Quality Control

Build / Assembly

Preparation

• Review Work Order and Build Notes

  We review the order and notes to ensure that any special build requests are performed.

• Review All Part Notes

  We review all documentation for the parts in your system in order to avoid conflicts.

• 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.

• Remove Protective Film from Parts

  Parts frequently have plastic film applied for cosmetic protection. We remove this protective film from any part that will be mounted internally to the system.

Core Assembly

• Test Power Supply for Correct Voltage Levels

  Using a tester, we check your power supply for basic functionality and correct output voltages before connecting it to any system components. For systems using an external A/C adapter, we use a voltmeter to check that the output voltage is correct.

• Listen to Power Supply

  While verifying voltages we also listen to the power supply to make sure the fan is not abnormally noisy.

• Assemble Core Components

  We assemble the core parts of your system outside the chassis. This includes the motherboard, CPU, CPU cooler, and system memory.

• Glue CPU Fan to Heatsink

  We use a small amount of hot glue to help secure the CPU fan to the heatsink to ensure security during shipping.

• Install Puget Badge on Motherboard

  We install a custom Puget Systems badge on the motherboard's chipset heatsink.

• Check for POST of MB/CPU/RAM

  We check your motherboard, processor, and system memory for correct basic operation before integration into the system chassis, allowing us to catch any major issues early in the build process.

• 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.

• Verify correct CPU and Memory Settings

  We check that your CPU is running at the expected frequency and your system memory is running at the manufacturer recommended settings for best stability and performance.

Chassis Assembly

• Verify Condition of Chassis and Panels

  We inspect your system chassis for any structural or cosmetic defects before beginning to mount components.

• Verify Adequate Hard Disk Cooling

  If your system will be configured with two or more warm-running hard drives, we will make sure there is a front chassis fan configured for drive cooling.

• Apply Puget Branding to Chassis

  We brand the front door of your chassis with the Puget systems logo.

• Rotate and Align Rear Fan

  We rotate the rear fan so that the power wire is in the top-rear corner for tidy wiring.

• Mount Drives

  We securely install your hard disks and optical drives in your system's chassis.

• Mount I/O Shield

  We install the I/O shield that comes with your motherboard.

• Mount Motherboard

  We install the motherboard in your system and ensure it is fastened securely and ports line up correctly.

• Check Rear Ports and I/O Shield Alignment

  Before proceeding we check the alignment of the motherboard and I/O shield to verify that all ports are free of obstruction and easily accessible.

• Mount Power Supply

  We mount the power supply securely in your system's chassis.

Wiring

• 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, drives, add-in cards, fans, etc. securely and neatly.

• Wire Data Connections

  We connect the data cables for your drives securely and neatly.

• Install Cards

  We install any video cards or other add-in controller cards in your system.

• Hot Glue Unsecured Cables

  We use hot glue on any delicate connections to help keep them from becoming disconnected during shipping.

• Verify Pre-Wiring (If Applicable)

  We make sure that any requested pre-wiring for drives or add-in cards 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.

Finishing

• Install CPU Brace

  We install a custom CPU cooler support brace to help protect your system during shipping.

• Install GPU Brace

  We install a custom video card support brace to help protect your system during shipping.

• Sign System

  Your assembly technician will sign your system internally in a discrete location.

• Apply Order Number Sticker

  We apply a small sticker with the order number to the back of your system.

• Install WiFi Antenna

  We install the antenna so that we can test your WiFi controller for correct operation.

• Verify Power Supply is in Eco/Hybrid Mode

  Your power supply is able to spin down its cooling fan under low load to reduce noise. We verify that it is configured to operate in this mode.

• Check for POST of fully completed system

  With assembly fully completed, we make sure that the system still turns on and boots correctly.

• Verify Fan Settings

  We verify that your systems fans are configured to operate as intended.

• Load BIOS Profile

  We load a profile with the standard configuration settings for your motherboard and configuration.

• Verify Boot Order

  We verify that your system's boot device priority is set appropriately.

• Verify Side Panel Fitment

  We verify and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the your system's side panels fit nicely and close smoothly.

• Bundle accessories

  Before moving on to initial testing we bundle any necessary accessories with your system and check the work area to make sure we haven't left anything out.

Assembly Review

• Verify Build Notes are Fulfilled

  We verify that all the build notes in your order have been fulfilled.

• Check that Applicable Systems are Branded

  We verify that our Puget branding is on your system.

• Verify Assembly Check-Off is Complete

  We verify that all the steps in the build process have been completed.

• Verify Last Five of Windows/Office Keys

  We verify that the last five digits of your Windows and/or Office keys match the part assigned to your order.

