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: 948
Over a year ago, I purchased the Spirit with two drives, tons of storage, and other tech stuff that all works extremely well. What amazes me the most, is there is another model that is noted as being quietest of all, but how much more quiet can a computer be. The spirit we have is absolutely silent. We keep it in the same room as our main watching TV and it is just flat out silent.
This is the 2nd computer I have bought from Puget Sound. The previous model lasted 6 to 7 years with zero repairs or add Ons. In another 5 to 7 years, I’ll come calling again.
Thank you Puget Sound!
Chris
Legacy Testimonial: 947
I just finished my review at ResellerRatings and wanted to add something to this website.
I have ordered 3 Puget Systems computers now. Over the past week I loaded software and prepared the latest one for use. Each computer had a different use but I was able to customize them. All continue to work flawlessly (and quietly). My first was a home theater PC which was packaged in a case that fit very well with home theater equipment right down to the black case with turned aluminum feet. WAF was quite high and remains that way. The computer is dead silent. Inside there is this huge fan mounted on the CPU heat sink that turns very slowly. No more 3rd rate Comcast DVR’s for us now!
The second was a replacement for my wife’s very old and outdated computer. As with the first one it is still running flawlessly and she is quite pleased with it. Her computer is located in her work room which is very quiet. Even in that quiet room I cannot hear her computer.
The third is a replacement for my own 9 year old computer. What a pleasure this one is. I was able to customize it with an i7 CPU, 16 GB of memory and an SSD for the system and applications. Even with the higher performance, this computer is silent.
I have found Puget Systems very easy to work with and I have found their products to be absolutely first rate.
Their website is very easy to use and gives real time feedback as you choose the customization. There is a rich selection of styles and components to allow one to configure a very low cost and basic system or a liquid cooled monster with the best CPU Intel makes that is being overclocked. When finished, you can submit the configuration to one of their experts who will look it over for you. In my case I was able to save about $130 because I didn’t need to order a video board. Their expert recognized that the combination of my lower need for graphics and the built in graphics processing in the CPU I was getting made that possible. It does show that they are not just trying to sell the highest cost computer but will give advice with your need as a priority.
Their lifetime labor warranty is sort of unbelievable. I have used their phone support several times and in each case I was able to reach a knowledgeable person on the first call. That is a really valuable service. With my latest system I found that the computer didn’t seem to support the very high resolution of my new monitor. I called Puget Systems support and told them that maybe I needed a new video card after all. The support person told me I was using a cable that didn’t support the high resolution and that all I needed was a new cable.
In all three cases the computers were double boxed with foam spacers to give about a 2 inch space between inside and outside box. The outside box is made of very substantial multi-ply cardboard. The computers had no shipping issues. I was impressed as I looked over the inside of the computer. All cables were neatly dressed and tied down so that there would be no vibration. Each connecter had a small dab of hot glue on it to ensure nothing came loose during shipping. The computers came with the operating system of my choice already loaded. All I had to do was plug it in and it ran. After my own customization I ready to go.
after these three experiences I have learned to trust the people at Puget Systems. I trust both their business integrity and their technical competence.
Legacy Testimonial: 946
I purchased two systems from Puget almost a year and a half ago. Having had them this long before submitting a testimonial lends to the authority of my statements going well beyond a first impression. Both systems had Win7 Pro 64-bit installed, the laptop with 8G ram and the Serenity desktop with 16G. I told them I would be installing additional drives in the Serenity and the build-team stubbed-out the cabling and recommended drive placement to maintain optimal airflow. These systems have been truly spectacular and have met my every expectation – everything I wanted and nothing I didn’t! Performance and reliability continue to be a joy. I highly recommend going with Puget.
Legacy Testimonial: 945
This is my third testimonial reported. Events that happened since inspire further comment.
