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: 985
I recently had puget systems assemble a Home Theater PC for me. My decision to go with Puget was made easier once I learned more about the company the the steps they take to make sure that EVERY system they build is custom to the clients request/needs. I found this this out through searching for information about this company first before doing business with them and viewing videos on their system assembly process. I then proceeded to setup a custom HTPC build and immediately got a follow up email about the my specified build from one of their sales associate. I was actually pretty baffled that the sales associate told me to downsize some components as it was not needed for my specific use of the HTPC and that I could get great results with their recommended build and SAVE MONEY! This is not something that you usually see in Sales, and It proved even further to me that this was the company I was going to do current business with and even Future business with. They are very meticulous with their build process and I witnessed that on my build at the quality control portion of the build where a component(USB port) was not functioning and the Started the build over again. Thats awesome attention to detail!!! I am very pleased with how much this company has focused on providing great customer service. Thanks Puget, Keep up the great work.
Legacy Testimonial: 984
The whole process of ordering a computer from Puget Systems has been an eye-opener. I received great individual attention and support at each phase of the process including configuring the order, reviewing progress of the build, shipment and follow-up. The people who supported me were consistently helpful and always willing to explain things and make recommendations to better meet my needs. The computer itself is beautifully and sturdily built and packaged. I would absolutely use Puget again in the future.
Legacy Testimonial: 983
I am a little old lady with a camera! I purchased myPuget Computer in 2009. I have had 2 concerns in all that time. Early on it was a faulty usb port which they promptly replaced. Here we are four years later and the sound system went out. Christopher Crader was with me every step of the way and now all is good.
Hey it’s all about service.
Kay Jelinek
12/2013
Legacy Testimonial: 982
I recently purchased an Echo system for my wife and I was very pleased with the level of service I experienced with Puget Systems. From my first inquiry (via their on-line chat service), to a follow-up call from them about my system configuration (I was doing my own OS installation), to the speed of assembly and thoroughness of testing, to the overall speed with which they provided me with a small but mighty PC. A PC that worked just fine right out of the box (something that not always happens with custom-built mail-order computers – I’ve purchased several over the years). My next (gaming) PC will be a SFF unit, and Puget Systems will be my first stop in my quest to fill that need.
Legacy Testimonial: 981
This is my second purchase from Puget in 4 years. I’ve had my new PC for about a 1&1/2 weeks now and it’s been working great. Thanks to the feedback from both Jeff and Wilson that I received, I had a solid system built to meet my needs (and SO quiet). The staff here are knowledgeable, patient, and customer service focused. The entire experience with Puget is a real pleasure.
You will pay a little more for a system here. But if you can afford it, just do it. You will not regret it. You will get high quality components. You will get a great sales and support staff. You will get a US based company. You will see your system being built every step of the way.
I can only hope that Puget stays true to this great service indefinitely. If they do I can’t imagine any current customer going to any competitor after buying here. It is simply one of the best online buying experiences I have had from any company.
Thank you!
Legacy Testimonial: 980
Very happy with my m760i. Excellent customer service, Awesome product. Will defiantly be a customer again.
Legacy Testimonial: 975
OK, now I’m embarrassed. I have purchased 8 gaming desktop and laptop computers from Puget Systems over the past 8 years, and this is the first time I have sat down and submitted a testimonial. It was always “I’ll get to it tomorrow”. That is tragic because Puget is such a rare company in this day and age that their outstanding work and company policies should be widely heralded. Thanks to Jon Bach’s superb sales and tech support teams, all of my Puget machines have been a pleasure since “day one”, and every single one of those machines is still running strong.
If I can give just one reason why I am a satisfied repeat customer of Puget Systems, it is their service. Any computer company can assemble hardware and make it work (for awhile), but Puget does much more than that. They build a solid, well made machine, from some of the best components available anywhere, that meets my specific needs both technically and financially. The ability to choose my favorite operating system and have it installed without a lot of other bloatware and malware is a big plus. The large selection of free software that can be added to my system is another plus. I get only the system I ordered — nothing more — no infuriating malware surprises. But it doesn’t end there. Puget stands behind my machines from the moment they come off the testing line. In my opinion, that’s where most other computer companies really fall short.
The Puget team consists of many fine people that have done their best over the years to make me a satified customer. Just to name a few, William George in Sales has been more than helpful in assisting me with configuring many of my machines some of which had rigid space and cooling requirements. His insightful suggestions have not only made my purchases better, they have saved me money. Scott Denoff in Tech has gone way beyond the pale in analysing and fixing some complex problems that have kept my machines running in top shape, and which in turn has kept me a very satisfied customer. These people are just a few of the Puget team that does really fine work in delivering products that I have been happy with for many years.
Another big plus is Puget’s communications setup. You know what is going on all the time, whether it is a new system build or the repair of an older machine. This is another mark of a first class organization. Their communications are so effective that my being 3000 miles away on the East Coast is of no consequence.
I used a lot of superlatives in the above paragraphs, but they are all warranted. Puget Systems is a fine company. They make a fine product. They deliver great service. If their oustanding record continues, they will have me as a lifelong customer. There are very few companies in the world that I can say that about.
