Quality Control
The quality of any company’s product is dependent on proper control procedures. Our extensive quality control system ensures that your computer receives all the attention needed to make sure you get what you paid for! Every one of our configurations receives a customized checklist, depending on the components in the system, applications we know the customer will be running on it, and other factors. Below is a sample of what our build check-off is like.
Example of Puget Systems Build Checklist
Phase 1 Build / Assembly
Review Work Order, Build Notes, and Internal Status
We review the order and notes to ensure that any special build requests are performed.
Check Parts and Serial Numbers
Before starting assembly on your system, we verify that we have all the correct parts and everything is accounted for.
Install M.2 Drives
We install your M.2 drives to the motherboard.
Assemble Core Components
We assemble the core parts of your system outside the chassis. This includes the motherboard, CPU, CPU cooler, and system memory.
Disable Onboard Video via Switch
We disable the onboard video on this motherboard to avoid conflict with a dedicated video card.
Verify Condition of Chassis and Panels
We inspect your system chassis for any structural or cosmetic defects before beginning to mount components.
Apply Puget Branding to Chassis
We brand the front door of your chassis with the Puget systems logo.
Mount Fans
We replace the stock fans with upgraded models.
Mount Drives
We securely install your drives in your system.
Apply Order Number Sticker
We apply a small sticker with the order number to the back of your system.
Mount Motherboard
We install the motherboard in your system and ensure it is fastened securely and ports line up correctly.
Mount Radiator
We mount the radiator for your closed-loop cooler.
Phase 2 Build / Assembly
Review Work Order, Build Notes, and Internal Status
We review the order and notes to ensure that any special build requests are performed.
Verify Condition of Chassis and Panels
We inspect your system chassis for any structural or cosmetic defects before beginning to mount components.
Wire Front Panel Connections
We connect any switches and ports integrated into your system’s chassis to the appropriate connectors on the motherboard or add-in cards.
Wire Power Supply Connections
We run the cabling from your power supply to make all necessary power connections to the motherboard and backplane.
Connect Supplemental PCIe Power to Motherboard
We connect the supplemental PCIe power connectors to the headers on your motherboard.
Wire Data Connections
We connect the data cables for your drives securely and neatly.
Verify Complimentary Hard Drive Pre-Wire
We make sure that any requested pre-wiring for drives is in place. Additionally, for our more user-serviceable chassis, we ensure every system is wired for at least two hard disks to allow for easy addition of storage to single-drive configurations.
Install Cards
We install any video cards or other add-in controller cards in your system.
Secure Any Unsecured Cables
We use hot glue on any delicate connections to help keep them from becoming disconnected during shipping.
Mount Power Supply
We mount the power supply securely in your system’s chassis.
Install GPU Brace
We install a custom video card support brace to help protect your system during shipping.
Install Chassis Reinforcement Plate
We install a custom brace to join two internal plates within the case for added structural rigidity when your system ships. We have found that this greatly reduces damaged to the video cards and motherboards caused by potential shipping carrier mishandling.
Check for POST of fully completed system
With assembly fully completed, we make sure that the system still turns on and boots correctly.
Update System BIOS to Approved Version
We update your motherboard’s BIOS to the most recent stable release provided by the manufacturer and approved by Puget Systems.
Change Remote Management Password
We change the Remote Management Login Password to comply with California Senate Bill 327. The updated password will be provided in a binder with the system accessories.
Apply Standard BIOS Settings
We configure your system with our standard BIOS settings.
Disable Full Screen Boot Logo
We disable the manufacturer splash screen that displays during system POST.
Verify Secure Boot Setting is Correct
We ensure that the Secure Boot Setting in the BIOS is set to Windows
Verify All Devices are Detected and Connected to Appropriate Ports
Save BIOS Profile
Verify Condition of Chassis and Panels
We inspect your system chassis for any structural or cosmetic defects before beginning to mount components.
Verify all fans are spinning at desired RPM
We check that all system fans spin up and operate with the intended settings. For fans connected to a chassis controller, we check that they operate correctly on all settings of the controller.
