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!


Skip Martin

Legacy Testimonial: 135

When I contacted Jon at Puget Custom Computers, I asked him if he could build me a high-end system that was game, as well as LightWave compatible. Well, let me tell you. He came up with a gem. Duel Xenon’s with twin SCSI 36.7 GHz Seagate Cheetah 15000rpm hard drives, a couple of gigs of Rambus memory, and so on. The whole system just came together really well. It took some time to learn how to really utilize it’s potential. For anyone familiar with LightWave and how crucial render time is, this machine shaved an average of 30% off of this critical function. That’s pretty damn good. If you’re considering a high-end system, or any system for that matter, give Puget Custom Computers a call, they put out a quality product while standing solidly behind their work. I highly recommend them.

Chad Labdon

Legacy Testimonial: 134

Puget Sounds Systems is by far the best company around. The numerous computer options and awesome customer service can’t be beat. The system I ordered was around $500 cheaper than any other company. I was also able to customize my system so that it fit exactly what I wanted. In my eyes Puget Sounds Systems can’t be beat. I would recommend them to ANYONE who is looking for a new computer.

Bob Ross

Legacy Testimonial: 132

The 2 Year $150.80 & 3 Year $245.70 Extended Warranties are Very Expensive & Worst of All They are not even Onsite Warranties!! Also why do I have to pay $19.50 for a system restore CD? I believe that that should be standard with every system that is purchased with a Operating System. I give them a rating of a 4 on these topics but overall I rate them an 8.

Gary Glantz

Legacy Testimonial: 130

Well, I’m submitting my feedback as a customer now. I originally spied this web site among a few others of its type on the internet, and wondered if the testimonials were on the up-and-up, or if Puget was keeping only the good ones visible, as some of the bigger type computer companies invariably do for PR. I can say, that all I read is true of Puget, right down to the level of care that they have to make your system correct. Mr Bach even called me when a discrepancy arose in the formatting of the hard drive, and his answer was the correct one, after I further researched the issue. My machine came exactly as I ordered it, with all the books and cables and software as I requested. Fired it right up and everything functioned perfectly. I felt that I got what I paid for and at this point, am completely satisfied and would HIGHLY recommend Puget for your system needs. Thanks Wilson and Jon.

Gary Glantz
Accokeek MD

Lonny Toman

Legacy Testimonial: 129

Reading a few of the testimonials, I thought that I would add another one for those skeptics and computer geeks out there that think they can do better than anyone else…
First of all, I am a computer geek. Second, I have searched on the net, around the U.S., and in my vicinity, and have found nothing that compares to the prices, compatability, and service that Puget offers. I have been working with computers for nearly 16 years now, (mostly hardware) and was, until recently, having a hard time finding a GOOD system for a GOOD price. I just recently priced and purchased a dual processor system from Puget for a minimal $1634. Even with my friends and business contacts that get things for next to nothing, I priced the same system for the cheapest I could find. The closest I came was nearly $1900!!! And that doesn’t even come assembled. That is just parts. So, my suggestion to anyone out there, is to trust in these people. They know what they are doing, they know what they are talking about, and they don’t give you the runaround like a few companies out there. You all know what companies I am talking about. Fast, efficient, complete, and very precise in making sure that you have a “perfect” system for you perfect needs. I don’t think I need to say anymore. To anyone who reads this, I’m sure you have the same attitude that I do, but tell everyone about these people.
Outstanding! I must applaud Jon and his most excellent team for doing the excellent job that they do. Enough said.

Robin Myers

Legacy Testimonial: 128

I still can’t get over the personal, courteous and excellent service we got from Puget Custom Computers. You guys are the greatest and we couldn’t be happier with our new systems if they cooked dinner, too!!
Thanks much,
Rp & Robin Myers

Samantha Carmen Chase

Legacy Testimonial: 127

Puget Custom Computers site suggested considerable planning and foresight. I was equally impressed by their execution.

Jon Bach was VERY ATTENTIVE with a mother-board challenge and corrected the problems.

GOOD PLANNING, CONSULTATION, AND EXECUTION OF DIGITAL MEDIA MACHINE. ALL EXPECTATION EXCEEDED!

I highly recommend Puget Custom Computers to friend and associates.

Edward P. Harris

Legacy Testimonial: 126

Your company responds quickly and intelligently to all queries. Wilson Chau was a delight to work with, took a very personal interest in my wishes and helped me put a “dream machine” together. I have the highest respect for him (and for Jon Bach who also answered some of my questions) and have come complete faith in his knowledge, conscientiousness and integrity.

Paul Tripp

Legacy Testimonial: 125

Puget has, by far, the best customer service I’ve ever seen. Jon Bach has already gotten enough praise from these testimonials, so I’m going to give Wilson Chau (who helped with my order) some praise as well. When I accidentally ordered a motherboard and processor that were incompatable, he let me know within an hour of the time I placed my order, and helped me pick a different motherboard. When one of the pieces of hardware I ordered dropped in price between the time I placed my order and the time it shipped, he went out of his way to take off the difference in price. If it weren’t for that, I might be complaining a bit about Puget’s prices (especially on cases). As it is, my only complaint is that they don’t offer financing; if they did, I probably would have spent about another $300.

Jeff Stalls

Legacy Testimonial: 124

It has been just about 2 months since I got my new computer and after the minor windows 98 problems I had everything is fixed thanks to you the help you gave me was wonderful and the computer is doing great thanks again.

Jeff

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.