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: 763
Puget built the perfect computer for me. You can not hear this thing run (except when the CDDVD platter spins up). Only top quality components configured efficiently and professionally. No ad-ware, no trial software, not even a company sticker on my computer.
I compared other companies and other products and settled on Puget for their reputation, customer service, and quality products offered. Their price was very competitive with other custom builders that offer service after the sale. I would recommend this firm if you are tired of the same old cookie cutter systems offered by the mass market firms.
Legacy Testimonial: 762
2 years after buying my system from Puget, it is still as great as the first day it arrived at my house. Being a former Dell customer, I knew what I was looking for (media editing, graphics) and did a quote for a system that has a 3.0 Core 2 Duo processor, dual 500GB hard drives with Acronis TrueImage, 4GB RAM, Vista 32-bit Ultimate (since upgraded to Win 7 64-bit Pro), Antec P182 case, DVD-RW, among other things. The same day, William emailed me back with some options that helped me save money and was able to eliminate components I didn’t need. I also really appreciate that he was honest and didn’t upsell me on things I never needed. When I bought my system, everything arrived very neat in the best packaging job I have ever seen, and a couple of days earlier than the original shipping estimate.
Over the time I have had my system, it is a true workhorse being dependable day in, day out. The 2 times that I did need tech support (1 was for a failed hard drive, the other was to help fix a configuration issue that McAfee caused), everyone was truly awesome. They also followed up to make sure that everything is good after taking care of any issues. Jon actually emailed me at 2:30am once to make sure things were working correctly and gave me advice on how to take care of the configuration issue. This level of service is never found at Dell or any of the similar companies.
Puget is not the cheapest. However, the product quality, neatness of build (look inside a tower Puget builds compared to a Dell or Gateway and you’ll see a huge difference), no bloatware to remove, system is fully tested prior to shipping (and you see the results), and support that actually stands by you when you need it. They definitely give the best all-around value. You also get a quality relationship with a great company, which is priceless.
I continue to be very happy with the system they built for me and it still screams as fast as the first day. When my next system comes up, I am definitely coming back to Puget.
Legacy Testimonial: 761
A custom-built computer from this company was the first real investment I had ever made, and after four years of almost flawless performance, I want my next computer built by these guys too. Always helpful when you have a question, and their products are very well made. I love my computer like a child, and it has served me well. Thanks for your awesome computers!
Legacy Testimonial: 760
Being that I had a bad experience with another custom computer builder I waited quite a long time between configuring and actually making a purchase. Upon completion of my first build William George was happy to answer all of my questions. Plus, He didn’t pressure me into making a purchase until I was ready to do so, which I definitely appreciated. Anyhow, If I would have only known how good the machine would both look and perform I would have not procrastinated for such a long time.
Meanwhile, my computer came a fews days later than expected because the Cooler Master V8 failed during testing so it had to be replaced, which meant that it had to do more testing to make sure the replacement CMV8 would not fail like the original did. While I would have liked to receive my computer a bit sooner sometimes things come up, which can delay the build of a computer. What I did appreciate is that Puget kept me up to date on the status of my Atec P 183, which is a lot more than other companies would have done.
When the machine arrived, it would shut down after a few hours use. After getting in touch with Brian L. Koch it was determined that I had a
hardware problem. So after a bit more diagnostic work He walked me through how to reset the BIOS. Ever since I did that my computer has worked like a dream.
Finally, while I would have liked my computer to work right out of the box its good to know that Puget doesn’t abandon the customer when troubles arise, which is why I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone that needs a well built computer at a reasonable price when you consider the craftsmanship that goes into each and every computer.
Keith
Legacy Testimonial: 759
I’ve been shopping for a new prebuilt for nearly 6 months, and was very close to buying either a Falcon-Northwest Talon or a Maingear Shift before reading about some other boutique vendors I’d never heard of on Hardforum. Puget was on the list and discussed in high regard so I decided to check them out.