Shortly after my second testimonial, I received an unsolicited email from a tech who offered a solution to the powering up problem that I had mentioned. I followed his instructions and voila ! Problem solved. After 15 months, this PC works flawlessly and still is the fastest quietest I have ever owned or seen. Best $1500. I ever spent. I now give this company a 10
Legacy Testimonial: 943
Well…..Puget guys and gals…..I finally got my review done at resellers and I have a word for you now….AWESOME! That’s what I think of my 33 day old Obsidian and the support I have received thus far. There have been no product problems. Only operator problems. When I got my computer I was surprised at how big it was. The etching on the front door is beautiful, “Puget Obsidian”. The case is nice too. I bought some plugs online (modDIY.com) for all my unused ports to keep them clean and dust free. The computer boots up and everything is running in under a minute. I have all my old software running in the imbedded XP Virtual Machine. My old HP scanner works perfectly there. I was surprised but happy that my Corel PSP Ultimate installed and works flawlessly in W7x86. The ASUS onboard sound is exceptional. That was a pleasant surprise. So far my contact with support has been through email and one phone call from Brett (purchase follow-up). I am very satisfied to this point. It’s taken me this long to get everything installed and downloaded but this machine has performed all these tasks easily and flawlessly. I bought my HD camera and installed Skype and for the first time I was able to Skype with my 5 year old granddaughter in Seward Alaska. Then I bought a Rosewill USB extension cord for the camera so I can take it around and show her things. Performance was perfect. What a difference between my Obsidian and the old Dell Dimension 4400 I was using. It’s nice to be current, so I’m glad the Old Dell Died (that’s ODD!) I put all those little labels and stickers that came in my box on my Obsidian case (but not on the door!). I bought 3 others from modDIY to complete my system (W7, W-XP & Energy Star). I am enjoying my Obsidian and it’s amazing performance. It’s quiet too. My many thanks to all who were involved and continue to be involved in my Puget experience. Jon, you have a great product and are surrounded by a team of true craftsmen (gender neutral please) and trustworthy sales personnel. So long as my Obsidian performs and lasts as I had it built for, you can count on me to be a repeat customer. I recommend and pass out your business cards whenever I am presented the opportunity. I believe I bought the best computer built in America and I didn’t mind paying a little more for it. Thank you again Puget Systems for my best computer purchasing experience yet. Kerry Provance Charlotte NC
Legacy Testimonial: 942
I’ve just purchased my second Puget built system. I bought my first one 08/08, so it’s about 4 1/2 years old. I wish I could add some glowing commentary to what has already been said, but all I have is the same as everyone else. Great system, great customer service etc. I bought my new one just because the other was getting outdated. It has and continues to work perfectly since 08/08 and now sits next to my perfectly running new one, both just humming along. The greatest testimony I believe I can give is the fact I just purchased a new one. You can buy at many different vendors, and I have thru the years, but why? From the first call you make until you get your sytem, everything is very pleasant and handled beautifully. They have pretty much perfected the whole experience, but all that would not matter unless the final product does what it’s supposed to, and it does. I have nothing negative to say, how often can you claim that? It’s up to you, but my money goes here.
Legacy Testimonial: 940
I just want to say what a beautiful machine Puget has built for our latest workstation (the second one we have bought from them). It is the Serenity model with a pair of Intel 520 SSDs and 16GB ram. The computer is completely silent–the only way we can tell if its running is by looking for the blue light! It is unbelievably fast (boots win 7×64 to useability mode in under a minute), and a joy to sit before, what with the three 24″ Dell Ultrasharp displays all driven by one silent GPU. Under the cover the workmanship is almost like art. I wish I had the money to replace everything in the house with one of these! Running for 3 months now with no problems.
Yes, it cost more, but if you want something quiet, you cannot get it from a Dell; and if you want something that is both quiet AND a good performer, then I think the extra money for Puget is well worth it. In fact, in hindsight now, the cost is a complete non-issue–thats how good this machine is.
