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!


David McCarten

Legacy Testimonial: 269

I would recommend Puget to anyone wanting a quality computer.

Mike Fagel

Legacy Testimonial: 268

I have had great service from Jon and the folks at Puget. They have kept their word on delivery of both my units, and, when one had a problem, thay have worked very hard to keep me informed about the issues and repairs. The unit is OKAY now, and I would highly ecommend them to anyone looking for a quality team and an honest effort to do the right thing. I will buy my next laptop from them

Phillip Adams

Legacy Testimonial: 255

Any company is great until a problem arises. It is what they do about a problem that distinquishes the quality of a company’s character. And surely enough, a problem arose while building a computer for my son just before Christmas. On Friday, a week before Christmas, while testing, the base unit misbehaved. When the problem was not immediately identifiable, I was notified about the problem and told that a new base unit and some other components would be ordered. I told them I was worried that there was no way to get it to me by Christmas. They said they would order what they needed overnight and the problem would be taken care of. And that is exactly what Pugetsystems did. When I asked them about what was wrong with the original unit, I was told, “We don’t know yet. We are just going to replace everything for now to make sure you get the computer for your son in time for Christmas morning. We will worry about the other unit later.” The parts came, they worked on it over the weekend, upgraded my shipping to 2nd day at their own expense, and absolutely “wowed” both my son and me. Me because of the quality of service I was provided, and my son because of the awesome gaming unit he received. Re-reading this I guess I sound like a plant, but I have never been treated in this personal a fashion at any time in all of my Internet shopping experiences (which are considerable).
Many thanks to Richard in customer service, Mathew in production and Jon (owner). We’ll be back.

Legacy Testimonial: 254

I too accidently found Puget and wow….seriously more people should know about you guys because you are amazing. I just read a few down and it is true that dell and everyone is a waste of time to talk to. They dont care or know half the information on computers that you guys do. You are my one and only favorite 😛

Legacy Testimonial: 253

When I was looking for a company to build my next pc, I sort of stumbled upon Puget. Boy am I glad I did! I was tired of dealing with Dell and wanted a more responsive company that would build exactly what I wanted, not some off the shelf, mass produced pc full of average components that suits them but not the customer. I read a lot of testamonials about Puget and thought, “this sounds too good to be true”. Guess what…it’s all true. These guys do whatever it takes pure and simple to make sure you’re satisfied. In fact, compared to just about everybody else, Puget’s way over the top in terms of customer service and satisfaction. Couple that with the fact that they build superior pc’s exactly to your specifications and buying one anywhere else is nothing short of crazy. Don’t change a thing, build quality, delivery, order tracking, customer support, forums….anything! So if you’re thinking about getting a new machine…go ahead and pull the trigger with Puget…you won’t be sorry. In case you’re wondering, I AM a real person and I had absolutely no problem taking the time to write this…especially on this fantastic pc!

Brock P

Legacy Testimonial: 240

Just awesome! I have been a loyal Gateway computer user for the last 10 years and really didn’t have much problems with them. However I always felt limited by Gateway’s configuration options and somewhat over charged for what I actually purchased. Puget offered an extensive choice of options so I could build an awesome system for my budget and had in depth articles on various topics like types of memory, mother boards, and processors so I had the latest up-to-date information to base my decision. I am typing this message from my new system right now and it is by far the best system I have ever purchased. And with the expert assistance I received before my purchase and the excellent customer service and shipping I experienced through the entire purchasing process, I am confident I have purchased a reliable system and would recommend to anyone thinking of buying a new system to go to Puget Custom Computers.

Jeff W.

Legacy Testimonial: 231

Very pleased with my choice to use Puget Sound for my purchase of a high-end gaming system. I searched the web and the retail stores for a few weeks before choosing Puget. Great deal all the way!

Arthur Shulman

Legacy Testimonial: 230

Had some initial problems but Jon and Richard were very responsive and made things right quickly. Highly recommend them and their company.

Alex Sinclair

Legacy Testimonial: 229

One year of satisfied ownership and still going strong!

Late in 2003, after much unsuccessful searching for the ideal provider of a new PC, I discovered Puget Computers on the Reseller Ratings website. Not only was Puget Computers among the top rated companies on the site, but their own website was like an oasis in a desert of often confusing and overpriced computer system providers.

Having been a customer communications professional all of my adult life, I was looking for a company that would both have fair pricing and a well laid out and easy to understand method of building your own PC. Prior to finding Puget Computers, I encountered problem after problem in building the PC that was truly right for me.

In addition to their excellent website, Jon Bach, Puget’s founder and owner was a patient and competent resource in the final tuning of my purchase decision and was always quick to return calls or e-mails of inquiry.

After taking delivery of my new machine, everything worked well and handled my needs perfectly.

Several days ago, I went to turn on my PC only to discover that the power supply had failed. After calling and leaving a message for Jon about my problem, he returned my call quickly and promised to send a replacement power supply that very day.

Although I am temporarily out of commission, I am confident in making a quick fix, and comfortable in the knowledge that, should future problems occur, Jon and his staff will be there to help me find a solution.

Look no further than Puget Computers for your next PC purchase. You won’t be disappointed.

Chad Souter

Legacy Testimonial: 225

Yet another excellent system from Puget Custom Computers. Always a pleasure working with Jon!

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.