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!
The gray area between “want” and “need”
TLDR: “Yes, it’s expensive, no it’s not overpriced.” – Linus Sebastian
I was an unofficial Puget Systems evangelist before I even owned a Puget Systems workstation. So my testimonial is rife with bias. That said, I have also built all of my computers till now. I just didn’t have the time this time.
My work wears two hats: bioinformatics and photography. While my needs are not unique, they are real and require a more nuanced approach than selecting one of the curated recommended workstations that Puget Systems offers. Using their workstation customizer, there was little left to the imagination when selecting my components and configurations. If there was a question along the way, a simple hyperlink at that option would take you to notes about the components, pictures of the components, considerations to make when making a choice, and even notes from the staff themselves in some cases.
Since my workstation was going to be customer-facing a bit, my tech consultant guided me through the process of getting my custom etching done. When it was discovered that the incorrect operating system was selected on the quote early in the build process, my tech consultant promptly passed the message along to my assigned assembly technician and got the problem sorted out before it got too far down the line. The assembly team took note of the specific needs that I had for the machine and appropriately configured, tested, and benchmarked with just those needs in mind. No more. No less. Exactly what I wanted.
Lastly–and probably the finishing touch of the whole process–was how the customer support team handled a very specific request that I had after I had received my workstation. I am running my workstation about 15 feet away from my desk using a Thunderbolt 4 dock. While the peripherals and CFExpress & SD card reader are easy to handle, I wanted both of my 1440p color-accurate monitors to run off the dock as well for cable management purposes. My workstation came with the appropriate Thunderbolt 4 ports, but to run the monitors from the GPU, I needed two 1-foot DisplayPort cables that connect the GPU to the motherboard’s Thunderbolt 4 pass-throughs. Since the motherboard often comes with at least one such cord, I requested that they send it to me since I didn’t want to have to cable manage a couple of 6-foot cords from Amazon behind my computer. My request was processed and they were going to send me the cords at no cost but they quickly discovered that they do not keep those cords in stock in-house. They then told me that they went ahead and ordered the cords from Amazon and sent them to my address–still at no cost to me. Way to go above and beyond.
At no point did I ever feel like I was being upsold or pressured. I felt that they listened to what I said and I got exactly what I wanted and how I wanted it. I likely won’t be coming back for a while. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t think that I will need to with the quality of work that they sent me. I look forward to putting this workstation through its paces and am proud to continue being an informal Puget Systems evangelist–but with a workstation to back up my claims.
Credits (in order of appearance): Nathan H, Jess E, Chris N, and Chad W.
Brilliant experience!! Best computer I have ever bought
I have bought dozen and dozens of computers in my life and this by far the most professional, accommodating service I have ever had.
Absolute perfection in every way!!
Thank you Brett for a stellar experience, I could not ask for anything more.
Easy and smooth process
First off, some context. I am mildly into computers. Enough to be dangerous, but not enough to truly know the spec differences between AMD and Intel CPUs, for example. I can break down the generation names, and know what part does what and to what extent, and from a few years of off and on research I knew what parts I needed for the things I do, and knew to check for compatibility between all components, but beyond that I know I’m not good at things like debugging. Which is where Puget Systems comes in.
I first heard about them through the YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips, and when they proceeded to perform moderately well to well in all of their subsequent tests, I decided to go with them to make my PC when the time came to upgrade from a gaming laptop to an actual PC. I could have done a bit more research and built it myself, but I know it would have been a bit of a struggle. Going through a prebuilt means I have someone who builds these systems every day working on my system, so they know what they are doing much better than I do. That, and having someone who knows what to test and how to test it to make sure things are performing up to spec, the images provided, the relatively short total time (2-3 weeks for me) and tech support means I’m more than willing to pay the premium to have someone else build the PC for me.
Also, the preinstalled software option, the ability to select windows 10 instead of being forced to use 11.
All in all, the process was smooth, there was no shipping damage, and everything went well! Would use these guys again.
Superb
I’m probably an advanced beginner when it comes to computers. The most demanding thing I do is some non-linear digital video editing.
What I like most about Puget Systems is that they will tell me where I can spend a few bucks and get a big improvement, and also where I can spend money but NOT get any improvement in performance.
Their computers are trouble-free and reliable, and I know I will get a lot of use from mine without hassle. It’s definitely worth the premium price.
Wow! What a pleasure
I found out about PUGET SYSTEMS while researching a replacement for my 13-year-old DELL desktop, which was no longer meeting my needs. Puget Systems is very highly recommended and the products they offer have excellent component and configuration options. I contacted Puget Systems and spoke a number of times with Account Manager Braden Sime, who offered spot-on advice and recommendations. I ordered a Photoshop Plus system with components to optimize Photoshop, my primary tool.
I am extremely pleased with Puget Systems build time and quality. The new desktop was delivered in just over two weeks, and WOW!, what a pleasure it is to quickly open 20 to 50 GB Photoshop files, and then experience no lag when drawing on the Wacom – huge difference! A big thank you to everyone at Puget Systems.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.