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: 1266
I am shocked with how good the experience with Puget is… from consulting on the build, communication before and after the build, and now I have personally experience amazing technical support from Ben. I am a big fan of Puget.
Legacy Testimonial: 1265
I support corridor digital and finding out that you guys are helping them out is great.
I really think that the idea of your company is amazing.
When I looked at the different systems you guys provide I was pleasantly surprised not seeing ‘Gaming’ in that list. Youre not trying to be the next Origin , you are trying to be the the first Puget . My only suggestions would be
1.PLEASE have a better looking website. It really drives sales. You go to apple website . You feel like buying their products.
2.Advertise Advertise Advertise. Connevt with some more genuine creators like corridor. Like we know Corridor does amazing work , and to find out they use your PCs , that’s a huuuge selling point.
I really hope you guys sell a tonne of PCs . Best of luck.
Legacy Testimonial: 1264
I just watched a YouTube video about these guys, and posted a comment. Then I thought, “You know, since I’ve had such a great experience with them, I should post this on their site as well.”
I discovered Puget Systems in 2015. Needing a new laptop, but wanting to stay with Win7, (because of being very comfortable using it, and NOT wanting any of the Win8 versions), wanting an SSD and a few other specific hardware choices, but mainly, NOT wanting all the bloatware that comes pre-packaged with a new computer…, I was striking out with the usual suspects.
So I thought about doing a search for Custom Computers, found Puget, and once I researched their philosophy (like how they test components, then only use the ones that fall well below generally-accepted failure rates), I could tell they were the company I wanted to buy from.
5 years later, and I’ve had to reach out to them only a few times…, they have been outstanding. The motherboard of my laptop failed a couple months ago (most likely due to my neglect), and even though it was out of production, they fixed me up with a MB that they had on-hand through some creative, outside-the-box thinking, that I doubt would’ve happened with any other company. I couldn’t be happier with the support I’ve gotten from these guys.
They didn’t try to sell me a new machine, answered all my questions, and my laptop is even slightly better than when I sent it in for repair. Puget Systems runs their business the RIGHT way, by building quality products, taking care of their customers, and building relationships with them. I WILL buy my next computer from them.
Legacy Testimonial: 1263
I have owned — and loved — my custom computer for nine years now. It has never — NEVER — failed me. I do a lot of photo and video editing, and manage websites, so reliability is a really big deal for me. Yesterday, my husband convinced me that I deserve a new computer from Puget Systems for my anniversary gift. I’m all in! Thank you, Puget Systems, for being the most competent, customer-focused company I have ever dealt with over a 40-plus year career!
Legacy Testimonial: 1262
To begin, I’m extremely impressed with Puget Systems customer service. They go the extra mile to communicate what is happening as they accept your order and build your custom computer. They posted regular updates as the computer was built and by using the names of the employees who were assigned the tasks, they helped to really make one feel that Puget Systems is not just a big faceless company and that my own needs were being addressed. I’ve never seen anyone do a better job.
I read reviews to see what other customers are saying and I’m often very irritated by reviews on the web site of a large online retailer where some customers will give a poor rating because of something ridiculous like the fact that they cut their finger when opening the shipping box. With Puget Systems I read reviews on their site and a photography forum unrelated to Puget Systems and the comments were impressive. Their systems were reported as performing well using the software of their choice. One was a little surprised that things worked so fast that he could no longer watch the progress while using stacking software. One was from a customer who had a part failure and he described in detail how helpful the company was in quickly resolving the problem. Others said that from their experiences that they would never switch. Should I have a problem with my purchase it will be wonderful to talk to someone who will not be reading from a script where the first action will be to ask me to clear my cache!
Their level of expertise is also very impressive. It had never occurred to me that I could work with someone who knew the software I was using, had selected components that would work best for that software, and that even ran some of their benchmark testing using features of the software. The person I first asked for recommendations was also a photographer and he knew from the specifications for my current system what the problems were and how to address them. I use Lightroom and Photoshop for my work and when I saw that they tested my build using a current version of Photoshop and the Smart Sharpen Filter I was impressed! Puget Systems has also published numerous papers describing their research, testing, and conclusions that are available to anyone, not just the customers who have already made a purchase. This was very helpful to me in making my configuration decisions.
When the computer arrived, it was packed as described and was in great shape. Puget Systems showed their level of care again as they included extra cables to connect my monitor and a bag of extra knurled screws in case I lost one. The system has met my expectations in that all of the choke points I was experiencing have gone away, software loads quickly, and the “Edit in Photoshop” transfer from Lightroom to Photoshop is performed so quickly that Photoshop doesn’t hang during the process and there is no waiting time.
I couldn’t be happier.
Legacy Testimonial: 1261
The best experience I’ve had from a custom computer builder.
Phenomenal attention to detail.
And a nice warn beanie 🙂
Legacy Testimonial: 1260
What I wanted out of a new computer experience at this stage of my life is reliability. I wanted the confidence that when I hooked up the system the first time it would work and continue to work for a long time after. I’ve had the system now for a month and so far have been happy with it. I’ve been in the computer industry for the last 30 years so I knew what I wanted, so I did not have too much interaction with support when creating my system. The interaction I did have I was certainly happy with. And knowing I can talk with someone in the US if I need it, and that if the system needs fixed, there is no labor charge are both reassuring. My only gripe, if you want to call it that, is when the computer goes to sleep for some time, I need to press the power button for the computer to come out of sleep mode No big deal; if this is all I have to worry about, I’m happy! I was surprised to find a Windows CD with the binder, this is nice to have, and is practically unheard of today. You do pay a few hundred dollars more up front, but I believe having the support behind you at Puget systems is worth it.
Legacy Testimonial: 1259
The best buying experience I have had in ANY industry. The essence of making a large online purchase is centered around communication. Puget Systems surpassed my expectations with constant and detailed communication. I NEVER had to inquire about a delay or any other issue because each phase of the buying. parts gathering, assembly, testing and QA was communicated nearly in real-time. I’ve been working in technology for nearly four decades and worked with hundreds of manufacturers/distributors for a variety of components and assemblies as well as finished products. The icing on the cake, is that the end product works as expected and better than advertised. Kudos to a well-run organization that cultivates loyal and repeat customers. I know I will be buying all my future computers from Puget Systems
Legacy Testimonial: 1258
I have nothing but positive things to say about my entire experience from the initial research phase to the ordering process to feedback on the system’s build, benchmarking and shipping, and finally to follow up questions. I decided to purchase my new computer from Puget Systems because I was impressed with the company’s ability to tailor-make a system that matched my software needs. I also wanted the customer service experience to be excellent at all stages of the process. I have not been disappointed at any point in the process. The system arrived a day early (from the projected arrival time) and worked as advertised right out of the box. When I called support and asked about adding two more drives to my build, the service personnel (not the techs) were able to call up records about my particular build so that they could give me precise directions about how to make the changes I requested. The support people at Puget Systems shipped me the necessary cables and brackets at no further cost to me and talked me through the installation process. Everyone I talked to was able to pull up my build and all were knowledgeable about what to do. It was a thoroughly satisfying experience. No one treated me like an idiot, everyone was patient, and all were effectively helpful. Well done! When I need to buy another specialized system, I will definitely contact Puget Systems first.
Legacy Testimonial: 1257
Our company uses live broadcasts and webinars as a key customer acquisition and sales strategy, and our Puget-built rig has been running as our broadcast/filming machine like a champ for years now. Every time a webinar fails or a live broadcast doesn’t work due to a system issue means thousands of dollars of losses for us, so reliability is key. In every way, from the buying experience to the rock-solid reliability, we can highly recommend Puget.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.