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: 1076
I bought a Genesis to be the centerpiece of my audio and video studio about three years ago, and it has been a fabulous experience. The process of buying the computer was great; your guys counseled with me to find out precisely what I needed, and the machine has indeed been perfectly suited to my needs.
What has stood out, though, is its reliability. In the three years I’ve had it, it’s performed flawlessly with no technical issues of any kind- and this is with more than a dozen external drives, soundboards, controllers, and devices connected at the same time, and with (literally) hundreds of different software applications, some of them very taxing computationally, being run regularly and often in concert.
This speaks to the superior planning, building, and setup of my Genesis. Sometimes, people don’t understand how often computer problems are the result of poorly-matched hardware or driver software that isn’t set up properly; those seem like basic things, but they’re the kinds of details that yield major effects- good or bad- for the end user.
I use five different computer regularly for various kinds of work in my life, and the Puget machine is the only one I’ve never had any issues with, despite it being the one I push the hardest.
I recommend Puget to everyone I can, and when the time comes to build another studio machine, I know it’ll be from your fine company. Thank you for being a superior option for PC power users.
Legacy Testimonial: 1075
Wow! Best experience I’ve ever had ordering a desktop. So happy with the speed at which I can now run both Lightroom and PS CC
Legacy Testimonial: 1074
It’s been almost a month since my wife received her Serenity Pro system and the only word I can use to describe it is AMAZING!
A few months ago, I actually purchased a very powerful PC with a very similar configuration from a high-end computer super store. Because noise was a key issue for my wife, I purchased an upgrade package that included a higher quality processor chip fan and power supply fan. I thought that would make the system quiet. Boy was I wrong.
When we got the system home and turned it on, it emitted a constant high pitched fan noise that literally made the system unusable. There was no way I was going to have my wife exposed to that noise several hours per day for the next five years. I was forced to return the system to the store and was beginning to think that I would never find a high-end system with the power she needed that was also quiet enough for her to sit next to.
That’s when I searched for “world’s most quiet computer” and found Puget Sound. I started working with your system engineer Jeff Stubbers, and it was a great experience. He listened to my usage requirements and then spent the time with me to properly configure the system to achieve the power we needed but still remain as quiet as possible. Jeff continued to answer all my system configuration questions right up until the time that the order was placed, and even afterwards. I can’t say enough about how good the user experience was in buying this computer because of people like Jeff.
When we got the system home and turned it on, I couldn’t believe my ears. There was virtually no noise at all! You have to remain absolutely quiet and really strain just to tell if the system is even running. It’s actually easier to just look at the blue light than to try and hear if the system is on or off. Incredible!
My wife sits right next to the computer, so having a machine this quiet is just a huge win. Yeah, I paid a bit more for your system, but it was more than worth it to get a high-end high quality machine like this that is actually usable, and that my wife can sit next to without damaging her hearing or making her miserable.
Thanks again for making such a great product and for the entire experience.
Sincerely,
david burns
Legacy Testimonial: 1073
Puget Systems is fantastic. I have now owned my system for a few weeks, and it works wonderfully. It’s a beautiful build, and having access to the building process with their online system (you can see the steps being completed as it goes through the process) was great. I also really liked their sales staff and recommendations.
Perhaps even more importantly, their after-sale customer service is just as top-notch and fantastic as their service before and during the sale. I’ve emailed/called a couple of times over the past few weeks, mostly to figure out how the new machine (and Windows 10) works, and their responses are always helpful, thorough, professional, and candid — just like when they try to sell you a machine in the first place.
Puget Systems is definitely a premier seller. You do pay extra for the service and top-notch equipment. But the value is absolutely tremendous, and worth it.
My last system was from a different computer maker, in 2006. They were very good. But Puget Systems is amazing, and has more than lived up to the wonderful reviews I’ve seen on Resellers and elsewhere. It was those reviews, and the overall professionalism of their web site and my interactions with sales staff, that brought me to Puget Systems in the first place.
