What exactly is a burn in?

[EQTitan]

I've read it over multiple forums and some books but no one has ever said specifically what a burn in is.

From my understanding you just let the computer run overnight, with some sort of burn in software!

Could some one please elaborate for me please, explain what it is and how it is done. Maybe even include some of your own tips for burning in a computer. Any software that is specifically for this purpose free, or pay based?

 

[bruceb]

Basically, you run it for a set amount of time, usually with something like a memory test
or other cpu intensive program. You are trying to stress the hardware, since in most equipment,
if it is going to fail, it does so early on in it's life.

 

[cozumel]

As above, to test all main components eletronicially and thermally to ensure stability.

Memtest86, Prime95, Prime95 ver25, Orthos, OCCT are all free and will stress your CPU and RAM. I will typically run mine at increased voltages to raise the stress level on components further above normal levels

Please be aware that if you do run these programs then they need to be looped for mimimum 8 hours and will create a lot of heat and stress to components. Without adequate cooling your components could fail. Please make sure you are monitoring temperatures at all times.

3dMark (looped) will stress test graphics.

Stress test is also vital when overclocking to ensure stability.

 

[EQTitan]

Ok, second question can the memory, cpu, and video "stress tests" all run at the same time within the same loop? I am trying to keep turn around time low for any future business I may have.

 

[law9933]

That was a good question & answers. I was assuming it was mainly the heat bonding of the paste between the CPU & heat sink during a simple test run to be sure it was a working PC.

 

[law9933]

Double post

 

[corkyg]

Burn-in is a term applied to the manuafacturer or builder's test of electronic equipment usually under controlled conditions and instrumented. A 24-hour period was common where I worked, and it was in a controlled environment (temperature, humidity) and equipment was connected to automatic testers that would cycle a series of defined tests under various load and environmental conditions. Experience shows that electronics components, especially those involving semiconductors, will fail fairly soon in the process. This is called "infant mortality."

Short answer - it is part of the quality control process for modern electronics equipment.