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!
Puget is simply the best
I don’t buy new computers often, but for the last two decades, I’ve gotten every one of my desktops from Puget Systems. They use top quality components, have excellent build quality, and top notch support. Everything inside the computer is clean and all cabling is carefully routed. The software installation is clean. Even their packaging is top notch. I won’t buy my computers from anywhere else.
Absolute peace of mind
I have historically built my own machines, but work and life over the last few years has made staying up to date on the latest hardware information a low priority so when I started looking into updating my personal system I found myself not wanting to deal with doing all of the research myself. Having Puget Systems handle all of the details for me has been worth every extra penny spent having them build the system for me. They created an absolute drop-in replacement for me and it really was that smooth. A bonus is how they update the progress of your machine has it goes through their build and QA process, it was reassuring to see the progress being made leading up to the ship date!
Nothing Short of Incredible
From start to finish our experience with Puget Sound Systems was more then I could have hoped for, and certainly more than we expected. Prices are competitive, parts availability is no issue, communication is the best in the industry, and quality (including quality assurance) is the best of the best.
Puget Systems provided a free consultation where we discussed the software the machine would run and the tasks we would be using it for. The consultant recommended a lower core count and higher clock rate, as well as an additional drive for cache. Overall this lowered the price. After our order was placed we received near daily updates on our order and the progress it was making thorough the assembly process. We received benchmarks, thermal images, and final build photos along the way making it actually fun to wait for our shipment.
The machine delivered has exceeded expectations and in less than a week has provided immense value to our team.
Can I rate more than 5 stars please?
PUGET SYSTEMS BUILDS A FANTASTIC COMPUTER AND THEIR CUSTOMER SUPPORT IS WITHOUT EQUAL
Over the years I have purchased a fair number of PCs – at first from the best major brands, then graduating to custom builds as my needs increased because of my photography hobby. I have photographed many great destinations on all seven continents and for image editing I rely on only the best software programs, and they make big demands on a PC.
About two years ago it was time for a major upgrading. After extensive research, I felt I knew exactly what I needed. A couple of companies in our area who do custom builds told me I had made a great selection for each component and were anxious for my business. Problem was, I continued to learn more and soon concluded that I needed to make a couple of better choices. Which made me think that if these supposed experts missed things I felt a far-from-expert like me had figured out, it’d be a good idea to check elsewhere.
I feel so lucky that my search finally led me to Puget Systems. The sales agent who happened to take my call truly impressed me. He was extremely knowledgeable. And then…as I was trying to convince him that I absolutely needed a particular part that happened to be very expensive, he proceeded to very nicely explain to me why I’d be wasting money because it didn’t add anything I need that a considerably less expensive one would do just as well. Wow, I thought to myself, agents, especially agents for on-line companies, always try to sell you up – and this guy is selling down! Talk about getting an honest opinion!
I felt I could trust Puget Systems – and, boy, was I right. The computer they built for me was everything I had hoped for. It is fantastic. And they kept me up-t-date during every step of the process. Two friends who work as computer experts with highly regarded companies checked it out and told me everything about it was superb.
And then there’s the customer support: I have not experienced any that’s their equal. One example: When an update of one of my imaging editing programs was causing me problems, the company told me I needed to do things on my computer that, truth be told, I didn’t grasp and worried I might mess up. So I called Puget Systems and, while the problem had everything to do with software and nothing to do with my computer, a Puget Systems tech logged into my computer and made sure I correctly complied with what the software company said was required. In the two years I’ve had my Puget Systems computer I’ve had similar great experiences with their customer support.
You get my drift: If you’re looking for a great computer build that’s backed up by truly outstanding customer support, you can trust Puget Systems.
Exceptional Quality and Service!
I bought my first PC from Puget Systems nine years ago and it ran flawlessly for all those years. I have just taken delivery of a new machine and it is up and running without a hitch. A decade apart, the quality of the machines and the service are the same – outstanding. Both these PCs had to meet exacting specifications that would be impossible to obtain off-the-shelf. I have the peace of mind of knowing that every component is of high quality and matched to the overall configuration, and I know that if I have ever a question or a problem, expert assistance is a phone call or video chat away.
Superb machines! Superb service!
Superb machines! Superb service! Puget Systems is the best!
Awesome machine!
I’ve now had my Puget computer for nearly 8 years, and it’s still cruising! Order #147756. By far, the most reliable — and quiet — machine I’ve ever owned.
Beast of a Machine
Amazing build and amazing customer service and support. I will be using Puget for all of my render machine needs.
Best Machine To Date
Ordered my MTX machine a little while ago and finally got to put it thru the paces. Loving it, not only did it cut my work time down by 3/4 but it also didn’t come loaded with a bunch of 3rd party junk that is a pain to uninstall. My new desktop is just the right size to fit my space, does everything I want and more all while looking simple and purposeful.
Nathan did a few assessments with me as we made sure we got the right machine and case for my needs. He was super patient and professional with me. He was not pushy or eager when I told him I needed some time to think about it, as it was high in my price range. But when I got back to him a week or so later he was up to speed and had my quote set up. Everything about the specs and payment was super easy and straightforward.
A week later I was getting pics and benchmarks of my machine being built, it was delivered on time and in great packaging. Setup was seamless and easy. Not only did Puget send a great start up guide by email but once my system was running there is more set up guide e-booklets already pre-installed and ready for easy access. Creative cloud was also pre installed and with a little bit of money spent on cables I have the best Editing computer I’ve ever owned. There was no lack of high speed ports or documentation to know which ports have which speed limitations.
Thanks so much Puget Systems ! I will not hesitate to refer you to anyone I know. And thanks to Dustin @smartereveryday for the great tour that gave me the inside view on such a competent company !
Wonderful Service
My old iMac died sooner than expected so I reached out to Puget Systems after learning about them through School of Motion. I was very appreciative of their help. They answered all my questions and did so in a non-condescending manor, which I really appreciated. They helped me to select a machine that would support me in my current work, but would also be able to keep up while I grew in my industry and tackled larger and more complex projects. I also really appreciated the build updates that came through and how quickly they were able to put together my new system. They also offered advice on additional accessories such as monitors and speakers.
Through the whole process I felt confident and supported. My system arrived safe and sound over the weekend and I’m now up and running without issue and rigging up some characters as we speak.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.