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: 1138
These guys make the process of buying a computer a pleasure. Everything you want from a customer support standpoint they deliver; slick website, quick and honest responses to inquiries, and no salesmanship garbage. They want you to get what you need when you need it. The way it should be. Purchase with confidence.
Legacy Testimonial: 1137
Highly recommended! In my experience, Puget Systems has some of the best, perhaps THE best, customer service I have ever encountered in any industry. Every interaction I’ve had with them has resulted in total satisfaction. From helping select the perfect configuration, to helping out when a particular component was not the best choice, to technical service almost two year later, they have never disappointed me.
Legacy Testimonial: 1136
To anyone out there that is thinking about buying a Puget computer. If you are undecided or if you think these testimonials were written by their employees to make the company look good, it wasn’t. This testimonial was written by a real person that bought a computer from Puget, let me rephrase that, “computers made and sold by Puget are the best computers on the market.” I knew the first day I bought the computer from Puget that I had made the right decision. Just think of that, two years with the same computer. These computers are durable, affordable, not bad looking and reliable. Like I said before if you’re thinking about buying a Puget computer, it’s a no-brainer. The computer I bought from Puget is a workhorse, it runs my business, my personal things, and everything else flawlessly. Now, two years later, without a doubt I know I made the right decision. These guys are phenomenal. I bought my new desktop computer two years ago, I started having trouble with a blue screen showing up a few days ago, I emailed technical support and told them what the problem was and sent them a picture of the screen and within 24 hours they had a solution, told me what to do, walked me through it. Now my computer is up and running like it did the first day I bought it. I cannot tell you how satisfied I am with these guys. Words cannot describe how truly wonderful it feels to be dealing with a company that is truly dedicated to their customers. Chad Warmenhoven, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, you and everyone else from technical support are the greatest.
Legacy Testimonial: 1135
In my search for a highly capable PC, I’d decided to look into custom-built options. Searching the web, I found Puget Systems, and was immediately impressed by both their website, and the options they offered. The simple, intuitive site made it easy to arrive at a unit that was custom designed for my needs. What was most impressive was their staff…super responsive, helping with any and all questions. I felt like I’d just made new friends. The whole experience was so well thought through, it gave me great confidence in the investment I was making…as I have no doubt they put as much care into the build as they obviously did in everything else! Great experience, I will (and have) recommended them to anyone who’ll listen!
Legacy Testimonial: 1134
I am so amazed by this company. I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted and I was able to talk to someone who guided me in the exact computer that I needed. Then after I ordered it, their web site kept me updated to exactly what they were doing during the building stages, and through it all. It didn’t take more than just a few business days to have the computer built. Then when they shipped it, it arrived in just 24 hrs. It was tightly package, and had no damage. It is sharp looking and works amazing. I am so excited to get to know my new system. I just got it today in the mail, and it is put together here in america. Thank you to Puget Custom Computers!
Legacy Testimonial: 1132
I’m not so much a PC guy. I use one because I have a business-critical application that just doesn’t display well in a virtualized instance of Windows running on my Mac. That makes it a very expensive app. Windows has improved a lot recently, so other than the duplicate costs of redundant platforms, I don’t mind working in Windows.
My current outdated machine was made by a local boutique PC builder, now out of business (along with my “life time” service warranty). I’ve had enough of Dell and HP for a life time, so I researched boutique builders again-but this go I wanted to find one a bit less “boutique,” and one with real service chops.
After exhaustive research, I decided to give Puget Systems my business. They compete in a commodity business where others make their margin selling the perception of top-shelf quality but delivering something less to make their margin. Puget curates hardware components with the end in mind.
If you take time to lay it out in a spreadsheet, it makes sense. With the law of large numbers at work, putting enterprise quality gear in a computer pays off in the end by generating fewer support tickets. It’s kind of a virtuous cycle-better design and parts today means less support burden later. While it seems like simple math, it requires uncommon foresight and character to shift your profit margin to the end of the business cycle.
Like any business that survives, Puget experiments and iterates creating seemingly minor innovations. Keeping copious records of which manufacturer’s parts have longevity and which ones generate fewer support calls, they gain organic efficiencies.
The omnipresent threat to computers is heat, so Puget manufactures their own fan mounts. Instead of using the case mounts for the fans-the ones all other computer builders use, farther away from the heat-they design and manufacture their own fan mounts enabling them to locate fans directly next to the heat source (CPUs and GPUs).
This yields two huge benefits: first, your computer operates under a lower stress load bolstering durability and secondly, the computer runs significantly quieter because Puget perches the fans right where they’re needed-they spin at a lower rate and less often. End result is a computing experience that sounds more like you’re using a solar-powered calculator than piloting a fighter jet (every computer I’ve owned). Puget pursues noise like doctors nag us about cholesterol.