• Verify Plastic Film Has Been Removed

  We verify that all the plastic has been removed from internal components and internal window panels.

• Verify Condition of Chassis and Panels

  After assembly is complete, we check the condition of your chassis and panels again to verify that there is no damage or scratches.

• Verify Side Panels Are Not Stiff to Install onto Chassis

  We verify that the side panels are easily removed and reinstalled onto the chassis.

• Verify Puget Sticker Matches Order Number

  We verify that the sticker we attach to your chassis matches the order number.

• Verify that System is Physically Signed

  All of our builders sign or initial their builds after assembly is complete.

• Inspect Wiring for Tidiness

  We inspect our wiring for tidiness and to verify it is not obstructing any installed components.

• Verify SATA Cables are Labeled (RAID Only)

  When your system includes a RAID, we mark the SATA cables to match the corresponding SATA ports.

• Check for Additional Pre-Wires

  We verify that requested pre-wires have been added to your system.

• Verify Hot Glue on Applicable Parts

  We add hot glue to wiring to verify that connections don't come loose in shipping.

• Verify Case Feet and Case Mods are Installed

  We verify that required case modifications have been made and appropriate feet are on your system.

• Ensure Proper I/O Shield Mounting

  We check for proper mounting if your I/O shield and verify that none of your ports are obstructed.

• Verify All Motherboard Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify all motherboard screws are present and secure.

• Verify CPU Cooler Screws are Secure

  We verify all CPU cooler screws are secure.

• Verify All Populated Hard Drive Trays are Secured to the Chassis

  We verify that all populated hard drive bays are secured to the chassis.

• Verify All PCIe Card Screws are Present and Secured

  We verify that all PCIe card screws are present and tightened.

• Verify All GPU Brace Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that all screws in your acrylic GPU brace are present and secure.

• Verify Upper and Lower Drive Cage Screws are Secure

  We verify that the drive cages for your drives are properly secured.

• Verify that all CPU Brace Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that your CPU bracing is properly assembled and secured.

• Verify All Power Supply Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that all the power supply screws are present and tightened.

• Verify Rear Fan Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that all rear fan screws are present and secure.

• Verify all Front Fan Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that all screws in front fans are present and secure.

• Verify Fan Riser Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that your fan riser is assembled properly and securely.

• Verify All Door Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify that all the screws attaching front doors are present and secure.

• Verify Optical Drive Screws are Present and Secure

  We verify the screws in your optical drive are present and secure.

• Verify PSU Eco/Hybrid Mode is Enabled

  We verify that Eco/Hybrid Mode is enabled on your power supply.

• Ensure CPU Brace is Installed

  We verify that the correct CPU bracing has been installed in your system.

• Ensure GPU Brace is Installed

  We verify that the correct GPU bracing has been installed in your system.

• Verify Cards are Evenly Seated and Ports are Accessible

  We verify that your expansion cards are seated evenly and that all ports are accessible.

• Test Power Button for Functionality and Feel

  We verify that your system's power button functions correctly and has a good feel when pressed.

• Test Reset Button for Functionality and Feel

  We verify that your system's reset button functions correctly and has a good feel when pressed.

• Verify System LEDs are Working

  We verify that all the LEDs on your system are working properly.

• Verify POST Beep from System Speaker

  We verify that your system POSTs and that the system speaker is working properly.

• Install Wi-Fi Antenna

  We verify that the WiFi antenna has been installed for testing.

• Verify Accessories are Included with System

  We verify that all accessories that were included are sent with the system through the Production process.

• Verify CPU is Recognized Properly

  We verify that your CPU is recognized correctly in your system BIOS.

• Verify the RAM is Properly Recognized

  We verify that all the RAM is properly recognized in your system BIOS.

• Verify Chassis Fan Orientation and Speeds

  We verify proper orientation of your chassis fans and that they are set to the correct speeds.

• Verify BIOS Version, Settings, and Profile

  We verify that your system has the most stable, up-to-date BIOS version and that the proper profiles and settings have been loaded.

Phase 1 Testing

• Verify all fans are spinning at desired RPM/Test fan controller

  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.

• Run hard drive test

  We run a quick test of any hard disks in your system in order to catch any major defects before OS installation. Your drives will be put through additional testing during system benchmarks.

• Run memory test

  We run an initial test on your CPU and RAM to check for errors that could lead to instability or a corrupted OS install.

Install / Setup

• Check order instructions

  We check for any special instructions there may be for your order to ensure that the system is configured exactly how you want it.

• Synchronize time with server

  Your time is synchronized with an atomic US government clock.

