Assembly and Cabling

Puget Systems made me feel like I was their ONLY customer. I started off planning to build my comp myself, but after finishing planning the build and pricing the parts I figured, “screw it maybe I can get someone else to do it for the same price, bulk pricing and such.” So I made a list of all the companies I knew of and began calling and interviewing them to see if they had the “experience” necessary to present me with an acceptable product. First, let me say that on paper Puget was NOT a top contender(quite the opposite actually). But, I still gave everyone the chance to provide a quote (let me also say that apples to apples you will be cheaper building yourself, however the price is well worth it as I will describe.) So, I called around and got a quote from all the companies exactly as asked. All that is, except Puget, where I found myself receiving a full consultation from William George, who seemingly has unlimited knowledge on things computer hardware, about performance per dollar, my goals for the build, optimization for those those goals, and general enhancements. This is after I made it absolutely clear to him that he DID NOT have my business yet. I must have spent a total of three hours (not a bad thing) on the phone with him getting my build perfect, down to the wiring configuration. What I ended up with was a build with most of the performance but half the cost and already configured to make future upgrades as simple as possible. Now, I was at an apo at the time of my order and its hard to get normal things shipped there much less a 60+ pound customized PC. Puget went out of their way to figure out how to get my computer to me. When I got the comp, besides what I expected, I also received additional hardware, all driver CDs, a Puget Systems diagnostic and restore CD, and a customized (ask about it) very professional manual, on par with what you’d expect if you were ordering on behalf of a major corporation.
Despite extensive testing (again, ask) by Puget to make sure they got it right before it left the warehouse, I soon happened across a minor problem where the GPU prevented the computer from booting into the uefi settings. This is where Puget really started to shine. Unlike any other customer support I have ever dealt with, EVER DEALT WITH, Chris trusted my competence in diagnosing the issue. At no time was I asked to perform a million tests to see if the root of the problem actually lie with my cellphone or something else stupid. Just two simple tests to isolate whether it was the MB or GPU and I was on my way to getting a replacement. At the time I was in the middle of an international move and dragged this case out for more than three months. Chris had unbelievable patience with me. The card manufacturer list in the return policy that the customer has 90 days from to return the card for a refund or replacement to be honored. Puget made no indication that they cared. Normally, Puget requires that deposit be placed that is forfeited if the broken part isn’t returned within 30 days of receiving the replacement. When I explained that my comp was stuck in shipping, Chris waived this rule. After I finally got everything in one place, I opened the replacement box to find that the new card was a different brand than the original. Again I called customer support, half to complain, half ask why they had done this. At this point I knew I was being irritating. Still, I was never argued with and always treated with the utmost respect. The support rep directed my question to a technician who explained that according to my wishes (same performance, high reliability) they could not ship the same brand and, in fact, they were not placing that brand in future builds because of reliability. Knowing this, they chose the most reliable card with similar performance.
Taken individually, these are all characteristics of a great company, but holistically my experience indicates something much more. Puget Systems has exceptional leadership at all levels. The management at Puget still remembers the golden rule that thousands of businesses have forgotten. “Take care of your employees, and your employees will take care of your customers, and your customers will take care of you.” Naturally, this would be the dream job of any techie. But more realistically I will be calling Puget for all my future builds (and sub-assemblies, and individual parts if I can get away with it) for as long as this business culture remains.

I was pondering a new home computer system that would be just what I wanted. When I searched exhaustingly online and in stores most big companies had what I wanted but I had to take more expensive models with things I didn’t want. Then I happened upon the Puget Systems website. I was leery because I knew nothing about this company. However, I went ahead and configured a computer to see what I could get for my budget. I received immediate email to offer any consult about what I had configured or to answer any questions I might have. At NO time was there any pressure to purchase…..just outstanding knowledge. I actually called…..not just once, but multiple times and got AMAZING help. Whatever question or concern I had was met with facts, not rhetoric. I know just enough about computers to be dangerous……and that’s where they helped me know what would work best with which components. I finally pulled the trigger and purchased. Within 1 week I had my new computer and everything about it is perfect! It’s hard to impress me, but how it was packed, all the attention to detail in terms of the components. A notebook with help suggestions……you name it, they thought of it. I was awed. I called for some assistance with setting up the monitor and every single person I have spoken with patiently answers questions and helps. This is the most outstanding company and the product they put together is phenomenal. Don’t hesitate to buy a computer from them……you won’t regret it and the product you get will be the best ever! Customer service is top rate….no regrets AT ALL! I am confident that if I need any help with this computer, I will not be on hold and I will have the best computer techs ever.

