new computer burn-in

[busmech1]

I want to burn-in my new computer I put together. What do you people use to do this? Are there any programs out there I can use that don't require being online all the time? Also I heard that using a game like Q3A looped can cause problems with a video card if used as burn-in. Is there something more system friendly? I heard something about a program called Burnin from Passmark software, has anyone tried this or heard of it, is it any good? Your help and input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Petro89]

Although I'm not an advocate of burning in components, for overclocking or any other reason, I do know of some programs that are good for this purpose.

Quake 3 demo loop is ok, and I haven't heard any problems with video.
Prime 95 is good for burning in the CPU.
Passmark is ok, but short, and I can't remember if it has a loop function or not.
3dmark 2000 would also be good.

BTW, are you planning on overclocking anything? If not, don't stress any components if you don't have to. Even if you are overclocking, burning in has been proven to work, but it only gives minimal gains. I wouldn't risk the life of a several hundred dollar component for an extra 3% performance. Just my $.02. 🙂

 

[Petro89]

OOPS! Double post.

 

[Teatowel]

Um..what exactly is burning in? And what advantages does it entail?

 

[Petro89]

Most people "burn-in" their processors or other components in order to overclock them higher or with more stability. It involves either or both of the following

1. Clocking the component lower than spec, but raising the voltage a tad.
2. Running very intensive programs in a loop for an extended period of time.

Burning in supposedly strengthens any weak transistors in the component, allowing it to run at a higher speed, or at a lower voltage, or both. Some people swear by this procedure.