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!


Gerald Blankenship

Legacy Testimonial: 186

Just got my new system up and running and it is awsome! You guys are the best, thanks for all your help.

Josh Glandorf

Legacy Testimonial: 185

I just want to say that I haven’t even bought my computer yet and they are treating me with the best respect and service I have ever seen. The email responses are quick, the prices are great, and the service is not comparible. I do not even know the man that I am working with but he has treated me with the utmost respect and service that all companies need to learn to address. Thanks for al your help!!!

James Berg

Legacy Testimonial: 184

Puget Custom Computer Systems is a highly professional merchant! Mr Jon Bach has been both very courteous and helpful to a most demanding customer! (Me). His integrity, in my opinion, is above reproach and from my perspective all my dealings with him have been outstanding!

Kevin

Legacy Testimonial: 183

Being a local Cop in the Seattle Area for the last 15 years I was a little leary ordering from a company that works out of a house. Well I’m glad I did and the tax was worth it. I received the gaming computer of my dreams to my exact specifications. Jon even came out personally to my house and helped me set it all up. Thank you Jon, this computer Screams!

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!

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.