Motherboard Bundles

The motherboard, CPU, and memory are all inspected for damage prior to use. Any damaged product is returned to the manufacturer.

The board is placed on an anti-static surface and the CPU is installed. If needed, proper heatsink compound is applied and then the heatsink/fan assembly is attached. The Memory is then installed. The bundle is then connected to an appropriate power supply and powered up. The BIOS is flashed to the most recent non-beta release or latest release that is problem free. Standard BIOS setup is performed, which may include setting memory timings and changing default boot order. We then run a memory test program for one pass (takes anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on CPU speed and size of installed memory).

The bundle is shipped assembled in a rugged box and enclosed in anti-static packaging and is complete surrounded by dense foam. The motherboard box, with all cables, documentation and media, is included in a compartment in the top of the carton.

Barebones Systems (Operating System not requested)

The same initial procedure as a bundle is performed. After testing it is installed into the chassis along with the other ordered components.

We install an OS for testing purposes. All purchased components are then verified as working. Once testing is complete the system is checked by another tech to ensure everything is correct for your order. The drive is then cleared and the system packed up.

Full Systems (Operating System installed)

After setting up the system as noted above, we load the latest tested drivers for the components and load all latest OS patches (if appropriate). The system is then burned in overnight (at a minimum) while running test software. If any component fails testing, it is replaced and the burn-in process restarted. This means that if we do have a failure the system will be delayed by a day. Once testing is complete the system is checked by another tech to ensure everything is correct for your order. The OS is prepared for first use and the system is packed up.

System Packaging

Our packaging is custom designed for our systems and exceeds all shipping requirements. We use triple wall corrugated cardboard boxes and dense polyurethane foam - the good kind, not styrofoam. The top compartment of the carton contains an area where we put items such as keyboards, the original video card box, and the original motherboard box.

If you order a system with OS installed, the media may be found inside the motherboard box.