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!


Dan Kennison

Legacy Testimonial: 343

My new laptop is the third computer from Puget for me and my family & every one has been an excellant experience. This one had a little gremlin when first recieved but support was superb. It is working great & I am very pleased!

Kevin McMinn

Legacy Testimonial: 342

I wouldn’t hesitate to recomend PCC to anyone looking for a new machine.

Charles Bihler

Legacy Testimonial: 340

I highly recommend this company. They are very customer focussed. Wilson in Sales worked with me for around two months designing a system that met my requirements (video editing and upgradability to Windows Vista) and answering tons of questions in the 20 or so emails we exchanged. They allowed me to drop ship a video capture card they did not carry to them and then held on to it for a month until I was ready to order my system, at which time they integrated it. They offered several suggestions to help me save money on my configuration. I got the computer 9 calendar days after I ordered it. It arrived in excellent condition and the build quality was excellent. Jon, the owner, took the time to let me know that the builder had missed some instructions regarding installing certain bundled software and was very apologetic. It was no big deal because I just did the install myself. Two OEM software titles that were inadvertently omitted from my shipment arrived via express shipping within a week. When I noticed my CPU temp running hot under load, Paul, Jon, Wilson and Dan all patiently answered my panicy questions, even responding on Christmas day when Puget was officially closed. I am hardware illeterate but Paul helped walk a family member through verifying the CPU heat sink was correctly seated and we narrowed the issue down to airflow. To remedy, I ordered a custom side panel with an additional fan which fixed the problem. While I would have preferred if the need for the additional fan had been identified during testing and addressed then, no harm was done – I was able to leave the side panel off to keep the CPU cool until my custom panel arrived. Paul then walked me through getting the fan powered and installed. Puget gave me an excellent discount and free shipping on the custom panel. Since it was an additional part and not a replacement for a failed part, I totally understand that I needed to pay for it so Puget could recover their cost from their vendor. Since Puget is a small company, they do not offer onsite service outside their area, so it’s best to either know how to do basic hardware troubleshooting (checking if cards are seated, etc.) or know someone who can do it for you. But, if these options are not available, you can still send the unit back to them for warranty service with the shipping at their expense. I have found no other custom builder that gives you as much control over component selection as Puget and their customer service is exemplary. I will be referring anyone I know who is in the market for a computer to Puget.

Here are my specs – none of the big names or other boutique vendors offered this combination of options:

Asus P5WD Premium motherboard
Pentium D 840 EE 3.2 Ghz
Seasonic 600 W power supply
Thermalright XP120 CPU heat sink with fan
Lian-Li V1000 case
4 GB Corsair XMS 667 MHZ DDR RAM
2 x 74 GB WD Raptor (RAID 0)
2 x Seagate 500 GB SATA2 HD (RAID 1)
Plextor DL DVD +/- RW drive
Lite On DL DVD +/- RW drive
BFG NVIDIA 7800 GTX 256 MB
Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Elite Pro
Windows XP Media Center 2005 with remote control
ATI Theater 550 Pro TV tuner
Canopus ACEDVIO analog > DV bi-directional 1394-based video converter and capture card
I used my existing monitor and speakers

Larry

Legacy Testimonial: 338

I customized one of their systems and submitted the spec’s for discussion with one of their rep’s; after six days, I have heard nothing from them. I’ll take my business elsewhere.

Robert Shelton

Legacy Testimonial: 337

Buying this computer was a nice experience. Communication was great. Computer just what I expected. Everything works fine after a few little glichs that were my fault. The computer is located in a rather tight spot but is running at 60C without any problems. You can buy computers cheaper elsewhere but not get the service that you can get here.

David W. Delemos

Legacy Testimonial: 334

From the first contact, Puget Custom Computer staff ensured my custom computer needs were meet. From discussing my very specific needs to communicating other possibilities, they were all very helpful, knowledgeable and professional. I will definitely refer friends and family to this outstanding company.

Keep up the great work!

Donald Dyer

Legacy Testimonial: 333

A great experience. Buying a custom computer system is completely demystified. Loved the constant communications and the speed of their responses. Computer arrived on time and is the quietest computer I’ve ever owned.

I’ll be returning my business and anyone else who asks will be referred as well.

Carolyn Conner

Legacy Testimonial: 329

It is a pleasure doing business with Puget Systems! I configured the computer and asked several questions. They were answered right away and I was able to place my order. Computer arrived very quickly and was set up and running in no time! I would hightly recommend Puget to anyone wanting a top notch system with personal service.

James Birk

Legacy Testimonial: 322

I’ve gone through other custom computer builders before, and I must say that Puget Systems is far and away the most competent, timely and helpful organization I’ve ever dealt with.

I was able to switch out part of my order in the middle of the build without a problem. My computer arrived precisely when they said it would in perfect working condition. They had no problem with me wanting to install a video and soundcard (that Id already purchased myself), and upon first boot I found to my pleasant surprise that all the nifty ASUS monitoring software that I’d been searching for for days was already loaded.

I’ll absolutely be working with Puget again.

Kyle Norby

Legacy Testimonial: 321

Excellent!!!!! My computer was *TRULY* Quiet and hasn’t even come close to overheating!! They mean what they say… Perfect Service, Perfect Satisfaction… Email me anytime if you want me to back this up…

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.