I purchased a custom-built computer from Puget Systems after literally weeks of in-depth research. I am pleased to report that **service**, quality and craftsmanship at Puget Systems was well above and beyond the highest standards; not surprising for a small, family-owned business that has been operating successfully for fourteen years.
Among several special-use applications I required for a custom-built computer was >quiet< operation. My expectations were exceeded in every way. I want to stress here the level of support and service provided by Puget..you will *never* encounter this kind of knowledgeable and personal service, which by the way is guaranteed for life. I am proud to support such an exemplary, truly family-owned American business.

I am the IT manager for a group that does hardcore simulations of brain tumors. I need serious hoursepower and great graphics.
Puget Systems is by far the best tech company I have ever known of and had the great pleasure to work with! I personally guarantee you that once you have worked with them, you will never purchase a serious computer anywhere else. And the support staff really knows their stuff. They have never failed me, and I ask some oddball questions! If I every move back to Washington, I would love to work there!
Thank you for all you do!!!

Discovered Puget Systems on an internet search looking for options for a new computer. The market has changed since the last time I needed to make a purchase. After talking to the big three computer vendors for configuration options, I discovered that product knowledge and options have diminished, and sales reps quotes with contact information never arrived. Messages sent were never returned. It feels like if they don’t make a sale on the initial call, it’s on the next inquiry. Puget Systems (Jeff) showed me there are companies still trying to do the best they can with providing products and service for a customer. There was never any pressure about making a sale, it was always about making a good decision. Very happy to have made the purchase, and feel confident that if an issue ever arises, they will be there with an equal level of support.

It was time to replace my woefully underpowered computer so I did the usual – checked reviews for consumer machines on Amazon, did internet research, checked the box stores, etc. I had no confidence that any of the machines that I found would be powerful enough to handle workstation CAD graphics – everything was geared towards gaming boxes – and I knew from past experience that customer support from the ‘big guys’ is lackluster, to say the least.

After doing some more digging online I found Puget Systems and didn’t intend (at first) to do anything more than spec out a machine; once I start doing so, I realized that these guys (and gals) REALLY know their business. Within an hour I had an email suggesting changes to my spec’d machine – changes that reduced the price of the system without compromising performance. At that point I knew I was going to buy from Puget. You know that slimy feeling you get from salespeople sometimes when you are considering a purchase? This was exactly the OPPOSITE of that – every interaction I had, the only feeling I ever got was, how do we get you the system you want?

I ended up ordering. I needed my machine to arrive on a specific day of the week when someone was at home to sign for the package. No problem whatsoever. As the box was built, it was great to see the build documented online. When my machine arrived, the box was GIGANTIC. Inside were foam supports, and a second box cradled inside the first box. There was no way this thing got hurt in transit, even if the UPS driver was feeling feisty. Seriously, the packaging was way beyond adequate, it was how I would pack a delicate piece of art.

Setup – easy as could be, and my machine is seriously fast. In the past I would check the mail, get a cup of coffee, or similar while the system loads up. Not anymore, there just isn’t enough time to do more than send a text.

I did have the slightest hiccup. After a few hours of running my system, the graphics card started getting wonky with running two monitors – it would run one, or the other, but not both simultaneously. I got in touch with Puget Systems and they remotely accessed my system with a few clicks on my end. They helped me troubleshoot the problem – which turned out to be a problem with the high-end graphics card I ordered. Obviously, you don’t want that to happen, but if it does, you want Puget to be the person that sold you your machine. My tech support guy had a new card out to me that day, with profuse apologies (even though it wasn’t Puget’s fault – the problem only appeared hours after the system was running and therefore it couldn’t have shown up during their extensive stress testing). I knew I had made the right choice as I imagined the tech calls to India I would have endured if I had had the same card issue with one of the big guys. Needless to say all my future machines will be from Puget. I could not recommend them more highly.

Incidentally, when I was installing the replacement card, I had a chance to look inside the (huge) machine they sent me. Everything was neat as a pin, the cables all neatly tied off, everything as ship shape as a Swiss watch. I am very impressed. Kudos to all – Charlie Zehnder

I have been having my computers custom built for at least twenty years. When it came time for me to have a new graphics computer built I went to my old company and found that they did not offer exactly what I was after. I did a quick search and found Puget systems.

Puget Systems seemed to really have it together regarding the various system type builds they offer. I went to the graphics computers and did a trial build, after this I exchanged email with Eric Brown regarding the machine and with his help we put together what I will call my dream machine. I went ahead and ordered the machine on 5-14 they built the machine and shipped on 5-16.