Legacy Testimonial: 974
Its been several months since I received my desktop from Puget Systems. Since then I have upgraded some software and added some hardware to the original build. This machine is very stable and so well constructed that even a non-expert like myself can make changes with confidence. From the moment I started playing with the what I want- the what I need- and the what I can afford aspects of getting this machine Puget was extraordinarily helpful. Every phone call was answered promptly by a knowledgeable person that didn’t make me feel like a computer illiterate fool. Order process was painless. Delivery was right on time. Packaging was perfect. Computer was exactly as ordered including a pre-wiring request for a latter hardware addition. I guess you get the idea that I am a satisfied customer. I will buy my next computer from Puget Systems.
Legacy Testimonial: 973
All I can say is WOW! What a pleasurable purchasing experience I had getting my latest PC from Puget Systems. I decided to skip building my own and searched out some of the boutique system builders online. Despite the builders that have higher visibility I found Puget Systems. I had a rough idea of the system I wanted and that was a quiet yet up to date system for photo and video editing. I can honestly say I was under pressure from some who said get an iMac and another who was trying to steer me towards a rig from Digital Storm. I read the reviews and did some research. I contacted Puget Systems through email and William was quick to answer. He suggested the Serenity system and after going over some build options that were within my budget and specifications his initial build actually cost less than I was going to spend. How about that? A company that didn’t try to up sell on components! William was quick to respond to any questions or requests I had and although I upgraded the CPU cooler William said it would be a little noisier he was honest and very knowledgeable in the individual components. I submitted my order and since I was given a budget and it was under that figure I decided to upgrade my video card. William went over the pro’s and con’s and added the card. Once payment cleared the fun began. Puget Systems really goes the extra mile in keeping you informed in each step of the process. You can track everything from the collecting the parts to assembly, benchmarks and you can even view pictures of your system before it’s shipped. Not only do you get to see your system as it will look out of the box you get to see thermal images of your system at idol and under load. How cool is that (no pun intended)! You will get your tracking number when the system ships and the wait and apprehension begins. I was worried about the particular carrier they use as I have had less then stellar experiences with them. The big day came and the big white box looks like heck. Now I’m worried. Box is crushed on 4 sides like an accordion. A big tear is on the bottom of the box. So I’m sweating as I open the box. Lo and behold the triple layered outer box does its job. Nestled inside 8 large styrofoam corner protectors is the original box for my systems case. On top there is a box of goodies. All the original unused parts, manuals and power cord. Beneath is a binder with some directions, disks, benchmarks, personalized message, invoice and support numbers for everything installed with the system. So following the directions I get the case out. It is in pristine condition. They even replaced the protective film on the case. Open up the side panel and here is another point where Puget Systems shines. They have a a form fitting foam packaging that protects the video card and monstrous CPU cooler from getting jostled around while shipping. One thing you may read on other boutique builders forums is the video card gets knocked loose. Puget Systems has a nice clear, branded bracket that helps to keep the video card in place. Not only while shipping but as you use it they are getting so large and heavy that the support will keep downward pressure off the slot. Another touch I noticed is that rather than just install one of the front mounted fans in its support on the front of the case Puget Systems brought it back towards the rear and mounted it at an angle to blow air directly into my CPU cooling tower. To help quiet the system there is a ton of noise dampening material stuffed into every nook and cranny! Checked the system for any wires or connectors that may have gotten knocked loose during shipping and all was good. Time to fire this thing up. It goes without a hitch. William had told me my CPU cooling option (Gelid GX-7) and video card choice was going to make my system a little louder than they like. Well William, you have bionic ears! This thing is whisper quiet! My external Raid Array cooling fans are noisier than this system. I wish I had a problem with my system early on to see if their tech support is as good as the rest of the process but the darn thing is running without a hitch! So I tip my hat to William, Josh, Kyle and the rest of the staff at Puget Systems. You all have made this whole process actually pleasant. I am impressed and will spread the word about your great company.
Legacy Testimonial: 972
For my work I needed a computer that would allow me to record and produce Camtasia videos with ease, and I also needed quiet. My work-provided laptop produced a discernible whirring noise in the background of all of my videos, which was horrible. Work wasn’t in a position to provide a better laptop and because I work in a home office, I decided it was time to update the office desktop.
I was excited to find Puget Custom Computers for a number of reasons–one is that they are US-based. Additionally, I’m in the Pacific Northwest, and I really believe it’s important to support local talent as much as possible. All of Puget’s reviews have been glowing as well.
I worked with Wilson Chau over a series of e-mails outlining what I thought I needed. My original “fantasy build” contained extraneous things that were either unnecessary or more expensive than necessary, and I deeply appreciate Puget System’s integrity. Wilson made excellent recommendations, guiding me toward best quality and most cost effective materials. In late August, I ordered a Serenity build desktop. This was promptly delivered, and the customer service both before and after has been phenomenal (including a follow up phone call to ensure all was well).
The Serenity system has been perfect. Video production is snappy, in fact everything is snappy. And quiet. My videos are incredibly quiet, so the Serenity system quiet build has been profoundly useful. It’s true what the description of the Serenity says: if it weren’t for the lights, sometimes I can’t tell if it’s on!
I marked the pricing for the computer as “low priced” and would like to qualify this: the Serenity was not the cheapest computer I’ve ever bought, but I definitely feel my purchase dollars were maximized to buy the best quality materials and service. Yes, it was more than a $300 laptop, but quite frankly, a $300 laptop could not do what I needed for work–and this new computer can!
If you need a custom computer, do not hesitate to work with the consummate professionals at Puget Custom Computers!
000114463
8/21/2013
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.