Test Reset Button (If Applicable)
We check that your chassis’ reset button (if it has one) is connected and functional.
Verify front LED functionality
We check that any appropriate chassis indicator lights, such as power or disk activity LEDs, are connected and functioning as expected.
Phase 1 Testing
Begin memory testing
We run an initial test on your CPU and RAM to check for errors that could lead to instability or a corrupted OS install.
Complete memory testing
We review the initial CPU and RAM test results to confirm that everything is working as expected.
Install / Setup
Review order
We check for any special instructions there may be for your order to ensure that the system is configured exactly how you want it.
Install Windows 11 Pro 64-bit
Your primary drive is installed with a base level install of the operating system, which is later customized to your order.
Install / update device drivers
All the most recent drivers (downloaded from the manufacturer) are loaded for your devices.
Load Install Program
Puget Systems uses an internally developed utility for deploying updates, software packages and customized benchmark suites.
Apply Puget OS Branding
Give the system a nice Puget Systems feel. We change the background and lock screen as well as add our contact information to the computer properties which can be viewed by pressing the Windows key + pause break buttons.
Install approved Windows updates
All Windows updates and service packs are applied.
Confirm successful driver installation
We double check all installed devices to confirm that all drivers loaded correctly.
Compare System Specs to Order specs
We double check all installed devices using an inhouse utility to confirm that they match what was ordered.
Confirm Windows serial key(s)
We double check the serial key assigned to your system using an in house tool to confirm that we will not run in to issues activating the system.
Initialize and format additional disks
We initialize all additional internal drives as GPT and format them as NTFS. We then assign them a drive letter based on how they appear on the order (i.e. secondary drive = D, tertiary drive = E, etc.). If Linux is on the order, these drives will be reformatted when the final OS is installed.
Confirm latest SSD firmware
We open the manufacturers management software for your drive(s) and confirm it has the latest firmware. If needed we will flash them to the latest firmware.
Confirm correct Discrete GPU bandwidth
We double check to make sure that the systems video card(s) are running at the expected bandwidth in relation to motherboard specifications.
Test front panel USB ports
All front USB ports are tested to confirm connectivity and speed.
Test front panel audio
We confirm that the front panel audio jacks (sound and microphone) are working as expected. The rear audio ports will be inspected during the QC phase.
Phase 2 Testing
Double check system specs
Your system specs are double checked for any mistakes, using an automated utility we have built that not only checks for the right parts, but that they are configured correctly.
Stress Test
We run a combination of Prime95 and AIDA64 to stress your system far beyond typical loads.
CrystalDiskMark
We run CrystalDiskMark to benchmark the read/write speeds of all your hard drives.
LAME MP3 Encoder
LAME MP3 Encoder is used to test system performance when encoding MP3 audio files
NeatBench
NeatBench is a standalone benchmarking for Neat Video – a popular tool to reduce visible noise and grain found in footage from digital video cameras, DSLRs, TV-tuners and even digitized film or VHS.
OctaneBench
OctaneBench is a benchmarking utility based on OctaneRender (a popular GPU-based rendering engine). This benchmark evaluates the rendering performance of your GPU(s)
V-Ray
V-Ray is commercial plug-in for third-party 3D computer graphics software applications and is used for visualizations and computer graphics. This benchmark evaluates both CPU and GPU performance when using V-Ray.
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Photoshop is the most widely used professional photo editing and manipulation software currently on the market. Our benchmark tests a wide range of tasks to give an idea of how your system should perform in Photoshop.
Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects CC is a widely used application for motion graphics and animation. Our benchmark tests two critical areas of performance – RAM Preview (live playback) and Rendering (exporting) – with a number of different projects.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro CC is an industry-leading non-linear video editing application. Our benchmark tests two critical areas of performance – Live Playback and Exporting – with a number of different media codecs, resolutions, and effects.
Unigine Superposition
Unigine Superposition is used to evaluate system performance in DX11 applications at display resolutions including 1080p, 4K, and 8K.
