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: 1001
I recently made my first purchase, a “Genesis I” from Puget Systems and I could not have made a better choice for both a computer and a company to build it. This review is not about a computer because you can go buy each and every piece of my computer and build it yourself saving you a little bit of money. No this review is about one amazing company that gives you impeccable customer service backed by first class craftsmanship and service which all lead to priceless peace of mind.
In this day and age one of the biggest things that has been lost is true personal customer service. In the not so distant past you could buy something and know that it was put together by someone that cared about the product. Their job and livelihood depended on it and it is what set this country apart from the rest of the world. No it was not always the least expensive and for good reason, you pay for what you get, it takes more time to do something right, period. Puget Systems is one of those companies that thrives and survives on the philosophy of producing the best product they can.
Now I am an old school computer guy and I have built some serious workstations over the years but it has been a while since I built my last computer and as you know technology passes you by in a day let alone a few years. I began the process by emailing Puget a brief bio of my current workstation. I went into detail about how and why I had things setup the way I did and that I needed those concerns addressed with any new system.
What I wrote about and the processes I had done to my system come from a different time and era in computers and I had serious doubts that I would even get a person that knew what I was talking about. Man, was I ever surprised. William responded to each of my concerns and knew exactly where I was coming from. He respectfully explained why and how things were these days and made me feel confident I was dealing with a true computer technician with years of experience.
Then I called William to speak about a few of the things we were discussing. Your read that right, you can call them and a real person, even the one you were emailing, will answer. He asked questions and learned about what I did and what I needed and provided me with real world solutions. He even talked me out of upgrading certain things because they would not benefit me. That means he was not just trying to reach in to my pocket and take all the money he could because in the end that would have been wrong and bad business. Oh trust me, I wanted that top of the line graphics card but there was no reason for it based on the work I was doing. That is a true sign of a company putting the customer first before profit.
Puget is also totally transparent when it comes to their parts and pricing. I got my estimate and then took the time to pull each and every part based on the part number listed right on the Puget website to compare and see exactly how much I was paying for their services. It was no more or less than I would expect from anyone who takes real time to do the job right.
What is “the job being done right” you ask? Well this is where Puget shines and sets themselves apart from the rest of the competition. They have a log that is updated in real time from the moment you make your purchase till the time your computer leaves the building. From the person ordering or picking the parts to each part or software being installed and tested. The testing alone is worth your money, at which point do you have the time or the equipment to test out on a work bench all of the parts as you install them and if it is not up to spec they get another one. That is amazing to me and gives me complete confidence in the product I am purchasing. Puget only uses the best products and it shows, the case is amazingly quiet and solid as a rock. Any over clocking is professionally done by experts who know what they are doing. Then comes the unbelievable packaging for shipment, I am still scratching my head over that one, it is quality through and through.
Nothing is ever perfect and it is not the problem that matters, but how someone deals with the problem. I received my computer and once I got it all setup I ran in to an issue. I was not happy with the sound card I had chosen. So I called Puget and they immediately shipped out the next higher priced one and shipped it to me at their expense and were going to cover the price difference. Are you kidding me? I ended up comparing the two of them and once I figured out what setting was off I kept the original one, still where do you find a company willing to do that these days? I’ll tell you, no where!
So yes, you could save a few dollars building one yourself or find a cheaper computer from another company but you will not find a better, more professional company to custom build a computer for you in the country.
Puget is worth the investment and worth your peace of mind. Feel free to contact me if you have concerns or questions but you should know before you contact me that I have drank the Kool-Aid and I am a diehard believer in Puget Systems.
