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!


Jonell Chinn

Legacy Testimonial: 170

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience with Puget Custom Computers. Jon Bach was always there (quite literally) when I needed a question answered, or had any type of concerns. I originally had him do some consulting about my needs for a laptop, but then I decided to go with a desktop instead. I know with other companies (such as Dell, I used to be a very loyal customer of theirs), customers who are “wishy washy” such as myself are not always looked favorably upon. But with Jon, I never got that feeling at all. I always felt like I was the focus of his attention, even when chatting via the “Live Help” feature.

My computer–is great. I love it! I got a Pentium 4 2.8 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Raptor SATA 36GB, so nothing too fancy I’d say. No where else could I have gotten what I got for the price. I ordered on a Tuesday, and it was hand delivered to my front door the very next Saturday morning.

I can’t stop telling people I know about my new computer and where I got it. I work for a tech company, and my coworkers are highly intrigued. The website is well organized and contains all of the details for those who want to know. My boyfriend and I have already decided that when we need more equipment, we’re just coming straight back to Jon and Puget Customer Computers.

Keep up the good work! I look forward to another purchase.

Fabio A.

Legacy Testimonial: 169

Both the products and the service from Puget are superb. I couldn’t be more satisfied with the professionalism and attentiveness I experienced with this company. They sure have another long term client on me.
F.
ps. Wilson was a magnificent help both selecting and managing the construction of the best computer for my needs (a monster from which I’m writing this review btw 😉 )

Julie Hyry

Legacy Testimonial: 168

We found the whole experience of working with Puget Custom Computers to be a positive experience. The website is organized very nicely and it is easy to use. Payment was a breeze and as soon as my card payment got approved it was only 2 days before my system was ready to be delivered. We took delivery on the 3rd day and the system has been working really well since then. One of the best things about the whole process is being able to communicate with Jon through email. We always got a response back within 24 hours to any questions that we had. We will wholeheartedly recommend Puget Custom Computers to all of our friends!

Bob Toynbee

Legacy Testimonial: 166

Puget Custom Computer’s makes it so easy! I got exactly what I wanted in a computer, it was delivered promptly and worked flawlessly right out of the box. I especially appreciated the website, where I could analyze each component, both from the advice given by Puget Custom Computer’s and the links to the manufacturers. The “submit for review” and response gave me assurance that I’d designed a machine that would work for me. I liked being able to see the status of my order and the delivery tracking from UPS. Overall, a very pleasant purchasing experience.

richard goerwitz

Legacy Testimonial: 165

I purchased a system a month ago, and am happy with it. When it first shipped it had a problem with the case, but a quick note to Puget Custom Computers brought a replacement part that I had no trouble popping into place. They’re a responsive outfit that’s trying to do a good job, and I happily recommend them. Incidentally, one of the big draws for me was that they had a much better web interface for customizing machines and a much wider range of components that I could find among the ‘big’ manufacturers like Gateway, Dell, etc. Nobody really had just what I wanted except Puget Custom.

Don Gerbi

Legacy Testimonial: 164

Configured a custom high performance system from Puget Custom Computers last Wednesday, it arrived at my door this Thursday (1 week later) Opened the box, plugged in, the computer came up ready to load my application software. This is one fast computer. Asus P4C800, 3.0 |Ghz 800 FSB, 1 Gig PC3200 DDR-SDRAM, 250 GB HD, MSI GeForceFX 5200 128mb, DVD ROM, DVD R/W, 7 in 1 Flash reader, XP pro, Office XP, Thermaltake super tower.
Jon is very helpful and gets back to you quickly. I had a problem with the keyboard. He is shipping a new one to me.

I forgot to mention that Jon gave me a free upgrade to a 250 GB HD, the 200 GB was not in stock, what a great company.

Matt Ragan

Legacy Testimonial: 163

Service way above and beyond. Unfortunately my hard drive died (twice!). The first time it happened John actually came by my house, and replaced it free of charge. The second time it happened, the power supply had become the main suspect, so John upgraded it and replaced the drive again, then shipped it right back to me – all free of charge once more. I’m bummed about the hardware failure, but very impressed with the major efforts to make everything right.

Robert Laundry

Legacy Testimonial: 162

In July of 2003, I purchased a state-of-the-art custom configured computer from Puget. I have owned Mac’s for over fifteen years, I have two PC’s including a Dell with a 2gig Intel processor, 512 memory, nVidia GeForce2. I wanted to custom configure a powerful system that I could use for business as well as play the latest demanding games (Doom III).