I got the machine about ten days ago and wanted to play with it for awhile prior to leaving these comments. The machine runs like a banshee and is so fast it amazes me every time I do something on it. The quality of all components is the best and Puget Systems customer service is what you expect out of a top rate company.

Rhino3D with Brazil is my main design software and it works better than I ever thought I would see.

If your building a new system I highly recommend you buy from Puget Systems.

Daniel Lopacki

THE DAY I DECIDED TO GET A CUSTOM SYSTEM BUILT FOR MYSELF I SIMPLY DID A SEARCH ON GOOGLE. IT CAME UP WITH A NUMBER OF VALID RESULTS. THE FIRST PLACE I CALLED WAS PUGET AND AFTER ABOUT 38 SECONDS ON THE PHONE WITH THEM I KNEW I WAS IN GREAT HANDS.

WITH MY INPUT THEY SPECIFIED WHAT THEY THOUGHT I SHOULD HAVE AND I AGREED.

I PAID, THEY BUILT.

THEN THEY PHOTOGRAPHED AND VIDEO TAPED THE FINAL PRODUCT AND EMAILED ME THE LINKS…………. THAT WAS WAY COOL!

NOW THAT I HAVE MY BEAST SET IT UP IN MY OFFICE, I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER.

WHAT A GREAT DECEISION I MADE IN GOING WITH PUGET!!

THANKS GUYS!

SINCERELY,

BAYARD

Had my i7 6 core machine running solid at 98% for a week now, and working great. The machine arrived with a lot of the setup completed, so I only had to add some of the licensed software I use, plus some of the freeware I normally install. The video tape Puget sent was helpful, and the phone call to check that all was working properly appreciated. I also really appreciated the web site that allowed me to view progress on constructing the machine.

I was after a super PC, and found it.

After thinking about getting a new PC for almost a year (pending XP’s doom), I looked at many PC companies. I did consider the Big box stores, office stores etc., and even some of the popular PC makers. Over the years, I’ve learned that most often, even though these other PC makers tout the main benefits of their systems, there is always something they omit to tell you or lacking thereof; like 4 slots for RAM, and they fill all four; so you have to loose RAM to add more RAM; or a mega sized HDD, but a poor power supply. When I came across an article online about Puget, mentioning their very low failure rate on the components used in the PCs; this greatly sparked my interest. I also wanted to get something better than I have had in the past, and more towards a ‘gaming’ type PC; even though I play no games. I just emailed Puget with what I was looking to run on it, and my budget, and they set me up with a link to a system to fit my budget; then I just tweaked a couple options to suit me; and ordered.

I ordered the Spirit system along with a 17″ Laptop. Both have an SSD drive with larger HDD drive. I must say, paired with Windows 8.1, it is so fast; boots up in less than 30 seconds. An SSD is the best option to add. I also added a card to add 4 more USB outlets on the back; since we have several printers and a postage scale; and those 4 to 1 USB adapters just lead to issues; so I’m happy I added that item.

I did have a few issues with Windows 8.1 after installing some programs, but after identifying it; the issue was resolved. I did contact Puget, and they stuck with me all the way until my issues were resolved. It was nothing Puget could have done differently; it was software based issues; but they would email suggestions, offered to do remote desktop; even called me to see how things were going and if the issues were resolved. Very happy with the attention they gave me. I really felt my money spent was appreciated.
With that said, I would recommend if you are installing somewhat old software (even if Microsoft says it’s compatible), create a system restore point before installing each program. After install of each program, make sure you can open the apps in Metro, and open the Windows Store app. If those work, you should be good to install the next program. My issue revolved around an old printer driver, and CorelDraw X3; which says compatible on MS Website, but it’s not. So, do the restore point’s.

The Spirit system is very quiet, didn’t need the other model that is pretty much silent; this one is very quite. The Spirit case is larger than you might expect. I have room so it’s not a big deal, but you may want to note the size before buying a Spirit if space is an issue. I also like this case’s filters on the removable front grill, and slide out bottom filter under the power supply. Both easy to remove and clean.

As far as windows 8. Many articles saying how people hate it. Well, I debated a lot whether to get Windows 7, or not. Since I will eventually have to learn Windows 8 anyway; I reluctantly chose Windows 8. Even when I first got this PC; I wondered if I made the right choice. Well, I got mine with 8.1 and since the major update in early April 2014, the desktop mode is pretty much just like Windows 7 anyway; and operates so fast when paired with the SSD drive. I think of it as Desktop mode for work, Metro for play. Windows 7 is several years old already and felt the security alone was worth going with Windows 8.

Feel free to email me your questions. Very happy I found Puget Systems.