Sincerely,
Royce Bishop
Owner of Cubed Creations and Royce Bishop Photography
Legacy Testimonial: 1000
I just purchased a i7 Intel chipped & SSD new computer, my second purchase from Puget Systems. I bought my first computer some six or seven years ago. I have been quite happy with it. But the old 32 bit machine was struggling, with the internet and frame rates for video editing and gaming, despite a new game card a few years ago. Little did I know what other issues time had created. I thought that my internet was not fast enough. After great customer service from Jeff in discussing my needs, what I did with my old computer, what was frustrating me, what I felt I needed, and what I desired for the future, I paid less for my new computer than I did for the old one. It was fun to watch the building and testing online. I did order a WQHD 27 inch monitor which arrived at the same time! And… wow, no more spinning wheels on video, crashes, waiting… I felt I entered a new world online. Wonderful color and detail. I was blown away, especially since I get all my news from online so I can pick and choose. It runs so quiet and the speed is astounding. I soon ran into problems (of my own creation). I contacted customer service by phone, remoted in, and issues with Internet Explorer 11 and my printer were resolved online. Again, great customer service. I am so glad that I found Puget Systems years ago and did not purchase a box computer online or from a warehouse store, not to my specs. I still am kicking myself for not having done this sooner.
Legacy Testimonial: 999
I could not be happier with the quality and service I found with Puget. When making decisions and ordering, both reps were very knowledgeable and helpful in chats. I found many reviews but none had any negative comments. They all gave Puget the highest scores for top performance and silence. After ordering, I received follow up emails and links to view the progress of building and testing. I was impressed even more when the package arrived with a hard-cover notebook containing color pictures of each person involved, clear instructions on unpacking and setup, detailed explanations of ports, manufacturer support links, printouts of testing results and a collection of all discs including a full system backup. It also included a box with all the leftover parts and a classy pouch with additional SATA and power cables for expansion. Puget also installed additional cables for additional drives that I told the rep I would be adding. The system has been running flawlessly for a couple weeks now. I removed the side panel before the second boot to confirm that fans were running. They were. It is truly silent. A small blue light goes out when it is off. I replaced the operating system and was able to resolve all unknown device icons with just the motherboard disc. The event log has no errors or warnings. I have moved off lots of software over from my old computer and everything has been running wonderfully. Puget make luxury-class systems at the same price range as most others with the same specs. Many thanks and blessings to everyone at Puget!
Legacy Testimonial: 998
I have been going back and forth with Jeff regarding what I wanted in a rock solid but fast PC. This is my second Puget Systems PC and it will not be my last. My son-in-law is an executive with a competing firm and provided me several configurations from which to choose from. He has envied my previous Puget system and was not surprised when I told him that I would be going with Puget again.
Legacy Testimonial: 997
I’ve had a few computers over the years but I’ve never had a computer as fantastic as my new Puget Genesis! I do alot of photo editing with some pretty heavy duty, resource intensive software which in the past has bogged down my previous computers. Not so with my new machine…she’s so fast! My last computer was noisey & acted like a second heater for the room. But my new computer is so quiet and I honestly can’t feel any heat coming from her.
Also, it was a great experience working with Jeff, my sales rep. He helped me configure the computer to match my needs and was never pushy.
Legacy Testimonial: 996
This is how companies should be run. Everyone did everything they could to be helpful without being intrusive. And everyone knew what they were talking about. The site offers an abundance of information on every component. I am quite pleased with the the experience and the system that I am now enjoying. Not the cheapest, but worth every penny. Highly recommended.
Legacy Testimonial: 995
I discovered Puget Custom Computers about 7 years ago. They were a smaller outfit back then and provided an excellent professional personal experience. Needing maintenance on my water cooled PC I recently hunted them down at their new digs. When I saw their online profile and how much their staff had expanded I wondered how my experience would be all these years later. I can tell you with no reservation that Puget Custom Computers is everything they were when they started out and more. They stayed true to themselves and most importantly their customers. They have not let their size or recognition by different media outlets effect their top knotch customer service. Technician Scott who assisted me seemed more like an old friend than a salesman. Its great to see a small business flourish. Thanks so much, its so hard to find good customer service these days, and you exceeded. My PC is up and running, even upgraded a bit courtesy of Puget Custom Computers.