PS. Thanks also to William G. for shepherding me through the custom ordering process
Legacy Testimonial: 939
Dear Puget friends,
I have owned a Puget Spirit computer for the past eight months. I could not be happier with this purchase. It is a superbly built machine and it has fuctioned flawlessly. Last night when a software glitch sent me into a state of anxiety I determined to telephone the company in the morning for advice. I received far more than advice. Micah Musick, one of the staff, calmed me down, remotely took over the operation of my computer and resolved all of the problems in a highly friendly and professional manner…in addition to which he installed a new email system for me. I have dealt with many companies and often received expensive and mediocre service. It was marvelous to find a highly competent and friendly technician like Micah Musick. Puget Systems should be proud to have his services. The cost of Puget computers may be a little higher than off-of-the-shelf machines but they are worth every cent.
Legacy Testimonial: 938
***My Rig***
Motherboard: Asus P8P67 Pro REV 3.0
CPU: Intel Core i7 2600K 3.4GHz QUAD CORE 8MB 95W Overclocked 4.6
Ram: Patriot Viper Xtreme 16GB DDR3-1600 (4x4GB)
Video Card: 2 x Asus GeForce GTX 590 3GB
Comments: Quad SLI
Storage Hard Drive: Intel 320 160GB SATA II 2.5inch SSD
Comments: Secondary drive.
Western Digital Caviar Black 1.0TB SATA 6Gb/s
CD / DVD: Asus 12x Blu-ray Burner SATA (black)
Case / Cooling
Case: Antec Twelve Hundred V3
Power Supply: Antec HCP-1200 1200W Power Supply
CPU Cooling: Hydro CL3 Liquid Cooling System
Additional Cooling: Arctic Cooling MX-2 Thermal Compound Application
Case Mods: Case Mod Package – Blue LED Lighting
Software: OS-Windows 7 Professional 64-bit OEM SP1
Monitor: 3 x Asus VG236H 23 Inch LCD Monitor w/ NVIDIA 3D Vision Glasses
My experience with Puget: PRICELESS!
My computer from Puget: AMAZING!
My thoughts towards Puget: Impressed!
My ratings for Puget: ++++++
Legacy Testimonial: 936
I received my Puget Systems Traverse V550i 15-inch Notebook w/ GT 650M on February 21 and I wanted to give my first impressions on the computer.
It is very nice to look at, indeed! I really like the brushed black finish, and it is slim, considering its capabilities. The weight is not great, given that it is a 15″ laptop, so in terms of portability it will work just fine for me. The glossy screen took a little getting used to because my NEC desktop monitor has a matte screen, but I’ve come to like it. The sharpness is excellent.
I also ordered a 500GB external drive for backup, with free setup. After installing my applications, I ran a backup and it went perfectly. The Vantec Nexstar slim drive case is very light, looks nice, and is highly portable; a real plus, in my opinion.
Performance: I ordered the Intel Core i5 Mobile 3360M 2.8GHz and an Intel 520-240GB SSD with 8GB DDR3 1600 RAM. After installing Photo Shop CS6, I ran a quick test on a 900MB PSD file. The file opened in about 8 seconds and running some of my Photo Shop Actions went similarly fast. The nVidia Optimus graphics worked as advertised, switching over to the GT 550 without issues. I am very pleased with the responsiveness.
Once again, I am extremely pleased with Puget System’s expert and timely customer service! My sales rep answered all my questions in very short order and ensured my requests were passed on to the build team. A couple of days after the arrival my new computer, I received an unsolicited phone call from the Puget staff asking how I liked the machine, if I had any issues or concerns, or any suggestions. Honestly, I was quite surprised and elated by this gesture of good will.
This laptop is my second Puget Systems computer. My original Obsidian workstation continues to perform flawlessly, and my new Traverse laptop is doing just as well. If you are in the market for a custom-built computer, I highly recommend Puget Systems.
–Preston
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.