• Load Install Program

  Puget Systems uses an internally developed utility for deploying drivers, updates, software packages and customized benchmark suites.

Primary OS

• Install base operating system

  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.

• Install approved Windows updates

  All Windows updates and service packs are applied.

• Install Samsung Magician

  We install Samsung Magician in order to properly monitor and manage your SSD/NVMe drives.

Testing

• Check partition sizes

  We make sure that all your hard drives are correctly partitioned, and that any special instructions about partition sizes are followed.

• Optimize settings for SSD

  We optimize the operating system settings for your solid state drives using the appropriate software (i.e. Samsung Magician or Intel SSD Toolbox) and verify that the firmware version is current.

• Test standby mode and power off

  We put your system into standby and back, and turn system completely off and back on, to verify normal behavior.

• Test wireless connection

  If your configuration includes wireless, we check for normal reception.

• Test DVD-RW burning

  If you have a DVDRW drive, we burn a short movie to a DVD to test the drive. This DVD is next used to verify DVD movie playback.

• Play movie DVD

  We play a movie DVD in your drive to confirm drive functionality, as well as codec installation. DVD playback software is installed if needed. Not applicable if you do not order a DVD drive.

• Check for sound output

  Your sound card is confirmed to output sound.

• Verify front ports (USB, firewire, eSATA, sound)

  All front ports on your case are verified to be functional. In some cases, it is not possible for all ports to be active (ie, if you have a sound card with no front audio support, we cannot hook it up to the front sound port on a case).

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 Furmark to stress your system far beyond typical loads.

• CrystalDiskMark

  We run CrystalDiskMark to benchmark the read/write speeds of all your hard drives.

• Cinegy Cinescore

  Cinegy Cinescore covers a fair number of commonly used formats and codecs and measures the encoding speed as well as the system load for doing that for the different target resolutions - SD, HD, UHD and 8K.

• 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

• 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 Renderer

  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

• Pix4D

  Pix4D is a popular photogrammetry application which utilizes both the CPU and GPU. We run two small image sets, a 3D model and a 3D map, through the standard processing steps to measure overall system performance in this type of application. The results shown are the time, measured in seconds, that each image set took to process.

• Photoshop CC 2018

  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.

• Redshift

  Redshift is a GPU-based rendering engine, able to use all of the NVIDIA graphics cards in a system at the same time. This benchmark runs through the full render process on a single scene, measuring the amount of time it takes to complete (which we show in seconds).

• Unigine Superposition

  Unigine Superposition is used to evaluate system performance in DX11 applications at display resolutions including 1080p, 4K, and 8K.

• Geekbench

  Geekbench provides a comprehensive set of benchmarks engineered to quickly and accurately measure processor and memory performance.

• CPU Frequency Test

  WE verify that the CPU is running at the proper frequencies when various cores are under load

• Linpack

  LINPACK consists of the number of 64-bit floating-point operations to measure the peak theoretical performance of your CPU measured in floating point operations per seconds (FLOPS)

• NBody CUDA

  The Nbody CUDA benchmark is used to verify the maximum theoretical compute performance of NVIDIA-based video cards

• LAME MP3 Encoder

  LAME MP3 Encoder is used to test system performance when encoding MP3 audio files

• Upload benchmarks and temperature logs

  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 Build Log and Order Notes

  We review the build log entries and recorded notes for your system to check if additional testing has to be performed and verify requests are fulfilled.

• Review Temperature Logs are at Expected Levels

  We review the temperature logs taken during benchmarks and check that the system temperatures in a normal operating range.

• Review Benchmarks Show Expected Results

  We review the benchmark results to verify that configured components are performing as expected and are within manufacturer specification.

• Verify Condition of Chassis

  We physically inspect the exterior and interior of the chassis for scratches, blemishes, and damage caused by mishandling the chassis.

• Verify Puget Logo is Etched on Chassis

  We double check that your system is etched with a Puget logo on the front of the chassis.

• Verify the Puget Order Number Label is Correct

  We check the sticker on the back of the chassis that we apply has a set of numbers that matches your order number and is applied in the correct spot.

• Verify Rear IO Shield is Properly Mounted

  We check that the motherboard IO shield is properly seated to the chassis and that there are no obstructions to the ports.

• Check Hot Glue is Applied and Neat

  We use hot glue to secure parts and cables that are at risk to become dislodged during shipping and check that it is properly applied.

• Verify Wiring is Tidy with Sufficient Slack to Devices

  We check that the wiring meets our standards has has enough slack to the connected devices so that they will not become unplugged during shipping.

