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

Order Submitted
Staging
Assembly
Installation
Quality Control
Shipping
Loading Dock
Order Complete

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!


Brian Travis
Candia

I feel sorry for these guys

I’ve built plenty of my own systems over the years. But now I’m on my third Puget Systems build. Lemme tell you, they do it better than I ever could. From the pre-sales to the pre-shipping, all the pictures and benchmarks. Total top-notch company and product.

But I feel sorry for them because my system is running so well (over six years now) that I don’t feel like I need another one and won’t for some time.

So, sorry guys. If you’d just build shoddy products like everyone else, I’d have to come back more often for new builds.

But when it’s time, you know where I’m gonna go.

Eric Xanderson

Great deal

Love the detailed testing, feedback, pictures, heat/thermal imagining. Very easy to order and spec out.

Only needed to change the regional time to local, and ready to go.

Mary Bailey
SEATTLE

Puget Systems is the BEST!

I have purchased three computers from Puget Systems going back to 2016. They are unmatched in helping you design a platform that will fit your needs. I needed help creating a system I could use for Photoshop processing and graphic design using a Cintiq monitor. My consultant reviewed the specs of the graphics card with me to make sure I would have the correct fit for my hardware. I especially like the status updates provided as they go through the process of the build. Such thorough detail! Wonderful experience from start to finish!

David Novak

Update: Third time not a charm

As a follow up to my critical comments below in “Third time not a charm”, to their credit Puget Systems offered to rebuild my system to my satisfaction. Although I decided to keep the system as-is, this illustrates their total commitment to customer satisfaction.

David Novak

Third time not a charm

This was my third system from Puget, but my third time is definitely NOT a charm. They sent me a motherboard that must be removed to replace the CMOS battery. It’s an ASUS ProArt Z790-Creator WiFi, but I wonder what idiot/moron/imbecile/lamebrain came up with this design. I found this online post about the ProArt Z790 from a person who builds his own water cooled computers: “Stay clear of motherboards where it takes two hours to replace a CMOS battery. I had to do this today. The CMOS of the Proart requires mobo removal and removal of the IO board shield in order to unplug the CMOS battery, and then no shop has such a battery. I ended up cutting off the wires and soldering them onto a new 3V battery designed with solder lugs. See attached (photo) what the rubbish looks like.” Guess I should have done my homework before ordering, but trusted Puget to include decent components in their builds. Their own tech support person described the battery replacement as “sad”. Their reply to my complaint was “If the CMOS battery does need to be replaced within the lifetime of the system, we can swap it out for you in our repair shop.” Which means: (1) the hassle of packing it up and getting it to UPS or FedEx (2) the inconvenience of having no computer for probably 2 weeks (3) the shipping expense of $242 round trip. When the battery died in my old system, I spent a few bucks at Walgreens for a new battery and had it replaced in 5 minutes. What a joke!

Travis Axton
Louisville, KY

Customer for life…

The customer service and build quality are second to none.

Macullen Nadurak
Dallas

First ever gaming PC

This is my first ever proper gaming PC setup and it works like an absolute dream; I love it so much.

Kerry

I’ve purchased 5 systems

I’ve purchased 5 systems from Puget over the last few years. Outstanding quality, support, and excellent product lines.

James Bayonne
Davie

Outrageously awesome

Outrageously awesome crew here at Puget System, they’ve come through for this old disabled veteran for years with my machines!

Mike Dunn
Hudson

Great Experience

Working with Puget Systems was first class. The process started with system selection on the website. The interface was very intuitive and questions on specs were only a click away. Purchasing came next followed by a personal email from a Puget rep to confirm my choices. Once the computer arrived, unboxing was easy and setup was a dream. I was up and running in no time. Thanks Puget Systems!!

Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.