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!


Scott Peterson

Legacy Testimonial: 1043

From start to finish they were there. I started with a general idea of what I needed, I asked questions, they asked questions of me, and between us we came up with a design that met my specifications perfectly. They were there throughout the build process keeping me informed on the progress of my machine. They told me about all about the extensive testing they did. And when it was finished they did a very thorough job of packing it for shipment. The machine arrived without a scratch and included some very well thought out documentation. I had no trouble setting up this machine and it’s worked perfectly ever since I first turned it on. They followed up a couple weeks later with a phone call just to make sure everything was working properly. No question that next time I need a new computer I’ll go back to these guys.

Lawrence Simmons

Legacy Testimonial: 1042

They really do work with you to create a truly custom computer exactly the way you want it. Their staff has the expertise to help you design the best possible system. I wish I had found this company a few years earlier.

Robert Grace

Legacy Testimonial: 1041

Purchased a Serenity in the spring of 2011 with a 3-year warranty. Twenty=five years of buying nothing but high-end desktops from a half dozen companies, gave me the knowledge to evaluate quality, performance, and reliability. The Puget Systems desktop was vastly superior to anything previous owned. Twice encountered software issues well beyond the scope of my knowledge to resolve. Puget tech support took control of the Serenity and fixed the problem in no time. Six months out of warranty, one Nvidia GPU failed. Shipping the Serenity back to the company in the original packaging was easy.

After upgrading to a GTX 980 (reviewed on their website) the Serenity is now virtually silent. You can’t hear a thing. Hope they stay in business for a long time because if the CPU or motherboard should fail, it will be a pleasure to customize and order another Serenity. Thanks gentlemen for unsurpassed customer service and superior products-you rank in the top 1 %!

Beau Reese
Santa Clarita

Legacy Testimonial: 1040

I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a specific hard drive cage for my Fractal Design Define R4 case…

Nobody has one, they’re not available on eBay or Amazon, and I spent hours searching Google.

Finally, I found this website and thought it was fake, so I contacted Fractal Design and to my surprise it was legit!

Now I’m the happiest customer in the world. I can finally finish my super computer with all 8 hard drives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kris Thompson
Seattle, Washington

Legacy Testimonial: 1038

Puget Systems: A++

After years of buying disposable HP junk five years or so, I wanted a custom built computer that I could upgrade with time. Making due with slow and plodding web browsing while knowing if I opened too many tabs, my media player would start skipping and repeat the last two seconds over and over. It made me feel one skip away from my head exploding Scanners-style.

Finally, I’d had enough and began saving money over the last year. Once I hit my goal, I began shopping around. I was hesitant to trust any one custom PC site or another because they all had some sort of mixed reviews. I even considered spending $4k on a Dell or a Mac Retina desktop.

On Reseller Ratings, while looking at my initial choice’s reputation, I saw that you were right above them in the amount of reviews and your score was better. Living in Seattle, I recognized “Puget” and did some Googling. It amazed me how stellar your reputation is and then, after a year of saving, months of planning and comparing other sites, I knew in seconds that Puget Systems would be my best option.

The staff guided me through the fine tuning of my custom order and found exactly what I wanted. Placing the order was a little nerve-wracking but it went off without a hitch. Being able to watch and follow the steps of the building process was great fun and more exciting than I thought possible. Delivery was prompt (even if the delivery guy dropped the box but it was from a very low height and your packaging was well prepared) and my PC arrived the same day as the monitor I ordered separately week earlier. Unboxing to find such a personalized delivery manual, extra spare parts, and everything just as I’d asked was top notch.

It’s working great and I still haven’t changed the desktop background because your logo is so easy on the eyes. Thanks again!

Walter Rywak

Legacy Testimonial: 1037

I’ve bought three PCs from Puget Systems: one for my nephew and two for myself. Great customization, great team and speedy delivery. Will buy again.

Matthew Thomas
North Liberty, IA

Legacy Testimonial: 1036

This was my first experience using Puget, and I must say that I was very impressed. Almost immediately after saving a configuration, I was contacted by a customer service rep offering to help. Throughout the process, every question or concern I had was promptly answered.

I’ve been using my new Puget system for about a week now and it’s fantastic. My PC came with the standard spare parts and also came with a binder with my system configuration documented and helpful guides to get my PC up and running as quickly as possible.

All in all I was extremely impressed with Puget Systems. I will definitely use them again.

Earl T. McFarland
Palestine,Texas

Legacy Testimonial: 1035

Puget computers are head and shoulders above the rest. In test after test it never let me down. These guys know how to build a computer. They are courteous and very professional and know what they’re talking about. Their computers are very reliable. There are beautiful inside and out. You can tell these are well-built computers. I give the company and the workers five stars. The desk top computer I ordered from Puget was the best investment I’ve ever made. The computer is so fast it amazes me. I would recommend Puget computers to anyone who is looking for a reliable, fast, worry free and inexpensive computer. This computer is awesome. It arrived on time and was boxed extremely well. I would buy another Puget computer in a heartbeat. I don’t normally do these kind of reviews but I’m so impressed with Puget I just had to say something about the company and the people. Their people are amazing. Jeff Stubbers is an amazing guy. He helped me from beginning to end. He returned my emails, he was there by phone. He made me feel like part of the Puget family. Try getting any of that from any of the major computer companies and you’ll get laughed at. Thanks guys, you all are the best.

David N.
Southern Illinois

Legacy Testimonial: 1034

My first Puget system (2004) still runs like a champ, so I didn’t even consider anyone else when I decided it was time for an upgrade. My new custom air cooled system is awesome — I couldn’t be happier with it.

Ten years of progress in the technology combined with the SSD’s Jeff recommended, and I’m still blown away by its performance even after using it for several weeks. As a Linux-only user, they even pre-installed Fedora for me (no charge). As examples of their thoroughness, the system came with detailed unpacking instructions and screen shots of all the BIOS settings.

I’m happy to find that it’s still the same great company I discovered ten years ago. Their sterling reputation is well deserved!

Paul Frankfurter

Legacy Testimonial: 1033

“Awesome company! Jeff Stubbers at Puget Custom Computers gave me sound advice. I am not a newbie around computers, but was not real familiar with the Intel Xeon processor line up. Jeff was immediately able to steer me to a proper selection and able to explain why I should use that particular processor.

I should mention that I was searching for a reliable custom builder that could supply a system that would be 100% hardware compatible with Linux. My system was shipped with my preferred Linux distro, Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. They even contacted me to learn how I wished the hard drive to be partitioned.

Puget systems are a work of art both outside and inside the case. Other builders should take lessons in top quality component selection, cable bundling and routing, and attention to detail from Puget Custom Computers.

My new system sits under my workstation by my left leg and is virtually silent. 5 stars in all categories! Will definitely buy from them again. “

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.