Now, being a lucky owner of one of their systems, I’d recommend them to all.
Legacy Testimonial: 1072
William George was my sales consultant, and he was incredibly patient with me. He started helping me 6/19/2015, and I did not place my order until 10/4/2015. He listened to my needs and provided excellent recommendations, and I never felt rushed to make a decision.
He spent a lot of time and effort explaining his recommendations and answering my multitude of questions. I know I will love my new PC when it arrives next week because I feel confident that it is the perfect PC for my new occupation as a full-time Day Trader.
When you are day trading, it is extremely important that you have the PC you need to be able optimize your income. William George and Puget Systems have provided the perfect PC to meet my needs, and I am very grateful that I was lucky enough to have William as my sales consultant.
Legacy Testimonial: 1071
I purchased a Serenity system setup for Linux on an SSD six months ago. It arrived in perfect condition, booted up flawlessly and I’ve never looked back. It is totally silent, which is perfect for audio. I asked them to install a Gigabyte Ultimate board because it had a PCI slot which I needed for my RME audio card. Not only did they not throw up any objections, they handled the special order promptly and gracefully. Support throughout was excellent. Highly recommended.
Legacy Testimonial: 1070
If you’re thinking of buying a computer anywhere else – do yourself a favor . . . and don’t. Buy it from Puget.
I’m a global expert on shopper psychology and consumer value equations. I spend a great deal of time analyzing and consulting with companies on their brand value and customer experience. This affords me a clear perspective on both good and poor practices & companies.
Puget is not just a good company . . Puget is a GREAT company.
Puget does everything right, and they do it consistently. I purchased a Serenity Computer about 1 year ago. Puget provided honest feedback on components and configurations . . . and it has performed flawlessly ever since. In addition they reached out to contact me at the 6 month and 12 month mark . . . to offer a remote check up to ensure the computer is functioning optimally. When’s the last time a computer company (or any company) reached out to you to after the sale . . . to ensure their product is functioning to your satisfaction?
Now that I’ve found PUGET . . . I can’t imagine purchasing computer needs anywhere else.
Legacy Testimonial: 1069
So very pleased with my Serenity!
Big thank you to William George for helping me select the ideal setup.
And huge thanks to the team that gave this machine such attention! Thank you Oscar, JoshK, Kyle, Josh, and Jessica. Fantastic work!
Legacy Testimonial: 1068
Ok. Bought a Puget Spirit in 2009 with a SSD hard drive because reviews said they are fast and they are.
Used an Intel I5 and added a video card. This computer has been bullet proof. Not one problem and
still very fast. I know this because I have worked with friends computers that are later models from the
Big Box stores and I can tell mine just smokes them. Maybe it’s the SSD and the high quality motherboards
etc. that Puget uses. I though I got a very fair price for a custom built desktop. I wish their laptop prices
would come down a bit as I would like to buy a new laptop from Puget. I would say if you want a custom
built computer do not hesitate with Puget Systems.
Legacy Testimonial: 1067
So, let me tell you about buying this gorgeous machine….First, the sales response was superb. I received regular and prompt correspondence from a sales person, Wilson (via email) as I was selecting the components for my new computer. He even made suggestions on a reconfiguration that saved me about $800. The select-to-build software was also excellent. I could see what they had in stock, what was on order, and the exact status of the assembly. I got very nice thermal images sent, showing operating temperatures and cabinet details. When my new baby arrived, the packaging was perfect. In fact, it was so nice to unbox, i feel Puget needs one of those “unboxing” videos that people post on youtube. I use the computer for Photoshop, and even when processing very large files, this thing is soooo quiet! I mean really, really quiet -as in, the the first time I started it up, the light came on and I was convinced it didn’t boot up/wondered if it was running. All in all, a dream experience for a custom order. After years of abuse from Dell, with their mongrel parts, bloatware and horrible customer service, I’ll gladly pay more for a top-tier computer and a company that stands behind it.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.