Legacy Testimonial: 994
I had been looking to build a custom gaming PC for quite a while and had been all around the web looking at different manufacturers, I stumbled onto Puget System’s mainpage as a direct link from logicalincrements.com. It looked underwhelming at first but I figured I would give it a go and see what kind of configuration I could come up with. After setting my original config I selected the option for review by a professional, expecting the usual no response or useless “its up to you” reply. By the time I woke up the next day ( I originally sent the request at 5am) I had a detailed response from Will outlining the positives and negatives of different choices and an open offer to e-mail him with further questions. What sold me was that he actually steered me out of useless frills and into choices that would add to the stability and/or performance of my system, he stayed away from pointless upsells and helped me build a really solid PC that would do all I needed it to do and then some. That experience sold me 100% on Puget as MY custom builder, and the only builder I would recommend to anyone.
It only got better from there, after I finalized my order and it was prepping for assembly I noticed the meticulous work their staff puts into every facet of production. Oscar did what I would call the finest wiring job I have EVER seen, and as an avid PC gamer I have seen some excellent custom PC work. The wiring looked artistic in a way, his pride in what he does shows and I hope next time I buy from Puget (and I will) he will be the one wiring my rig. After Oscar assembled it, Kyle did a great job trying to break it and probably put more stress on my system than I ever will, every part was meticulously strained and benchmarked. Every member of the service and production staff is top notch IMO.
No corners are cut by Puget, their quality and pride in both service and product show. I can’t see myself buying from another company as long as Puget is building rigs for gamers like me.
Legacy Testimonial: 993
I was looking for a custom computer for Photoshop. I searched the web and researched several online companies but kept coming back to Puget Systems. I was impressed by the lifetime labor and tech support, and their dedication to quality. I created an account and started working with customer service rep Jeff Stubbers. He helped me through the build and we emailed back and forth on several occasions to discuss the proper components and setup. He was very patient and was understanding of me wanting to keep the price reasonable. I finally order the computer and it arrived within 2 weeks. They provide a complete status report on your build as the process moves along, and even sent me a you tube video of a technician going over all aspect of my computer, so I was aware of every stage of the build. The computer arrived in great shape. The quality, attention to detail, customer support was all incredible and I would highly recommend Puget Systems to anyone needing a custom built computer. Very impressive!!!
Legacy Testimonial: 992
Deciding to purchase the right computer to meet my current and future photographic needs led me to Jeff Stubbers of Puget Systems.
My search for a solution across popular manufacturers was unsuccessful. They could not meet my requirements. I turned to photography forums where I have confidence in the members and the moderators. Puget System consistently received solid user reviews.
I looked at their website and the offerings geared for photographers and new Puget Systems would have the components to meet my needs. I worked with Jeff Stubbers. Working with Jeff was like dealing with a top customer focused organization. His service and attention to detail reminded me of two of the top ranked global customer service companies – LL Bean and Amazon.
My experience with Jeff was just terrific. He asked lots of questions about how I use the PC, made recommendations, explained every component in the PC, and thoroughly answered each and every question I had. In fact Jeff even provided solid perspective on a new monitor. Jeff never pressured me. Over several contacts, Jeff made me feel comfortable and confident with purchasing from Puget Systems.
On January 31, I purchased the computer and it arrived on Friday, February 7. On Saturday, I set the computer and monitor up and ran into an issue. My wifi card was not working correctly with my router. I thought this is where the rubber meets the road. How will Puget address the issue.
I sent Jeff an email detailing the issue and spoke to him first thing Monday morning. In under a minute Jeff advised that in the box with the extra “stuff” the company sends (extra parts, etc) was a stealth antenna which attached to the back of the computer and insured my wifi card and router worked seamlessly. And they did work seamlessly. My PC and monitor were working really well.
Importantly, Jeff’s calm and confident action left me feeling good about my investment with Puget. I’ve already recommended Puget Systems to two associates and friends. I’m looking forward to a long and solid relationship with the company and feel confident they will help me over the life of the computer.
Sincerely,
Marc Schoenholz
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.