burning in a system, good or bad?

[tking]

What are the advantages of burning in a system? I know this stresses components, but isn't it possible that burning in will force a failure when there might not have been one otherwise?

Just wondering what the common wisdom on this is.

Thanks,
T

[setiguy2000]

Buring in a system helps to make sure the CPU heatsink is properly cooling the CPU, other than that with the way modern computers are, buring in is really something to just "mess around" with. Unless you're overclocking though, then it will let you know what limits there are with the overclocking.

Setiguy2000

[DocEvi1]

To be fair, if the part breaks, it is probably better to break before you start using the system proper. For instance you start putting all your work on the HD and it breaks - it might have been spotted under burning tests :D

Stefan

[tking]

Originally posted by setiguy2000
buring in is really something to just "mess around" with. Unless you're overclocking though

... so if I told the kids to play Quake for a couple of hours, would this constitute a fair burn in on a modern system that doesn't need it so much?

Other than for testing cooling there doesn't seem to be a reason for it.

Thanks for the replies.

T

[Ankerson]

If you overclock than burning in the CPU will improve your top end.

I burn mine in for 24 hours using Prime 95.

It really heats it up and at high voltage it gives the cpu more head room in the long run.

I burn mine in alittle under MAX with max voltage to make sure it will take the stress of overclocking.

Playing a game for a few hours doesn't mean or do anything to really stress the cpu. Run 3DMark in a loop for 24 hours straight and then you did something.

[smily_03]

'forcing a failure' is the point of it; you want to find any flawed components early while they're still under warranty and can be replaced. this keeps them from showing up later after your warranty is past.