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!


Pete Hugenroth

Legacy Testimonial: 1067

So, let me tell you about buying this gorgeous machine….First, the sales response was superb. I received regular and prompt correspondence from a sales person, Wilson (via email) as I was selecting the components for my new computer. He even made suggestions on a reconfiguration that saved me about $800. The select-to-build software was also excellent. I could see what they had in stock, what was on order, and the exact status of the assembly. I got very nice thermal images sent, showing operating temperatures and cabinet details. When my new baby arrived, the packaging was perfect. In fact, it was so nice to unbox, i feel Puget needs one of those “unboxing” videos that people post on youtube. I use the computer for Photoshop, and even when processing very large files, this thing is soooo quiet! I mean really, really quiet -as in, the the first time I started it up, the light came on and I was convinced it didn’t boot up/wondered if it was running. All in all, a dream experience for a custom order. After years of abuse from Dell, with their mongrel parts, bloatware and horrible customer service, I’ll gladly pay more for a top-tier computer and a company that stands behind it.

Ellen
New York

Legacy Testimonial: 1066

Highly recommended! Just bought a custom build for the purpose of 3D work. Very nice and knowledgeable people. Intensive tests and quality control. There are real people talking to you and keeping you updated — will not be buying computers from anywhere else now!

Mike Moon

Legacy Testimonial: 1064

I’ve purchased two computers from Puget Systems, this year:

In February 2015, I upgraded my desktop to an Obsidian Clone for HD Video Editing. The only things I kept were my old case and a Blu-Ray burner. All other components, plus a couple of additional disk drives were new.

In August 2015, I purchased a stock Traverse Laptop. I intend to use it for general purposes and photo editing.

I used comparable Dell and HP computers, as benchmarks.

Both computers have exceeded my expectations. The whole process: consultation, order submission, build, testing, and software installation was outstanding.

I have recommended Puget Systems to my friends for their consideration. I don`t plan to buy anywhere else.

Mike Sando

Legacy Testimonial: 1063

Great company. Great computers. I’ve been a customer since 2007 and have bought three machines from them (a laptop in 2007, a desktop in 2009 and a laptop for my wife in 2012). Still have all three. We use the 2009 and 2012 machines daily. The 2009 desktop is the one I still use for work every day, and it is fantastic six years later. It’s great to know this company is doing so well. I won’t buy a computer anywhere else. https://twitter.com/SandoESPN/status/639937794949840896

Devin Dobrowolski
Cambridge, MA

Legacy Testimonial: 1062

Amazing customer service and quality workmanship. Everyone I spoke to was very helpful and worked with me to get the right build for my computing needs. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a serious pc or laptop for media or architectural design work.

Howard Grill

Legacy Testimonial: 1061

Does a blog post count as a testimonial?
http://www.howardgrill.com/blog/2015/8/18/a-blatant-plugbut-not-for-me

Tim Ganstrom
Seattle Area

Legacy Testimonial: 1059

Just received my new ‘Deluge’ system. And I’m as happy as a clam thus far. The build out inside is clean so it’s a fun thing to show off in my office. (Love the Green LEDs!) But more importantly, it really is quite. Even when playing SkyRim at fully maxed out settings on a 4K screen, it didn’t notice any noise at all. It’s nice not to have fans whirring hard as soon as the game just gets interesting. 😉

I’ll have to find newer games to even start to work this machine. That GeForce 980 Ti made Skyrim run super smooth with not a single ‘hiccup’ on the screen thus far. (note to gamers: I did have to go into the game settings and tell the game to run at 4k resolution. The game didn’t upscale automatically.)

Only down side I can think of is that the case did end up being a good bit bigger than I at first imagined it would be. It’s not a ‘mid-size’ case at all, definitely ‘full-size’, but that’s OK, because now I can easily fit a 2nd video card in there in the future without much in the way of heat issues.

Thus far the service has been extraordinary. Very personal service, and pretty much around the clock. I even got a reply once after mid-night as I was trying to decide on what configuration I wanted. It’s like the Puget guys never sleep!!

I could have bought a somewhat similar rig lots of other places, but only Puget has the lifetime service warranty. (and one year parts warranty.) I tend to use my machines for 5 to 7 years before a full replacement, so I’m looking forward to excellent support should anything go wrong with the system over the years.