While their web site is decidedly not “web 2.0,” I found the online ordering and fulfillment process more articulate than any e-commerce transaction I’ve ever had. My order had its own status page detailing every component. With all other transactions, there’s a communications gap between the checkout cart and when Amazon delivers your box. Not with Puget.
They show you each step: staging, assembly, installation, quality assurance, final preparation to packing and shipping. Each major step has dozens of discrete work flow tasks (read anal) that must be completed in sequence-and it’s all tracked online for the despotic, overlord, control freak in all of us. I changed part of my order, switching to a less-popular CPU. It was a one-day order cycle, and I was able to track it from a staging bin to the production bench.
Every aspect of the build is captured to your status page as well as being documented in an extensive build log including beauty shots of the end product and screen captures of every bios configuration. They also include two infrared camera photos highlighting the heat signature of your system at a normal and exaggerated loads, ensuring quiet, cool computing. All of this is available online and in a hard-copy record in a binder. I didn’t have this level of disclosure and detail when I bought my last car or my home-many orders of magnitude more of a considered purchase.
In searching for customer reviews, I bumped into a live stream of them building customer ordered computers live on Twitch. I know…stimulating…Netflix will not be calling Puget for a content licensing deal. Dork confession-it was captivating.
It’s more interesting than I imagined seeing how it all comes together, like an episode of “How it’s Made.” I watched a second build job (these videos are hours long) of the company founder getting interviewed while a tech was building a machine on the bench next to him. As the build took shape the interviewer hit President John Bach with a torrent of questions requiring nuanced answers only a journeyman builder could provide. It’s reassuring to know the desk jockey running operations up front can empathize with every potential production variable.
But the most interesting part was watching the top-down camera angle on the bench. The technician building this computer was Houston Bennett, and while it seems like hyperbole, Houston’s hands move like someone disarming an explosive device or maybe like Sam Maloof making a rocking chair.
As the build progresses and fills with components, the space for his hands grows more and more sparse, and the case is regularly pivoted for securing parts and routing cables. I been around craftsmen. My grandfather was a shoemaker and my father was a painter. Their hands were nimble and sure, and Houston moved with similar confidence and restraint.
I realize this is starting to sound like a fanboy obsession. It’s just a pile of parts, and whether it turns out to be a blunt instrument or a magic wand is much more dependent upon the hands working the keyboard than the ones seating the RAM. But I also know it was built in an exacting workflow and will be readily supported when needed.
So anyone can charge a premium for better parts, right? Puget’s systems may have the best components, but they’re nowhere near the most expensive. They’re one of the few shops who will explain why a Xeon chip might be a better fit (and cheaper) for your work flow. If you want a bitchin’ case and seizure-inducing, dance floor luminescence buy from Origin. All you get from Puget is boring old reliability and friendly, skilled service.
I gain nothing by writing a review (no discount). My only upside is that they’re in business when it’s time for my next build. And people who build quality and offer superior service should be blessed with continued success. Small businesses grow by word-of-mouth. Puget Systems deserves your consideration.
Legacy Testimonial: 1129
I do a lot with VMWare (work) and Adobe CC (hobby) and my old system just wasn’t cutting it anymore. I did a lot research and couldn’t find a PC from the box sellers that met my needs or budget. So I decided to take the plunge with Puget. I ran across them a few years back but thought they were too good be true.
My only regret is not contacting Puget sooner!
They made the entire process easy and enjoyable. It was refreshing to work with true professionals that not only know what they’re doing but enjoy it as well.
William was great at understanding my requirements and suggesting ways to alter the specs to save me money while still meeting my needs.
As bonus, I got to see my computer being built with Houston. I decided to check on the progress of my system one night and found his early video where he recorded his craft while chatting with other likeminded folks.
The rest of the team (Justin, Kyle, Josh, and Stephanie) kept me totally update on with online reporting as their worked on my system. I knew exactly where my new baby was in the process at all times. Try getting that from another vendor.
Puget Systems is a great company to do business with. If you’re in the market for a new system, look no further. You won’t be disappointed. I promise.
Legacy Testimonial: 1128
Fantastic interaction with William George..great customer service…never upsold..showed where I could save money..glad I picked Puget Systems over the other custom builders
Legacy Testimonial: 1126
If you’re looking for a high quality computer at a fair price then look no further. Service is perfect, computer is perfect, everything is perfect. You will not regret it, I promise.
Legacy Testimonial: 1125
I recently bought a Serenity Professional. It is probably the most satisfactory purchase I’ve ever made. The folks at Puget Systems were extremely helpful throughout the process, answering my dumb questions promptly, graciously, and right on the point (I especially thank Wilson Chau and Christopher Crader in this regard). And the machine is exactly what I wanted. Even better.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.