I used to build my own systems, but after devoting way too many weekends modding with my head buried in components and soiled cotton swabs, my girlfriend implored me to get a prebuilt. My first was an Alienware, and while the system has been a workhorse, their service, while willing, was unimpressive from a technical standpoint. It doesn’t feel good when the realization sets in that you may know more than the overseas tech support rep. Because of this experience, I am hypervigilant this time around, looking for a vendor that not only has competitive pricing but has the service and technical expertise to back it up in the event something was to go wrong with a part. While I can’t rate the support (haven’t purchased yet), I can say the pre-purchase communication is outstanding, and I’m impressed by the level of expertise.
I have saved configurations and ongoing correspondence with several boutique vendors (Falcon Northwest, Maingear, Origin PC, Digital Storm), but none of the other vendors have come close to the level of one-to-one attention Puget is showing me so early in the process. Within just 2 hours or so of clicking the box requesting a professional review of my build, I got a non-templated email response from a William George. It was a non-biased, thoughtful component-by-component expert review that made me clarify my own build priorities (quiet computer) and reconsider some hasty decisions I made based on past brand loyalties and admittedly shallow research. I just don’t have the time anymore for proper diligence (reading through pages of specs and mining reviews), and William’s feedback is exactly the kind of honest direction I’m looking for and why I’m leaning heavily towards Puget this time around. At no point in the correspondence did I feel I was being upsold by someone on commission. This is simply a fellow geek (sorry William, I mean that endearingly!) that honestly wants to make sure I’m picking parts wisely while staying on budget. I’m still in contact with William and we’re getting closer to my final dream machine.
Sure, Puget isn’t the cheapest you’ll find, but if my early exchanges with William are any indication of the quality of build, customer care and technical expertise you can expect at Puget, you will not find better. If you’re a former Dell/Alienware customer like me you know that alone is worth the few extra bucks. Consumer confidence is a big factor when shelling out $2000-$3000, and I can say without a doubt that I’m confident in Puget so far. Don’t believe me though, click the box to have your build professionally reviewed and see for yourself. It’s pretty darn sweet!
Legacy Testimonial: 758
I began looking at purchasing a new computer system since the early part of last year.
I was not happy at all with Dell any more. I made a decision to buy my system elsewhere this time.
I checked out many companies along the way. I was not at all comfortable having a system built by the various sites I checked out, throughout 2009.
By accident, I came across Puget Custom Computers.
It was the kind of accident, I would like to see happen more often in my life. :0)
I first contacted Puget Systems in the 3rd quarter of 2009. I spoke with a gentleman by the name of Willam. We conversed back & forth over a number of months. I built a few systems at their site over this period of time. William offered some very friendly & very helpful advice on the systems I built at the sie. The system before the one I finally chose was a dual processor system.
William helped me with every aspect of it. He was just great. I spent some time on the previous dual processor system & so did he.
I finally decided it was not quite what I wanted.
At this point I was aware that their was going to be a new processor coming out. The i7 980X. I also heard about the new technology on the way with the usb3 & Sata 6.
I explained to William, I was going to wait until these technologies came out. He was very understanding.
The day came to build the system I wanted. I sent William an email. I built a great system, thanks to Williams expertise & his helpful nature.
I was sending him multiple emails every day.
He always answered them on the same day I sent them. He never pushed me to buy, he encouraged me to move at my own pace, which I did.
After a lot of emails back & forth, I was finally confident in my choice of system build.
I would go to Puget’s site & watched in all the stages of the build. They had my account broken into different sections. There was order details, build check-off, Benchmarks & Photos of my completed system from various angles. They even took photos of my system with a heat sensing device, which showed the temp range of my system as it went through heavy benchmarks. Everything I needed to see is there. THey even have a section thats shows where your system is, at any given time, while it is on route to you.
I have never seen such detail, to every stage, on so many levels. I cannot put into words, how much they assured me, not only in words, but by their actions, that this was the place to get a system built!
I thank each & every one at Puget Systems for all you have done!
Willim, you were great! Even post shipment, I send him the odd email and ask the odd questions. He still gets back to me on the same day.
I will be receiving my Puget System, hopefully on Tuesday. I really look forward to it!
