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!


Patrick Davis

Legacy Testimonial: 182

Puget built me a superb computer that is superior to anything that I’ve purchased previously from a major manufacturer. The one small problem I had (a connector came loose during shipping ) was resolved quickly and efficiently by Jon Bach. I would highly recommend Puget for any computer enthusiast!

Garry Price

Legacy Testimonial: 181

12/26/03
Great job and great selection. Only problem I encountered was when I hooked up the monitor I couldn’t get a signal. It took this novice awhile to realize the video card had partially become unseated during shipping! I am very pleased and will buy again.

Michael Edwards

Legacy Testimonial: 180

Nice job describing components on the web pages, good communications. I ordered a dual processor, RAID configured SATA server.

The only problems were that I might have liked a little description of some of the elements of the system when it was dropped off – the mystery switch on the case, for example (turns out it controls the front case fan speed), or just how the three SATA drives were configured. It merely meant I actually had to read my documentation. 🙂

The disk drive will need a little adjusting of it’s physical seating – currently, the front of the case presses on it so a diskette won’t seat properly. However, I suspect they would have caught this with their normal testing and burn in process – I specifically asked them to not install an OS, as I had one here, and wanted to go through the process myself.

They did forget to drop off some docs, cables, mouse and such – it was all packed in a small box that they sent UPS next morning, so I thought that was handled well.

All in all a good experience with a few minor hiccups. I expect to use them again.

David Hochman

Legacy Testimonial: 178

Thought I’d mention that not only does Jon sell excellent systems, he will assist on upgrades as well. I recently decided to replace a CD-RW drive with a DVD/CD-RW. Jon recommended one that would fit in the same case I’d originally bought, and he offered a fully competitive price. It arrived fine and installed like a charm. Thanks, again!

Jake Taft

Legacy Testimonial: 177

Thanks for the XPC Jon. I am VERY impressed with the customer service and the product. I will definitely be buying from you again. There’s not a single bad thing I can say about my experience with you and your company. You’ve hit the sweet spot when it comes to selling computers. Every company should have this much interaction with it’s customers! Keep it up!

Dan Guay

Legacy Testimonial: 175

Many times, I have wanted to pipe in here and give my 2 cents. But my perspective is not as much from an end user point of view but a vendor point of view. Jon has been a pleasure to work with in every sense of the word. He has gone way out of his way to give us referrals and recommendations – he is not only an excellent person to do business with on a consumer level, but also as a fellow businessman. Thank you Jon!

Steven Mears

Legacy Testimonial: 174

For those who are inclined to need help with their computers, like I do occassionally, Puget Custome Computers goes the full distance to provide their customers with support and help. This is a real rarity in the business world these days. Great product with a teriffic support staff. Couldn’t ask for more!

Roland Pfingsten

Legacy Testimonial: 173

I have now had my Puget Custom Computer for alittle over 6 months now… and not once has it failed me. Great computer at a fair price with outstanding product support… How highly do I recommend this company.. Let’s put it this way, I convinced my neighbor to buy his computer from PCC and he’s glad I did. I’m one of those people that researches and researches things to death and thats what i did before I bought my latest computer from PCC. There were dozens of emails between Wilson Chau and myself and never, not even once did i feel any pressure to make a decision.. PCC is the best computer company i’ve ever come across, and from here on out, only PCC computers will be in my home.

Larry Lindquist

Legacy Testimonial: 172

PCC work for me so well I’m going back for a new pc for my wife. Wilson was always there for support and advice. I very happy with this customized computer at less money than I would have paid from one of the major computer companies.

Fran Reynolds

Legacy Testimonial: 171

I surfed for days to find a custom PC shop that would communicate with me and build the machine I really wanted. Puget Custom Computers is great! Jon Bach answered my questions and emailed me every step of the way (sometimes late at night, so I noticed!) It was completed and delivered within a week of my order.

My beloved Athlon XP 3000, 1536 Mb DDR, 120 Gb HD, All-in-Wonder Radeon, power machine arrived in absolute perfect shape and I haven’t had the slightest problem with ANYTHING in the month since its delivery. (I was especially pleased with the carefully placed and wrapped inside cables.)

Thank you for the wonderful service, and you will be my “computer shoppe” from now on!

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.