NBody CUDA
The Nbody CUDA benchmark is used to verify the maximum theoretical compute performance of NVIDIA-based video cards
CineBench
CINEBENCH is a real-world cross platform test suite that evaluates your computer’s performance capabilities. CINEBENCH is based on MAXON’s award-winning animation software CINEMA 4D, which is used extensively by studios and production houses worldwide for 3D content creation
Upload and review benchmark results
All the benchmarks taken during the phase 2 testing process are recorded on our server, providing you with benchmark scores, and providing us with statistical information that will help us assist future customers. We also upload our temperature logs, giving you a baseline you can compare to after you receive the system.
Quality Control
Review Order Updates and Checkoff
We review the order updates as it contains a build log for actions performed by the various technicians prior to QC to check if additional testing has to be performed and verify requests are fulfilled.
Verify Expected Video Card and Disk Results
We review key benchmark results to verify that installed components are operating as expected.
Verify Condition of Chassis and Components
We physically inspect the exterior and interior of the chassis to check for cosmetic blemishes around high friction points and that components are installed and aligned properly.
Verify System Initialization Noise
When the system is powered on and components are initializing before the system POST beep, we check that the configured components do not have excessive noise.
Disable Network Stack in BIOS
We use an imaging software for installing Windows that requires settings in the BIOS to be adjusted. We turn these settings off as they are not normally used outside of our imaging software.
Verify BIOS Profile is Saved
We check that a profile is saved in the motherboard BIOS that retains the settings we adjust to be used again in case BIOS settings are lost due to an unexpected occurrence.
Record Approximate Boot Time
We record how long, in seconds, the system takes to boot into the OS and also to check that it is booting in the expected amount of time.
Verify System Properties
We check in the OS system properties to make sure that the configured OS, processor, and correct memory capacity is detected.
Verify Puget OS Branding
We check that our Puget desktop background is set.
Verify Drives are Present, Partitioned, and Labeled
We review that all configured system drives are partitioned and drive letters are assigned based on drive priority.
Verify in Device Manager Components are Detected
Verify Sound Quality Output
We check the 3.5mm audio outputs for clarity and balanced volume.
Verify Functionality of Onboard Networking Devices
We test available networking devices on the system for proper network and device detection.
Test Thunderbolt Compatible Ports
We test that the available Thunderbolt compatible ports are detecting a certified external drive in an OS environment.
Test All External USB Ports
A USB thumb drive is plugged in and out from every external USB port to verify USB detection.
Test USB2.0 on Populated USB3.0 Headers
We check that USB 3.0 front panel ports and/or USB 3.0 expansion brackets can detect USB2.0 devices in the OS.
Test All Video Outputs
We verify that all video outputs are functioning correctly even if ports will be disabled or unused due to the system configuration.
Monitor System at Idle
We verify that the system is running as expected and within tolerances by monitoring the system at idle. This is performed by using a thermal camera and a wattage meter to monitor the system as load tests on the configured hardware are ran.
Monitor System under Load
We verify that the system is running as expected and within tolerances by monitoring the system under load. This is performed by using a thermal camera and a wattage meter to monitor the system as load tests on the configured hardware are ran.
Cap Secondary or Unused Video Ports
We cap the video ports on the system that will either be used as a secondary video card or the ports will be unused based on the system configuration
Clean Up Windows Installation
We remove the programs used to install the configured OS and necessary software to test the hardware and check that remnant files and folders are deleted from those programs.
Scan Windows COA
We input the Windows COA into our installation suite to be activated when the system is powered on and connected to the internet.
Prepare and Verify Restore Media Creation
After a system inspection we create restore media for your system
Confirm Proper Windows Out of Box Experience
After creating restore media we check one last time to confirm that your system will boot as expected to the Windows Customer Experience screen.
Final Preparation
Verify Check-Off is Completed
We verify that all checkpoints have been completed throughout the production process and parts section.
Affix COA to Chassis
Your Windows COA is attached to your case.
Include HDMI Cable
We include a HDMI cable with your computer so that you are sure to have everything you need when you set it up.
Include Display Port Cable
We include a Display Port cable with your computer so that you are sure to have everything you need when you set it up.
Verify Power Cord and Essential Accessories are Included
We double check to make sure you have everything you need for system set up!
