How long should I run the tests?

[speed_demon]

Downloaded BurnInTest Pro. Pretty cool. How long should I run the tests for to give my machine a good rattling?

[passmark]

Not an easy question. In our opinion, the chances or finding a problem in the first hour are relatively high, (the system gets hot, it's the first run across the disk / CD and the first use of some of the drivers). Then every hour after that, the chance of finding a hardware problem drops significantly. The extra benefit of doing 12hours compared to 6hours is thus probably not great. Other nice technique is temperature cycling. All major manufacturers of electronic equipment do this, they have large ovens and fridges in which they test equipment. The expansion and contraction of components and solder joins brings to light many problems. You could do 6 hours On, 6 hours Off, then 6 hours On, to get some limited temperature variation like this. NASA and the Army load their equipment on to vibration machines, but this may be going too far for home / office use.

[Ian]

Hi
Assuming you are building for customers don't miss what for us is the most usefull part of the program.

The report when printed off showing a 12 hour burnin with no errors differentiates you from the bucket shops. It shows you care!!!

We always give the client a copy of the burnin test and as a sales pitch it is impressing to show a client how you build machines.

Cheers

Ian