When using server-class systems with ECC RAM, is it necessary or even useful to burn-in the memory DIMMs prior to deployment?

I've encountered an environment where all server RAM is placed through a lengthy multi-day burn-in/stress-tesing process. This has delayed system deployments on occasion and adds an extra step to the hardware lead-time.

The server hardware is primarily Supermicro, so the RAM is sourced from a variety of vendors; not directly from the manufacturer like a Dell Poweredge or HP ProLiant.

Is this process useful? In my past experience, I simply used vendor RAM out of the box. Isn't that what the POST memory tests are for? I've encountered and responded to ECC errors long before a DIMM actually failed. The ECC thresholds were usually the trigger for warranty placement.

• Do you burn your RAM in?
• If so, what method do you use to perform the tests?
• Has the burn-in process resulted in any additional platform stability?
• Has it identified any pre-deployment problems?