Packing / Shipping
Paperless Procedure (Optional)
Thank you for choosing paperless. We all must do our part to help the environment and limit or consumption of resources. Small steps like this can create a ripple effect for changes to come.
Include Marketing Materials
Getting stressed out? Grab your stress cube and give us a call! We included a sticker to show you are Puget Proud as well as some Business cards.
Take Pictures of the System
We take pictures of each system before we ship.
Final Chassis Cleaning
Since the computer has been handled, we ensure it is clean as a last step before boxing it up.
Read what our customers have to say about our quality control!
Legacy Testimonial: 1196
Your receptionist is a pain in the ass. She would not put me through to Mr Chau without answering 50 questions. After prying, she finally told me he was on another call.
She could have simply put me through to his voice main or taken message.
Legacy Testimonial: 1195
Let me start by saying that I’ve been building PC’s for years. As you can imagine it was difficult for me to wrap my head around paying the extra money to have them build, test & install my system. Anyway it was time to upgrade my last build and I called Puget and spoke with them about my needs and concerns. I worked with Oscar who assured me that many of their clients are just like me: totally capable but time constrained.
After looking at the actual cost difference I decided to give them a shot! All I can so is that I’m so glad that I did!
I was involved throughout the whole process. The status updates, thermal images and pictures of my computer made the process a joy. The only thing I did miss out on was the actual building the machine but honestly I’ve built enough computers in my lifetime…
So what’s the big deal right? Anyone can put together a machine right? Yes it’s true but Puget Systems really goes the extra mile. From the burn in testing to bench marking to thermal imaging under load. Every aspect of the system is meticulously completed and the build steps were presented and checked off every step of the way.
What really put me over the edge with just how much they care is the binder that’s included in the accessories which is a complete build log of the system.
I saved a ton of time by having them complete my build but I got a whole lot more than just a computer. I now have a relationship with a company that truly cares about their customers and the products that they create.
Thank you guys very much!
Aaron J. St. Pierre
Legacy Testimonial: 1194
I was sold on Puget Systems after spending an hour so on their extremely informative web site which describes various computer options tailored to a users’ needs. Their concise reviews of each component was easy to understand and navigate. I purchased a basically “stock” PC that I felt met my needs. Online ordering was seamless and fun to “watch” my computer being built. On-time shipment, packaging, and accompanying documentation were superb. Subsequent contact with the company to request several SATA cables and hard copies of the BIOS settings were answered quickly followed by FedEx shipment. Conversations were informative, professional – yet friendly. And Puget Systems followed up to make sure they had answered my needs! After about four months using the system on a daily basis, the computer has been rock-solid and a pleasure to turn on each morning. Kudos to Puget Systems. While I have built my own systems in the past (and, to be sure, it is a rewarding experience), my experience with Puget Systems was extremely positive and I highly recommend them.
Legacy Testimonial: 1192
If you go to most big box stores, you will find several national brand desktop PCs that are sold at bargain basement prices. If you are lucky, the PC will last for a couple of years, and then it will start acting up – bad memory chips, unreliable hard drives, cheap motherboards, etc. I have purchased plenty of inexpensive PCs, and I have now reached a stage in my life where I am simply tired of compromising. After my last desktop died a horrible death after just two years of use, I decided to get a quality computer. This time I wanted a custom Puget Systems PC. Why Puget Systems? Well, Puget Systems is very well known for their excellent customer service. They helped me configure a custom PC that will meet all of my needs today, as well as several years in the future. I really liked that Puget’s PCs are carefully hand-built in the USA by technicians who really like their jobs and want to build quality computers.
It should be noted that Puget Systems only use the very best components, and all of the computers built by the company are carefully QC tested for a couple of days. I ended up buying a Puget Serenity Pro PC, and it is without a doubt the quietest computer I have ever owned. It is lightning fast, and it is truly the very best computer I have ever owned. I think there is an old adage that truly applies to my purchase — You Get What You Pay For!
Legacy Testimonial: 1191
Thanks again Puget Systems for my new GEN 8 Deluge Mini, especially Oscar, Jeremy, and Ben for their help.
