testimonial: 1126
If you’re looking for a high quality computer at a fair price then look no further. Service is perfect, computer is perfect, everything is perfect. You will not regret it, I promise.
Legacy Testimonial: 1125
I recently bought a Serenity Professional. It is probably the most satisfactory purchase I’ve ever made. The folks at Puget Systems were extremely helpful throughout the process, answering my dumb questions promptly, graciously, and right on the point (I especially thank Wilson Chau and Christopher Crader in this regard). And the machine is exactly what I wanted. Even better.
Legacy Testimonial: 1123
I had been trying to do video editing on an Intel i3 laptop. Both it and I were in over our heads. Having followed Puget Systems for about a year, longingly, I decided to stick my toe in the water with Puget’s representative Wilson Chau. I had been around computers long enough to know what I wanted, but not enough to know how much it was going to cost. Wilson was the coolest take-your-time sales agent! If I didn’t offer the answers to what I wanted, he asked the proper questions to get me there. I never felt so much confidence dealing with any other company that I can think of. It took no time at all to enter an order and receive my new custom system. Absolutely everything about the quality of service and the quality of the hardware was stunning. I had a question or two to support when setting up the system; the responses were very good and very fast. What is this all about – a computer firm that actually cares about their customer after the sale? I must have entered the bizarro world!
Legacy Testimonial: 1121
I ordered a package of replacement parts for a case from Puget. The package arrived on time and packaged very well. Upon opening it I noticed some damage to the corner from were the carrier had dropped the package and damaged the parts. I contacted Puget and received a response very quickly informing me a replacement would be sent out as soon as possible. I am very satisfied with how they handled the situation and will be a returning customer going forward in the future. This was a very good first impression with the company. Truly a company who goes above and beyond for its customers.
Legacy Testimonial: 1120
Couldn’t be happier with my experience, guys. Thank you for the quick, knowledgeable answers and for building a fantastic workstation.
Legacy Testimonial: 1119
Very positive purchasing experience. I went back on forth via email with a single person who understood my questions and provided thoughtful answers and suggestions (most of which would lower the price of the computer). As an example of the kind of customer service they provide, they offered to pre-wire the machine for an additional hard or have me mail it in to them to install with the build (they offered to same for my old sound card). I went with the pre-wire for the hard drive and it was done neatly and in a way that was very easy for me to access and plop my hard drive in. They sent a good amount of documentation including helpful tips on setting up the computer and a usb recovery drive. What is clear from my experience is that they really try to go the extra mile and I have nothing but positive things to say.
Legacy Testimonial: 1118
This is my second computer purchase from Puget–my first was almost nine years ago. Nine years ago I had a different job, a different car, a different waist size…
Not everything that you buy lasts. Sometimes that’s okay. The batteries in your TV remote won’t last long. But when you really spend on something, you’d prefer to benefit from it for years to come.
Puget systems are built to last. The assembly, quality control, and attention to detail (among other things) are to thank. When you purchase a computer from Puget, one of the checkpoints is literally “Clean any smudges from the chassis”. C’mon. Buy from Puget.
Legacy Testimonial: 1117
Everything about my purchase of a Spirit PC was exceptional. The consultation, the build, the finished product, the shipping, all top notch!
Legacy Testimonial: 1116
This is my first experience with Puget. My previous computer was also a custom built one. That company went out of business, so after 6 years when I had a problem they were not around to help me fix the problem. My new computer from Puget is custom built for photography. It is very fast, very quiet and so far is exactly what I needed. I have nothing but good things to say about the people that I worked with in getting my computer built and running in my home office. I especially appreciated the time Puget took as we designed a computer just for me. I appreciate that Puget took the time to see that each component met the specs. They actually found that one component did not and swapped it out for a good one. You can imagine how sad I would have been if that problem had surfaced after the computer was being used in my home office. I am counting on them being around should problems crop up in the future.
Legacy Testimonial: 1114
I recently bought my second system from Puget Sound Systems. This one was a Serenity; the first one, a Spirit. Isn’t that putting one’s money where your mouth is ? I couldn’t be happier with my choice.
I wanted a system to be pretty much dedicated to music, using notation and DAW software. I was glad to see that the company had some experience in this area. William was very helpful in designing a system to meet my needs, and at a good price point too. They tout the Serenity line as being quite. It absolutely is, while being quite snappy in loading and processing large sound libraries.
The company went out of the way to work with me on the shipping. When the build and burn was completed faster than first expected, I had a chance to get the box a week earlier than first anticipated. (This delay was due to my schedule requiring a Saturday delivery.) My request caught the shipping people by surprise. But they managed to get the unit out to me, really making my day. That’s pretty exceptional service from start to finish. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.