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: 807
Since my first system in the early 80s, I’ve always assembled my own systems. After some thought, I decided it was time to give that up and started looking around for a reputable vendor that would give me a custom system that would meet my expectations. Things weren’t looking good at first so I started putting together the component list for building it myself when I found a review talking about Puget systems. I did my due diligence and found excellent reviews and a clean, easy-to-use site for custom systems. After finding almost all the components I had specced out, I sent in my “check this” order and got a reply just a few hours later from Brett. He had reviewed the system and made some suggestions (which I agreed with) and we went forward with the order. Honestly, I was nervous about getting a system that wasn’t going to meet my demands. I need not have worried. Regular updates, temperature and benchmarks baselines, pictures of assembly… it was all there to let me know exactly what was going on with my new system.
Once in hand, the system was up and running without any hassles whatsoever and it’s been humming ever since. Well, kinda humming — the dang thing is so quiet, it’s hard to tell it’s on.
I won’t be building my own systems anymore. I did a great job on building systems for the last 30 years. Puget is better.
Legacy Testimonial: 805
This was my first experience having a custom computer built, and everyone at Puget Systems made it so easy. Brett helped me pick out components that would meet my needs (video editing / graphic design in Adobe Creative Suite 5.5), and just as importantly, stay within my budget. The customer service from first contact through final delivery was nothing short of exceptional. This was a refreshing change, after years of dealing with the “service” from big-name computer companies.
My system was well packaged for shipping and arrived in perfect condition. The included binder and notes helped make the set-up in my office totally headache-free. I was up and running in less than 30 minutes after unboxing.
I would definitely make Puget my first choice for any future computer systems.
Legacy Testimonial: 804
Looking to upgrade my ancient cpu, but not wanting to get scammed, cheated, or bamboozeled i started researching computer and computer supply companies. After weeks of depressing results I was coming to the conclusion that there were no more honest companies online. All the major pc vendors (gateway, dell, apple, toshiba, hp, compaq, and alienware just to name a few;) had a terrible rating for either defective products, or piss-poor customer service on numerous consumer complaint sites (ntm the BBB.) Also, nearly 100% of the computer component supply companies (with the exception of individual component manufacturers such as kingston, intel, etc) I reasearched were either wholly corrupt (ie amazon.com being prosecuted in 9 major countries for fraud, facilitation of fraud, and tax evasion; or best buy, staples, walmart, and circuit city etc not honoring their warranties) or had numerous, non isolated incidents of either terrible customer service or outright fraud (even the vaunted newegg.com has recently had a plethora of incidents of credit card fraud, just type “newegg scam” into google to see for yourself.) Even my local computer repair and custom build shop had problems. I was about to lose hope on getting a decent system. Then after about 5 days in a row of spending 8 plus hours a day reading tech based forums, i came across 2 possible companies with which to do business. The first one unfortunately is in the UK and doesnt ship stateside. Then I found out about puget systems. After doing another week’s further reasearch actually trying to find the “dark truth” so to speak about them (which I’m happy to report so far doesnt exist,) all I found was a couple of RESOLVED complaints dealing with shipping damage, a slighlty extended build time (which is to be expected in a custom build, duh;) or the few ignorant people who didnt see the value in their comparatively higher pricing. You get what you pay for, and I’d rather pay the extra 15-20% for the peace of mind that I shouldn’t have a problem with my purchase, if I do it will be taken care of, and lastly that im not going to get charged for something I didn’t want to buy. Though I don’t know personally from experience YET, and every purchase these days carries the risk of “buyer beware,” (especially on the internet,) for now puget systems background, informativeness, and ethical (take care of the customer first, short term bottom line later) business practices are a breath of fresh air in this modern online sea of uncertainty. As soon as my tax return hits my bank account the first week of March, I plan on finding out if everything is as good as i hope and expect it should be. At that point I will write a further review (and most likely very positive) and be able to upgrade the 9 to a 10; along with spreading the word on other sites, forums, and consumer panels/boards. Oh and lets not forget the best part for puget systems of a satisfied customer: REPEAT BUSINESS!!
Legacy Testimonial: 803
To ALL possible customers: USE THE CHAT TECH SUPPORT OPTION!!! I cant stress how much help they gave me and acouple days of refining got me to my dream computer. They are nothing but nice and helpful. Now, waiting for my computer to arrive, i do nothing but go over all the parts over and over and i must say i think i made the optimal computer for a pretty cheap price considering whats inside! Also, i must say, the production team is FAST!!! They may not have a part which can stall things, but there is no need to worry, THEY WORK FAST!!! I can see no signs of long breaks or messing around. JUST FAAAAAST, Consistent, building. Much thanks to puget for putting together this business and all the team! To everyone buying a computer, DO IT HERE. Just make sure u use chat support and get out EVERYTHING you want to say or ask. They are definitely experts!