• Verify Nothing is Plugged into Disabled SATA Ports

  When all M.2 slots are installed on the motherboard SATA ports 4-7 are disabled as the bottom M.2 slot disables those ports when populated.

• Check For Loose or Missing Screws

  We check that no essential screws are missing and that they are properly fastened.

• Verify System Fan Orientations

  We verify that your system fans are moving air in the correct direction and make corrections that might be necessary to implement an optimal cooling solution.

• Ensure Installed Components are Secured

  To make sure the system is ready for shipping to it's destination we check that the components inside, especially heavier ones like video cards and CPU heatsinks, are properly secured.

• Check High Risk Heatsink Mountings

  We check that heatsinks are properly secured so that they are not at risk of damaging the system during transit.

• Verify Expansion Cards are Seated Evenly

  We make sure your PCIe cards are seated evenly in their slots so that all the pins from the installed slot are making contact with card interface.

• Verify Accessories are Present

  Many of your components come with cables, manuals, CDs, or adapters that we check are included with the system.

• Verify Documented License Keys Match Physical Copies

  We check that documented license keys match with the physical copies packaged with your system to ensure there are no activation issues.

• Check BIOS Settings

  We check that expected BIOS settings have been adjusted based on our standard proceedures.

• Verify BIOS Profile is Saved

  We check that a profile is saved in the motherboard BIOS that retains the settings we manually adjust to be used again in case BIOS settings are ever lost due to an unexpected occurance.

• Verify System Detects Installed Components

  We check the motherboard BIOS and OS to make sure that the configured hardware is properly detected.

• Verify Puget OS Branding

  We check that the OS system properties has a Puget logo applied and 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.

• Test All External USB Ports

  A USB thumb drive is plugged in and out from every external USB port to verify USB detection.

• Verify Functionality of Networking Adapters

  We test available networking devices on the system for proper network and device detection.

• Verify Sound Quality Output

  We check the audio output for clarity, stereo panning, and balanced volume.

• 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.

• Verify Sleep Functionality

  We check that the system enters sleep mode and wake it shortly after the fans spin down.

• Verify System Boots to the OS with a USB Drive Attached

  We verify that the system boots normally to the primary drive when an external USB storage drive is plugged in.

• Record Wattage Draw Under Idle and Load

  We record the wattage draw of your system under idle and load to check that your power supply can reliably support the system configuration.

• Capture Idle and Load Thermal Images

  We use our thermal camera to take pictures of the system at idle and under load to check for any unexpected hotspots.

• Run System Load Test and Investigate for Hot Spots

  We run your computer under full load for at least three minutes to heat up the system and use a thermal camera to check for hot spots that can be addressed.

• Review the Windows Event Log

  We review the windows event log for errors we do not expect while the system is idling, under load, or performing simple functions.

• Verify Updates are Applied

  We check that the latest OS updates are applied for your system to make sure that it is on the latest versions.

• Clean Up Installation

  We remove the programs used to install and test the hardware on the OS and check that remnant files and folders are deleted.

• Disable PXE Boot and Network Stack in BIOS

  We use an imaging software in-house 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.

• 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.

• Input 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.

• Verify Proper Out of Box Experience

  We verify that the system is ready for the final production phase by ensuring that when you power on the system for the first time it will initialize as expected based on the system configuration and requested services.

Final Preparation

• Verify Restore Media is Present

  We include System Restore media with all Windows machines.

• Take BIOS Screenshots

  We take screenshots of each page of the BIOS settings. Does not apply to laptops.

• Take Pictures of the System

  We take pictures of each system before we ship.

• 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 Present

  We double check to make sure you have everything you need for system set up!

• Final Chassis Cleaning

  Since the computer has been handled, we ensure it is clean as a last step before boxing it up.

Packing / Shipping

• Affix COA to Chassis

  Your Windows COA is attached to your case.

• Include Puget Stress Cube

  Getting stressed out? Grab your stress cube and give us a call!

• Include invoice and packet

  A full packet of information, including registration information, contact information, and benchmark information is printed. Also, an invoice and business card packet is included.

• Check latest shipping/Internal notes

  We look at all notes put on the order by your sales rep, and make sure the machine is built and shipped with your requirements in mind. This might mean adjusting shipping methods at the last minute as requested by your sales represenitive.

• Create shipping tag and attach to box

  Your order number is placed into our shipping system, and a tag is generated and placed on your boxes to prevent the possibility of mixup before your boxes receive a shipping label.

• Install Instapak

  If we are concerned about the possibility of shipping damage, we will install special foam packing inside the case to help hold the components in place.