I easily configured my new system on the website and submitted it for review. Jon Bach immediately contacted me by email with several invaluable suggested modifications. The system was built in a matter of days and shipped to me. My system arrived ready to go. Here are the specs: Asus P4C800 MOBO, P4 3.0 gig 800 FSB, 1 gig DDR-SDRAM, ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 256MB, DVD ROM, CR-RW, Zip drive, Floppy drive, 7 in 1 flash reader, D-Link DWL-520+ WIFI, MS Office all packed beautifully in the superb Lian Li case with blue neon.

I separately purchased a Samsung SyncMaster 191T flat panel monitor and Klipsch 2.1 ProMedia sound system.

This system KICKS ASS. URT 2003 looks great. The components are easily accessed within the case. The monitor and sound system are stunning. Jon Bach provided exceptional support throughout the process.

We all know Dell makes solid computers for the masses. Puget is for the savvy, discriminating user that demands the best system out there. Feel free to contact me at [email protected] if you have any comments or questions

BRIAN LEWIS

Legacy Testimonial: 161

BEFORE I BOUGHT MY NEW COMPUTER FROM PUGET I DID a lot OF RESEARCH. I HAD SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS, LOTS OF SPACE TOO ADD ON DRIVERS, HIGH HEAT TOLERANCE FOR DESERT PHOTO IMAGING, I NEEDED A COMPUTER THAT COULD RUN A TRACKING PROGRAM FOR MY TELESCOPE AND TAKE CCD PICTURES AT THE SAME TIME. AND OF COURSE A GRATE DEAL OF GAMING
I SHOPPED AROUND THE CLOSEST INTERNET COMPANIES WAS $1800. CompUSA $2200. HSC WAS SO RUDE I WALKED OUT.
( CompUSA HAD GRATE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DID NOT CARE THAT THEY WERE NOT BUILDING IT, THEY TOLD ME THAT IF PUGET COULD DO IT AT THAT PRICE GO FOR IT. THEY KNOW THAT I WILL BE BACK WHEN I NEED PROGRAMS AND WHAT EVER.) MY END COST WAS UNDER $1580.
I NOW HAVE A KOOLANCE 601 TOWER WITH P4C800 DELUXE BOARD P4 CHIP AT 2.4GHZ PLUS A LOT OF OTHER STUFF.
JON BACH WAS VARY HELP FULL HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON THAT I HAD CONTACT WITH. WHEN ON ONE OF MY VISITS WITH THE TECHS. AT CompUSA TOLD ME THAT I HAD ORDERED A PART THAT WOULD NOT WORK JON WAS QUICK IN CORRECTING MY MISTAKE AND APOLOGIZED FOR NOT FINDING THE MISTAKE HIMSELF ITS REFRESHING TO SEE A COMPANY OWNER LOOKING OVER AN ORDER BEFORE THEY PLACE THE ORDER IN MOTION.
BRIAN T. LEWIS

Kyle M McKay

Legacy Testimonial: 160

If i could rate this company higher then a 10 i would. I purchased a high end computer ( P4 2.8, 2 Gb Ram, Geforce 5900 Ultra FX, Soundblaster Audigy, Asus P4C800 mobo, with the Koolance liquid cooled case ). I intend to use this computer almost solely for gaming, and did not leave anything out. I have only had it for about a week, but have been floored by its performance so far. I am yet to find a flaw, the computer is virtually silent, and extremely powerful, exactly what i was looking for.

The customer service and support that this company provides is extremely unique. I have dealt with Gateway, and Dell, and have felt like another number in their large database. However from the first response from Wilson Chau, which took less then 3 hours if i recall correctly, up until the time that the computer was complete i felt like they were working 100% to provide the best, and complete service around.

When I first received the computer, it would turn on, but would not completely boot up. After contacting Jon, via the LiveHelp feature, I tried a few things to no avail and we agreed to meet in Mt. Vernon. This was not a big deal for me, I live in Oak Harbor ( about 45 minutes away ) however it is approx 2 hours from seattle, and it was already 6:30 pm, on Friday night. Despite this, Jon met me in Mt. Vernon, took the computer, and fixed it over night. ( Turned out the Nvidia 5900 Ultra, a $650 vid card, had gone bad, and Jon contacted a dealer in Mt. Vernon, and purchased another one ) This sealed this company as a top-notch stand up custom computer company, that is willing to go the distance to ensure customer satisfaction is at its highest when dealing with them.

Before i settled on Puget Computers, i did do some price comparing on my own, and found the price range for the same computer that i purchased through Puget Computers is between $700-1900 more depending on the company that i would have gone through (Alienware, ThunderboxPc, Gateway & Dell ).

I have already recommended many friends that are in the market for a computer to Puget Computers, and would make the same recommendation to anyone else out there in the market for a new computer.

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.