This is the third system I have purchased from Puget, because of your awesome support in the past I didn’t even look anywhere else.
Build was completed in less than a week and I picked it up from the office. Had two minor issues with Windows that day and was helped by tech support immediately. Machine has worked flawlessly since.
Legacy Testimonial: 1190
I sent an email with my computer configuration and then followed up by phone. Oscar created a configuration and then Wilson followed up the next day and walked me through the configuration. I had asked for 64 GB of memory and they told me 32 GB would probably be plenty for my use saving me some money. They were right; as I type this I am only using 20% memory.
Wilson personally reached out to me to let me know a new motherboard and CPU chip was available that would be advantageous to my needs. He followed up once they had availability so we could finalize the order.
Their web site allows you to track the order through every step. The only hitch is when the computer showed up much quicker than I had anticipated as the shipping info had not updated the last time I checked. I was thrilled to get it on Thursday instead of having to wait until Monday when I would be back at the office.
The quality of the built computer is exceptional and the performance is great! I highly recommend Puget Systems to anyone looking for a system built exactly for their needs.
Legacy Testimonial: 1189
My excitement began at the prospect of finally actually ordering a system rather than browsing the possibilities on the Puget Systems website, which I had been doing occasionally for six months. Originally I was looking for a system to replace our Dell Precision workstation that serves a database server for our point of sale system. We had spec’d a service contract with the system so that we would be covered in the event of a major disaster. Well, the disaster did occur and the short story is that the service we received was a nightmare. That was when I started searching for most reliable PC builders and found Puget Systems.
I will admit that some of my peers that also use CADCAM jewelry software suggested that I look into systems using AMD CPU’s and built by popular gaming computer suppliers and I almost pulled the trigger on a system from a California based outfit until I looked at reviews,mostly negative, on BBB website. Thankfully I made a call to Puget Systems and spoke with Oscar who was able to assure me that the Obsidian system that I spec’d would more than meet my needs. After tweaking the build a little adding two Samsung 850 Pro SSD’s in Raid 1 and upgrading to the EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Blower Edition, I was ready to put down the plastic.
Then began the most exciting part of the whole process…checking the status of MY build! I am so blown away by the documentation and status update system that these folks have put in place (wish we could implement something similar in our custom jewelry design business)! I am almost embarrassed to admit the number of times I logged into my account to see what had happened since the last time I checked! Then the happy day arrived when I got my shipping notification and tracking number!
On the day my system was supposed to arrive, I did not see the FedEx driver all day and we were getting close to closing time, so I called FedEx to see if they could help out, which apparently they could, as the driver walked in while I was on the line with the Customer Service department! Finally, the unboxing! What a pleasure that was, as the folks at Puget Systems did not cheap out on the last details! Double boxed and foam protected, with a very nocely packaged System Information book with complete history of the build with photos and benchmark info, as well as a boot drive(USB) and CD. I decided to to set it up at my office so that I could begin loading the various softwares that I require to work from my home office before I brought it home to replace the laptop setup I had at my desk.
All of the setup and installation of software went very smoothly and quietly and I began putting the machine through its paces by loading a few large .3dm files and opening up Matrix (Gemvision) to see how it performed.Thumbs up2 is all I can say! Photoshop and Lightroom were easily running smoother than my ASUS ROG that I have in my office at the store. I also treated myself to a 28” HD monitor which makes a tremendous difference.
So, I would like to thank all of the many talented individuals that were involved in the building of my Puget Obsidian…Oscar, Jeff, Kelly,Ashley, Ken, Josh, Kari and Alicia, who took my call and prompted me to write this review. I would highly recommend this company to my colleagues and friends!
Legacy Testimonial: 1188
This was by far the most painless a custom PC has ever been (waiting for it was the hardest part, and that wasn’t even too long!). From the very beginning, I spoke with a real person who was able to answer all of my questions completely honestly. I had one question about a processor upgrade and whether it would be worth it for gaming – the answer was an extremely honest “no.” Instead of up-selling me on something I didn’t need, they gave me exactly what my machine needed to perform the way I wanted it to. I will most likely be buying all of my high-end rigs through Puget from now on.
