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!


Aftab Faisal
India

Legacy Testimonial: 1265

I support corridor digital and finding out that you guys are helping them out is great.
I really think that the idea of your company is amazing.
When I looked at the different systems you guys provide I was pleasantly surprised not seeing ‘Gaming’ in that list. Youre not trying to be the next Origin , you are trying to be the the first Puget . My only suggestions would be
1.PLEASE have a better looking website. It really drives sales. You go to apple website . You feel like buying their products.
2.Advertise Advertise Advertise. Connevt with some more genuine creators like corridor. Like we know Corridor does amazing work , and to find out they use your PCs , that’s a huuuge selling point.
I really hope you guys sell a tonne of PCs . Best of luck.

Thomas Swartz
Oxford, MD

Legacy Testimonial: 1264

I just watched a YouTube video about these guys, and posted a comment. Then I thought, “You know, since I’ve had such a great experience with them, I should post this on their site as well.”

I discovered Puget Systems in 2015. Needing a new laptop, but wanting to stay with Win7, (because of being very comfortable using it, and NOT wanting any of the Win8 versions), wanting an SSD and a few other specific hardware choices, but mainly, NOT wanting all the bloatware that comes pre-packaged with a new computer…, I was striking out with the usual suspects.

So I thought about doing a search for Custom Computers, found Puget, and once I researched their philosophy (like how they test components, then only use the ones that fall well below generally-accepted failure rates), I could tell they were the company I wanted to buy from.

5 years later, and I’ve had to reach out to them only a few times…, they have been outstanding. The motherboard of my laptop failed a couple months ago (most likely due to my neglect), and even though it was out of production, they fixed me up with a MB that they had on-hand through some creative, outside-the-box thinking, that I doubt would’ve happened with any other company. I couldn’t be happier with the support I’ve gotten from these guys.

They didn’t try to sell me a new machine, answered all my questions, and my laptop is even slightly better than when I sent it in for repair. Puget Systems runs their business the RIGHT way, by building quality products, taking care of their customers, and building relationships with them. I WILL buy my next computer from them.

Jeanne Carlisle
Tabernacle, NJ

Legacy Testimonial: 1263

I have owned — and loved — my custom computer for nine years now. It has never — NEVER — failed me. I do a lot of photo and video editing, and manage websites, so reliability is a really big deal for me. Yesterday, my husband convinced me that I deserve a new computer from Puget Systems for my anniversary gift. I’m all in! Thank you, Puget Systems, for being the most competent, customer-focused company I have ever dealt with over a 40-plus year career!

Dave Ostrom
Pullman, WA

Legacy Testimonial: 1262

To begin, I’m extremely impressed with Puget Systems customer service. They go the extra mile to communicate what is happening as they accept your order and build your custom computer. They posted regular updates as the computer was built and by using the names of the employees who were assigned the tasks, they helped to really make one feel that Puget Systems is not just a big faceless company and that my own needs were being addressed. I’ve never seen anyone do a better job.

I read reviews to see what other customers are saying and I’m often very irritated by reviews on the web site of a large online retailer where some customers will give a poor rating because of something ridiculous like the fact that they cut their finger when opening the shipping box. With Puget Systems I read reviews on their site and a photography forum unrelated to Puget Systems and the comments were impressive. Their systems were reported as performing well using the software of their choice. One was a little surprised that things worked so fast that he could no longer watch the progress while using stacking software. One was from a customer who had a part failure and he described in detail how helpful the company was in quickly resolving the problem. Others said that from their experiences that they would never switch. Should I have a problem with my purchase it will be wonderful to talk to someone who will not be reading from a script where the first action will be to ask me to clear my cache!

Their level of expertise is also very impressive. It had never occurred to me that I could work with someone who knew the software I was using, had selected components that would work best for that software, and that even ran some of their benchmark testing using features of the software. The person I first asked for recommendations was also a photographer and he knew from the specifications for my current system what the problems were and how to address them. I use Lightroom and Photoshop for my work and when I saw that they tested my build using a current version of Photoshop and the Smart Sharpen Filter I was impressed! Puget Systems has also published numerous papers describing their research, testing, and conclusions that are available to anyone, not just the customers who have already made a purchase. This was very helpful to me in making my configuration decisions.

