M17x R3 Burn In Guide?

I have seen many people who say that they will burn in their laptops as soon as they get them. I want to do this as well but is there a guide to how to do it? I have searched almost every thread here and on the web but all I can find is outdated fragmented bits about how to do it.

 

well, my definition of "burn in" is to make sure it does what I need him to do. I have managed to keep my laptop on for as long as 4 days. In this 4 days I did not encounter any BSOD! **touch wood** Basically, I was playing some games, surfing, movies (while im wake) and downloading stuff (while sleeping).

 

I believe they mean you should thuroughly test everything before your 21 day return period is up.

I would use OCCT or prime95 to stress the CPU and furmark to stress your GPU. If after an hour of each you laptop is still running, you should be good. This is aside from testing the obvious like all your ports, screen, speakers, etc.

 

Ok, thanks for the help. But if I ordered aftermarket RAM, should I test everything that came from the factory and then add the RAM later and stress it? If I need to stress memory what program would I use?

 

I would test the system before installing the aftermarket RAM. That way, if something is wrong, you know the aftermarket RAM is not cause, you would not want to return a laptop to dell for something that was not their fault.

Once you have tested the laptop, then install your new RAM. New RAM from a reputable vendor shouldn't need to be tested, but if you want to it doesn't hurt, especially since you may not notice a problem until the return/exchange period is up.

I use memtest86 to test my memory. You can download it for free here, then burn it to a CD or USB key, boot up from it, and it will test your memory for you.

Aftermarket RAM is the way to go, Dell/Alienware charge 2-4x too much. Newegg had 4GB DIMMs for $31 yesterday.

 

Agreed. I did swap the RAM out before I even powered up the laptop. I regret doing this. I have no idea if the factory RAM even works.
I know I could swap it back, but I am not going through the hassle.

 

"burn in" is pointless. Turn it on, make sure everything works, have fun. Done.

 

This is like those audiophiles who think breaking in headphones are a must. Sure there may be a small difference but ultimately, just enjoy your computer, if nothing bsods or breaks on you, you're golden.

 

No it's not Headphone burn in is to theoretically achieve the "best sound" from the headphones. Whether or not it's effective, I haven't a clue. I agree it seems like a waste of time, but if the mfg states it's helpful then I'd tend to agree.

Burn-in for PCs is a completely different concept. It's intended to stress/operate components to the point where any defects in material or mfg cause a failure. In the old days this was very important as the mfg process and materials were significantly inferior to what we have today.

Current systems are much more reliable, over all, but are still burned in in the factory in any case. Is it necessary to do so at home? No.

 

I disagree. Asus shipped a ton o laptops with poor paste jobs. A quick furmark would identify that and let you return or exchange the laptop. If you didn't do that, and waited until you return policy was up to stress your GPU, you'd find out about the problem too late.

 

Ah well guess I won't know since I repasted mine a few days after getting mine. At least it survived a oc stress test.

 

1 hour on furmark? wont that burn my GPU?

 

It shouldn't. If it does something is wrong. Your GPU power should not exceed the cooling capabilities of the laptop. If it did, that's a sure sign you need a repaste or return it. One more reason I like the "burn in" idea.