Chuck Taylor
Greenfield, Indiana

Legacy Testimonial: 1057

Wow. This computer purchase was completely different from all previous computer purchases. I have primarily designed computers and laptops at Dell and Lenovo websites in the past. They’re OK. But so many times problems arose, and the difficulty in finding someone to talk to was maddening. Not to mention the hours spent trying to disinfect the computer from all the bloatware.
Now I’m in a position to spend a little more to get a great system. I’ve done this at least 15 times over the past 20 years (I have raised 10 kids), and 15 times I’ve had to grit my teeth and spend a week of my life trying to get the new computer to work right.

Enter Puget. Ordering a computer from Puget was an incredibly satisfying experience. Here’s how it went down:

1. I looked at several custom computer review sites on the web and after checking the best-rated sites settled on Puget.

2. I built my dream computer on their website and submitted it.

3. I got an email from one of the designers at Puget within a few hours. He wanted to clarify what kinds of programs I was going to use the computer for. I gave him a rundown.

4. He suggested that the video card i had picked was a bit overkill if I was not interested in gaming, but only P-shop and Premiere video editing, and other programs requiring less video-processing intensity. He suggested a good, but less expensive one.

5. He asked how important noise level was (not much). He recommended faster but noisier 2TB D and E drives (a little less expensive) but a good low-noise case (a little more expensive). There were other details we covered as well, but I’m running out of space.

6. A few days later I received an email with the pictures of my system, including infrared photos showing heat diffusion at idle and at full load. One more day of testing, then ship.

7. I decided to buy a new high-def 27″ monitor from Amazon while I waited. What a revelation! To be able to email the same guy who helped me put my system together, who wrote several of the web articles I studied, and to be able to ask him about how well various monitors will play with my new system. Extremely helpful. Not the least bit put-out by a non-techie with questions. Sweet…

8. I received my new system and new monitor on the same day. Putting this computer together was a joy. The packaging was even a joy. Every step Puget thought of what I might need and prepared me for it. Too much to say, but I’m enjoying my new computer absolutely completely the first day I turned it on. No crapware to remove. It just works. It’s perfect.

9. The man who helped me at Puget did recommend one upgrade, that being a 500GB solid-state C Drive. I can’t recommend this highly enough. Sooo fast! Nearly instantaneous boot-up. I wonder how many thousands of hours I’ve wasted waiting for my computers to boot up…

10. As far as the noise recommendations: This computer is literally silent. I have to look under my desk to see if it’s on! Not sure why it would need to be quieter than this?

11. Regarding the downgrade on the video card: This beast opens and processes my 25MB RAW photos in Adobe PS nearly instantly. Haven’t gotten to video editing yet, but I have no doubt that Puget hasn’t led me astray. Just looked back and re-read our ten emails.

12. Just outstanding! They really got to the bottom of what I needed, and taught me along the way. Really a pleasure. I am a very, very satisfied customer. My next computer will definitely come from Puget.

scott mathews
Santa Clara, CA

Legacy Testimonial: 1056

Purchased a Serenity Pro primarily to integrate into high end stereo system for lossless computer playback. System would need to be powerful enough to upsample flac files to DSD while also being as quiet as possible.

Jeff was my sales consultant. He listened to my needs and provided recommendations as appropriate. I never got the feeling he was ever upselling me. In fact, I was the one who put in two change orders after the order was submitted and they were handled seamlessly.

I appreciate both the testing that the systems go through and the communication they provide the customer throughout the process.

The computer arrived in great condition (packing materials and engineering are top shelf) with the best information booklet I’ve seen. The end product exceeded expectation. The computer is extremely well built and esssentially noise free. I honestly can’t tell it’s on.

Systems from Puget cost a little more but are worth every penny. I will never buy a computer anywhere else. Highest recommendation.

Jason Doiy
Pacifica

Legacy Testimonial: 1055

I highly recommend Puget Systems. They helped me pick out my best workstation I’ve ever owned. I’m glad to have discovered this business as I was really disappointed with my last computer purchase. The staff is friendly and sales support is perfect. I had questions about what was the best thing I could do to solve some specific workflow problems and they helped me build a computer to solve those problems. Absolutely perfect!

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.