Legacy Testimonial: 1187
Did you ever call technical support for a major computer manufacturer and swear you were talking to someone in a crowded train station in Bombay, India? Did you understand every word they spoke while they “thanked you so much” for everything but solved nothing after 7 hours and a couple two, three disconnects and start overs. I am a DJ in upstate, NY. About 4 years ago, I knew I was going to need a new reliable computer to do audio production and presentation, and I was all done with the Computer Biggie’s blues. I knew nothing of custom computers so I did a lot of research, and everything pointed to Puget Systems. I too thought that they sounded “too good to be true”. I spent some time on the phone talking to their sales and technical service dept, but the thing that sealed the deal for me is their LIFETIME!!!! free technical support with an actual person who’s primary language is English. I’ll let you in on a little secret, this computer had some display problems that were difficult to diagnose and solve when I first got it. I sent it back twice, but they couldn’t duplicate the issue thus they tried possible fixes that worked for awhile then more problems. The third time I sent it back (technically out of warranty) they paid overnight shipping round trip from New York to Auburn, Washington, and didn’t charge me for anything. See if one of the biggies can say they do that. The second It came back, I knew I was using the best computer I ever owned. Over time, I’ve quadrupled the RAM, added a 2T second internal drive for my music library and grudgingly said goodbye to Windows 7 x 64 bit. I did the upgrades/installations myself, but before, during and after the upgrades, I called MY Puget tech team for specifications, compatibility and install/usage guidance. They were right there then, and they’re right there now. I’ll let you in on another little secret. This computer was spec’ed and built to process and play music and videos. It’s getting close to 5 years old, and I’ll soon be needing to spec the latest and greatest in a rack mount application. It just so happens that in talking to their tech team, I learned that they are focusing on developing just that type of setup. I could build my own with what I’ve learned about computers but, honestly, It’s a no brainer to me to not have their expertise, warranty and more lifetime tech support. It just can’t get any better than that. Too good to be true, not so much, but true as true gets!
Legacy Testimonial: 1186
I would recommend Puget Systems to anyone looking for a computer that is built to meet their specific needs AND built to last.
I purchased a custom system from Puget in August 2014. I wanted to wait a while before writing a review. Well, here we are 3 years later and I am finally writing that review:
I could not have had a better experience. Before I found Puget Systems, I had been buying computers since the 1980s, always well known computer brands. That was not a bad approach for the most part, but I now knew that I wanted a system that had the performance I needed for my workflow without the unnecessary bells & whistles aimed at gamers and without all the bloatware that comes with most computers from the big brands. At the same time, I wanted to feel comfortable that I was making the right hardware and software choices and that I’d have the necessary support if something went wrong.
So I started researching my options online and came upon Puget Systems. I was impressed by the detailed information they provided on their website — not only about their product, but about their company, their philosophy, and their people (those PEOPLE are a huge part of their success). In addition, there was a ton of information about computers on their website. This information helped me understand what I really needed to focus on to best meet my needs. I started configuring a system and was impressed with their dedicated support during the sales process. William George was very responsive to my many questions via email, making recommendations on what I’d need without overselling in any way. In fact, he convinced me to scale back my choices on a couple of things in order to save me some money. Once we had settled on all the specifics, I loved getting photos of the system before it was shipped. Even more, I loved getting a binder with photos, a video, and excellent documentation and test results for MY unique system when the computer arrived. I still have that binder right next to the computer, so that it’s handy when something breaks. But nothing has broken and I’ve had no need to contact Puget. The system is still performing very well. The Puget website is still chock full of useful information that was never presented by other sellers when i bought other systems.
The biggest risk for me to consider was that Puget is so far away and if something went wrong with the hardware I could be stuck for a while. I was given the option to purchase an onsite support contract. But I had decent backup systems, both online and offline, and another computer I could switch to in a pinch, so I decided not to buy the additional insurance. Fortunately, I have not had a need to test my backup scheme in spite of my heavy use of the system for the past 3 years.
I repeat:
I would recommend Puget Systems to anyone looking for a computer that is built to meet their specific needs AND built to last.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.