When the computer arrived, it was packed as described and was in great shape. Puget Systems showed their level of care again as they included extra cables to connect my monitor and a bag of extra knurled screws in case I lost one. The system has met my expectations in that all of the choke points I was experiencing have gone away, software loads quickly, and the “Edit in Photoshop” transfer from Lightroom to Photoshop is performed so quickly that Photoshop doesn’t hang during the process and there is no waiting time.

I couldn’t be happier.

Terrence Lacy
Salt Lake City

Legacy Testimonial: 1261

The best experience I’ve had from a custom computer builder.
Phenomenal attention to detail.

And a nice warn beanie 🙂

Tim Benner

Legacy Testimonial: 1260

What I wanted out of a new computer experience at this stage of my life is reliability. I wanted the confidence that when I hooked up the system the first time it would work and continue to work for a long time after. I’ve had the system now for a month and so far have been happy with it. I’ve been in the computer industry for the last 30 years so I knew what I wanted, so I did not have too much interaction with support when creating my system. The interaction I did have I was certainly happy with. And knowing I can talk with someone in the US if I need it, and that if the system needs fixed, there is no labor charge are both reassuring. My only gripe, if you want to call it that, is when the computer goes to sleep for some time, I need to press the power button for the computer to come out of sleep mode No big deal; if this is all I have to worry about, I’m happy! I was surprised to find a Windows CD with the binder, this is nice to have, and is practically unheard of today. You do pay a few hundred dollars more up front, but I believe having the support behind you at Puget systems is worth it.

Rod Nakamoto
Torrance

Legacy Testimonial: 1259

The best buying experience I have had in ANY industry. The essence of making a large online purchase is centered around communication. Puget Systems surpassed my expectations with constant and detailed communication. I NEVER had to inquire about a delay or any other issue because each phase of the buying. parts gathering, assembly, testing and QA was communicated nearly in real-time. I’ve been working in technology for nearly four decades and worked with hundreds of manufacturers/distributors for a variety of components and assemblies as well as finished products. The icing on the cake, is that the end product works as expected and better than advertised. Kudos to a well-run organization that cultivates loyal and repeat customers. I know I will be buying all my future computers from Puget Systems

William Murray
Tampa, FL

Legacy Testimonial: 1258

I have nothing but positive things to say about my entire experience from the initial research phase to the ordering process to feedback on the system’s build, benchmarking and shipping, and finally to follow up questions. I decided to purchase my new computer from Puget Systems because I was impressed with the company’s ability to tailor-make a system that matched my software needs. I also wanted the customer service experience to be excellent at all stages of the process. I have not been disappointed at any point in the process. The system arrived a day early (from the projected arrival time) and worked as advertised right out of the box. When I called support and asked about adding two more drives to my build, the service personnel (not the techs) were able to call up records about my particular build so that they could give me precise directions about how to make the changes I requested. The support people at Puget Systems shipped me the necessary cables and brackets at no further cost to me and talked me through the installation process. Everyone I talked to was able to pull up my build and all were knowledgeable about what to do. It was a thoroughly satisfying experience. No one treated me like an idiot, everyone was patient, and all were effectively helpful. Well done! When I need to buy another specialized system, I will definitely contact Puget Systems first.

Cameron Mattis

Legacy Testimonial: 1257

Our company uses live broadcasts and webinars as a key customer acquisition and sales strategy, and our Puget-built rig has been running as our broadcast/filming machine like a champ for years now. Every time a webinar fails or a live broadcast doesn’t work due to a system issue means thousands of dollars of losses for us, so reliability is key. In every way, from the buying experience to the rock-solid reliability, we can highly recommend Puget.

Ron Greene
Kent

Legacy Testimonial: 1256

These are my first two desktops after buying two laptops. We are really liking the computers and they are FAST!! and quiet, I can’t hear anything from mine.
Will definitely purchase more in the future as my business grows.
Ron G

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.