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 Conaty

Legacy Testimonial: 721

I found out about Pudget Systems from my neice who purchased a system from Puget nearly two years ago. She’s never had any trouble and when she had a question, “Uncle Joe, real people answered the phone.” So I decided to upgrade from my dell XPS to a 65-bit system with accessible memory so that I could edit the hours and hours of video that I’ve taken. Jeff from Puget was very helpful: recommending some changes that better suited my needs, recommending that some of my features weren’t really necessary for my purposes and generally guiding me through the design of a system that suits my needs.

The system worked right out of the box and I’ve had no problems. My biggest hesitation was going with Vista 64 bit when Windows 7 lurked over the horizon. I figured with the level of expertise I was getting from Puget, I could move to Windows 7 later if Vista turns out to be another dead end for Microsoft. There are still some limitiations on the availability of drivers and some software issues (e.g. Adobe Elements 7 doesn’t work with 64 bit Vista) but those are not Puget Systems issues. I have already recommended Pudget Systems to a friend who is a games fanatic but she decided to wait until the Windows 7 vs. Vista issue settled down.

Christopher

Legacy Testimonial: 720

Puget Systems has given me an incredible experience in my computer purchase. I’d been going through the motions of looking for a new computer, as the last two I’d built on my own and ended up with extremely loud comps. I wanted something quiet. I was about to settle with Dell (again..) when I googled “quiet computers” and was linked to Puget.

The service was extremely helpful, doing things like checking what I’d chosen for a comp to see if it’d be quiet enough, to willingly switching out both the RAM and motherboard I’d chosen AFTER I’d placed the order. I didn’t think that was possible from a computer company.

I’m using the comp right now – it’s quiet as a tomb. The packaging was flawless, the comp looks and acts terrific, and I’m one satisfied customer. These guys know what they’re doing. If you want a truly great computer shopping experience, go with Puget. Thanks Jeff!

Eric

Legacy Testimonial: 719

I just bought my system a couple weeks ago. Everything went fine except for some weird incompatibility issue with the sound card. Puget was very apologetic and shipped the system back for me and upgraded the sound card for free. They also thoroughly re-tested it and and went through each component to be sure there were no more issues and sent it back out to me. I sent it in on a Thurs. and got it back the following Friday. It’s quiet, powerful, and running very smoothly. I credit Jeff and the awesome tech support team (although they lack social skills compared to Jeff 🙂 ) for a positive experience.

Oh yes, and I love my computer. It’s freaking fast and amazingly quiet (and it looks cool too).

Paul A Weaver

Legacy Testimonial: 718

Ordered a few pieces from Puget because they were readily available and when received they were perfect for the job needed…thanks, Puget!!!

Sam Carter

Legacy Testimonial: 717

Thanks for the Asus P5E Deluxe! It arrived within 3 days, and works perfectly. It cost me over $100 less through Puget systems than any other site out there. I will definetly do business again with you! I will refer your company to all my friends looking to build a pc!

Bill Rush

Legacy Testimonial: 716

Ordered item. Extremely quick on shipping and I got more than I thought I would! Highly recommend! Thanks Puget!

Christopher McCombs

Legacy Testimonial: 715

I ordered my computer from Puget Systems after going over exactly what I wanted with their outstanding customer support. They saved me a lot of money by telling me what I didn’t really need on my system, which is amazing because that costs them profit. I’ve already told many of my friends about this custom building site, and I haven’t even received my computer, that’s how much I liked and trusted working with them. They truly care about the customer, and there is no reason to ever buy from another website. I give Puget Systems a full 5 stars!

J Fisher

Legacy Testimonial: 714

I run 3 Puget towers, cannot tell when they are on except by looking at the lights and the screen, and find them assembled and engineered flawlessly. Beyond that, and this is important, the company support is truly amazing, even past the customary year that most manufacturers drop you into limbo. I even depend on their support and Forum to advise me about parts and accessories – with wonderful results. There is nothing more that one could want.

Robert Carleone

Legacy Testimonial: 711

I know people often call / write to complain when things go wrong, but not often enough to say thanks for a job well done. I have always built my own systems, but for a number of reasons I decided to have you build me a system. In todays world it is so incredibly (yes incredibly) refreshing to see such professionalism and attention to detail. Each and every component was installed neatly, and the packaging was over the top. From the moment I started placing the order until I received the system I felt like I was special to Puget Systems. This was wonderful experience and I tell everyone about your company. I am a programmer so my system has to be rock solid reliable and this one has not skipped a beat since I have had it.

Scott

Legacy Testimonial: 709

I’ve been waiting for awhile to post a review to see how things would turn out, so far my experience has not been as positive as the other reviews.

The system was purchased around April 2008 and we spent almost 4,000 dollars on a system that I probably could have built myself for half the price but because of the out standing tech support and build quality that I read from other people I thought I would give Puget Systems a try.

The first problem I had was what appeared to be overheating issues with my SLI 8800GTS cards after two weeks of owning the system even though I was told overheating should not be a issue when configuring the system , because I live so close tech support told my to bring the system in and they would have look at it. One good thing they did was installed a fan in the side panel blowing directly on the cards at no cost.

Now I seem to be having other issues concerning my hard drive or possibly the motherboard but I am unable to get tech support to look into it any further than just a 5 min phone call. They simply don’t seem to concerned and it really ticks me off after the ungodly amount of money we spent. I called this morning after a lock up around 9:30 am, again suspecting the hard drive and so far after waiting all day no return call or email, its a Friday so I guess I will have to wait all f****n weekend till Monday and call a tech support that doesn’t care.

I feel ignored and thats why I’m only giving the company a rating of 5. My old Dell was more reliable.

* * * * *

Here’s my updated review, my earlier statement about tech support not calling was wrong, they did call but it still took a very long time. Other things I want to mention is the build quality upon receiving the system was very good and the operating system came with no bloatware or other annoying ads. I’m updating my rating to 8/10.

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.