I will follow up with this review, once I receive
my EXCELELNT SYSTEM. I know it will be great!
I will definitely recommend Puget Systems!
Rick Downey
Legacy Testimonial: 756
My shopping experience with Puget Systems has to be among the best, if not THE best, I have had so far.
Starting with the availability and helpfulness of the sales/customer service clerk to receiving the finished product, I found nothing to complain about. Quite the opposite, I was amazed at what a pleasure it was.
I took some time figuring out what I wanted in my computer system. Shortly after I saved my configuration to make some minor changes later, I received a very unintrusive e-mail from one of Puget System’s customer service clerks, offering help should I need it. Over the next few days he seemed available for my questions, no matter what time of day I contacted him. He gave me some valuable alternatives to components I had selected, sometimes suggesting a cheaper but better part.
After placing my order, I was able to constantly track how far the assembly of my PC had processed and look at the system’s benchmarks.
Once it shipped, I not only received an e-mail about the estimated delivery, but also photos of the finished PC. Oh, those teasers at Puget Systems!
Upon delivery I once again was amazed at how perfect everything was. The PC was everything I expected and more. I runs smoothly and extremely quietly. I also received excellent documentation and great system tools along with the restore DVD.
I’m sure my friends and coworkers are tired already of how I cannot stop praising Puget Systems. I honestly cannot picture me purchasing a PC anywhere else in the future.
Legacy Testimonial: 755
this company stands behind it’s products more than anyone i have ever dealt with and i have had machines built by the best of the top tier niche builders out there. 13 months after the fact the owner Jon Bach made good on ram that had been discontinued (through no fault of Puget’s) on my i7 beast they built for me. I will swear by these guys they know what they are doing and in an industry that has magazines and web sites full of flash -bang ads with ridiculously in expensive prices i have but one thing to say “you get what you pay for” with Puget Systems.
i have personally been involved in a forum conversation where the owner offered to make something right from 3-4 years back to an owner… i have never experienced that before in any business and there is someone who believes in his c
Legacy Testimonial: 754
Puget Systems is a great company. I always describe them like a Dell 20 years ago. Dell has lost sight of customer service and quality. I found that at Puget. When my first computer arrived from Puget and I pulled it out of the box you could immediately tell the difference. It weighed a ton. It must be made of metal rather than plastic. Weight feels like quality. I’ve also bought Dell and talked with technical people that spoke English as a second language. It was difficult. When I called Puget with an issue, I ended up speaking with the person that assembled my computer. Wow. They understand customer service. I hope they never turn into the current Dell. I’ll be buying my next computer from Puget. And then hopefully the one after that. I rate them a 10 out of 10.
Legacy Testimonial: 753
Hi William, Daniel, Richard and Jeff,
I want you to tell my experience, as a retired engineer, with you during the process of ordering, building, receiving and helping me with the setup of my new computer.
I first did a research over the internet how others reviewed Puget and after that I checked several parts and how they has been reviewed by others like PC magazine.
The result was amazing who good Puget is.
I am now a Realtor for almost 24 years and I understand the process of customer service.
My first contact was with William and I felt right very comfortable with you. You was very relaxed and easy to speak with. All the questions were answered with some explanation and with patience. You have also a willing ear, which I think is very important. I remember our conversation regarding W7 64bit or 32bit. I want to go with 32bit, because the Real Estate industry told me so. You told me that W7 Professionals will let me work with a virtual XP, if needed. I am glad I took the 64bit version.
Thank you for all the help.
After I received the computer in the wonderful box, which I saved, I myself encounter some problems with the new parts that I have bought somewhere else to connect to your computer. During that period I had via costumer support conversations with Jeff, Daniel and I think also with Richard.
It amaze me that you all have the same attitude in advising, answering and listening to a person on the other side of the phone.
The way you handle this is an example for a lot of other companies.
Your way of doing business is the only way to build a successful organization.
Yes, the computer is a great tool for me and it really match with the two Samsung monitors, the two speakers Creative T20 and the wireless keyboard and mouse from Microsoft.
I Have told some of my buddies already about www.pugetsystems.com.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.