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Question:
I want to buy a computer from you, but I would like to know more details on how each PC is built? (25/06/2006) Answer: • Making the order: As soon as we are alerted to a new order the process begins. You will be sent a confirmation informing you that we have received the order and will proceed to get the parts in. We use a Just in Time Management policy that means the majority of the components are not kept in stock, but requested from the suppliers for each order. Normally that takes 1-2 days. This policy has been implemented to ensure that we always use the latest batches of components and are not tied on which stock to sell, but rather be honest with our customers when making suggestions in regards to what components to use. • Initial build: Once the essential parts arrive (CPU/Mobo/Memory/Graphics) we begin with the initial build. This consists of building the system outside of the case. • Updating BIOS: Before we start testing your computer we always install the newest BIOS on the system. • Testing the memory/CPU: A computers memory is a vital part and can be a major factor in determining if your system runs well or not. In order to find if your memory works fine without any faults we use different memory stress-testing programs and benchmarks. At the same time, we do load a CPU testing program which utilise up to 100% of the CPU resources left. We leave these programs running over night. If faults are discovered then we will get replacements and test them again. This procedure also gives a good indication on the status of the motherboard's reliability. • Testing Hard drives: We have an array of testing tools for different hard drives that allows us to check if a hard drive works properly. We test out each hard drive that has been selected individually to get the best and most accurate test results for each drive. If any faults are located then we replace and test them again. • Setting up RAID: Depending on the RAID configuration you have selected we will set the system to run accordingly. • Testing Hard Drives in RAID: Once the RAID has been configured on your system we will then test out the hard drives in that set up. This will show if any faults have developed as a result of the RAID configuration. If any faults show up then they will be dealt with accordingly. • Over-clocking the system: If the system has been selected to be over-clocked, then this is when we proceed with over-clocking. Over-clocking allows the system to run at speeds faster than normal and if done properly does not affect the stability of the system at all. • Testing over-clocking stability: To test if the over-clocking settings allow the system to in a stable manner, we run further tests. • Installing the operating system: After all the initial testing is carried out we proceed to install the operating system. With the initial part of the operating system installation we will install the RAID drivers if RAID is on the system. The installation process can also be used as a testing tool, to test the integrity of the various components as well as the over-clocking settings. If a fault occurs during the system installation then we will make adjustments as required and reinstall. • Installing drivers: Once the operating system has been installed successfully we will begin to install drivers for the various components of the computer. This will ensure that the operating system can run all the components of the computer without fault. This is also done in preparation for the second round of testing. We never use the drivers supplied with the CDs, but obtain from the drivers from manufacturers. • Testing and Benchmarking: Once all the latest drivers have been installed and the operating system is running the computer and its various components as a single unit, we run various testing for extended periods of time to determine if the system as a whole is stable. We will also run benchmarking programs which will allow us to gain an understanding of how the components are running. If benchmarking scores are not within the range that we are expecting, then we will make adjustments and run them again. Once the benchmarks run as we are expecting then we will run testing again to see if the changes that have been made have cause instabilities in the system. We will continue to run through these steps until we are satisfied with the results. • Stress testing: Stress testing is a method of testing that we use to find out how the system performs under a high load for long periods of time. We normally leave a system to stress test for at least one full day. If problems occur then adjustments are made and testing will restart again until it runs perfectly. • Testing case fans: When testing case fans we keep them in the case and power them up. If any of the fans are too loud then we will replace them with quieter fans. This does also depend on the cooling options chosen when making the order. • Second stage building: In this stage of the building process we finally put all the components of the computer inside the case, however we will not do any final cleaning work on the cables just yet. This is in preparation for further testing. Once all the components are in the case and fastened down securely we will proceed to connect them up. • Building water cooling system: At this stage of the system build, if a water cooled system is ordered, then we will begin to build it around the computer components. Building the liquid cooling system has many steps to it before it is finalised. The steps used when building a liquid cooling system are:
• Testing the computer: Once all the components are connected up inside the case we will power up the system and perform basic functions. This will be to determine if any faults are evident with the almost final system. Sometimes even a reset switch or Power LED can cause problems! • Finalising the build: In this final stage of the build we carry out finishing work on the visual aspects of the computer. Such as tidying the cables or implementing supreme cable management depending on the order. • Final testing: In this final testing stage we will run through all of the systems basic functions as well as stress testing it again. • Quality Control: In this stage we will go through our checklist and add all the final touches to the computer and your order. This helps to avoid unpleasant surpises such as haveing wrong memory/HD installed, etc.
Once all of the above steps are complete we will then send you the system and you will be the one of the many proud owners of a Vadim Custom Machine. Please rest assured that you will always be kept fully up to date on the progress of your computer during the build process. We are extremely proud of our computers and have a great passion for customising, however we do understand that problems do occur over time. That is why we are always more than happy to help in the instance of a problem. No problem will ever be too small for us and we want our customers to feel that they can contact us for anything however big or small. Once a PC is built, it's time for packing which is something in which we are equally thorough.
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