Legacy Testimonial: 802
I’m very happy with your company’s service and the quality of your computers. I was thrilled to receive my new Serenity desktop a few days ago. It was a big jump for me because I was giving up on Apple products (iMacs in particular) and wanted to try Windows 7, which has worked out quite well.
Here is some feedback on your performance:
Great website; easy to use and navigate
Great customer support; I liked the way the sales person came up on chat in couple of minutes to ask if I needed assistance.
Good tracking of the computer as it was built; status kept me informed of the progress. The picture of the computer was a nice touch.
Computers are very professionally built; almost like a work of art when I opened up the case to remove the packing foam.
Products are exactly as advertised; the Serenity is very quiet, not like the Dell desktop I had several years ago.
The computer was professionally packed; it arrived in perfect working order.
No bloat! No unnecessary programs on the computer The recovery disks were a nice touch. Ever try to do a clean reinstall of Windows XP. It’s a two day project!
Here’s the bottom line. If someone wants a cheap, discount computer, you are not the place to shop. If someone wants a custom built computer at a fair price and with a whole lot of extra value, you’re the ones I recommend.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2012.
Legacy Testimonial: 797
Bought a refurbished gpu (HD 4870 [I know but it’s better than my god awful 8400GS]). Came with everything and a cable to hook up the pcie pin to the molex of my psu. Only came with one. Jumped on the live chat, where I was directed to the proper phone number, where it was quickly and humourously (my bad humour dude was just good enough to laugh with me) explained that the adapter I got wasn’t really standard; my psu should have the pcie pins, but if it didn’t they’d send me one. Looked, and had one, but I love that they offered the adapter, probably knowing I’d have the pcie pins. Super nice all around, very satisfied, customer service was chill which is something I highly value.
Legacy Testimonial: 796
I am in absolute love! I had one of those “power supply dies, kill hard drives because the voltage went down the wrong rail” kind of failures on a five year old custom desktop. Now, I had been beating up the desktop pretty hard by running several programs at once, including Adobe Photoshop CS4, to the point of making it gasp, so I had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. I started doing my research and kept coming back to Puget Systems for various reasons, including the fact that they are relatively local, they had the name brand parts I wanted, and their configuration screen was relatively easy to work with.
What sold me was the customer service. After working with the configuration screen and not coming up with what I exactly wanted, I left a detailed story on their customer contact form on the weekend and by Monday evening, I had a response from Daniel with a quote for a machine. We discussed a few things and came up with a machine that had one, maybe two changes, from the original. Every communication that I’ve had with Daniel and the rest of the Puget Staff has been top notch. I haven’t felt talked down to, bedazzled with fancy tech terms, made to feel like I didn’t know what I was talking about, or have this sinking feeling that the person I was dealing with was reading from some canned script. Instead I knew I was dealing with real people with technical knowledge who understood and respected my level of technical expertise.
When I finally placed the order, I loved being able to watch the build progression online and know exactly where my machine was at. I felt like I was virtually there. The computer being packaged within a 50 pound box within a box set up so that the computer case looked immaculate and the computer worked the first time as expected was phenomenal. I could go on and on about all the good things that Puget did . . .. It’s enough to say that at one week and one day, I am very pleased with my computer and I have yet to make it gasp.
Legacy Testimonial: 795
I know the name of every person that played a role in building my CPU and the benchmark checks that were completed. I known that my CPU was tested and operated before it was sent out. The packing materials were impressive. I am pleased with the operation of my CPU and the fact that it was assembled in the USA by technicians who had a real concern about the operation of my CPU. No software other then the operating system and necessary drivers was a part of my decision making process. I strongly recommend Puget Systems.
Legacy Testimonial: 794
” About a year ago, a “day-trader” friend of mine ask me to help him find the best system his money could buy.
He wanted lightning fast multicore processing as he was going to be tied into Wall street live.
A little confused I said “what exactly are you doing on Wall Street” ?
” He said he trades live through an incredibly fast T1 or T3 type service that he was having installed in his house 300 miles from Wall Street.
” He said “Mike I need the fastest most reliable computer you could get built for me. I need 6 monitors. I need lots of storage space and a backup system in place in case I crash ” I can’t be down for more than a few minutes. It would be disasterous !
Well I decided to go with Puget systems.—— Best decision of my life !!!! They are the best !
From the first sales contact to just now when I called Tech support, I am absolutely blown away by their courteous and knowledgeable staff. The quality of their computers. The attention to detail and many other attributes.
I rate these folks as 10++++
Their machine is incredible !
My client had a power failure and like so many foolish consumers, failed to purchase a UPS.
So his computer went down right in the middle of it’s daily backup procedure.
As with any computer, it went down hard and some boot data got corrupted.
No problem for Scott or Christopher at Puget. A phone call from me to them and in 10 minutes we completely restored
my friends system. Incredible ! It used to take hours to do what we did in 10 minutes. Absolutely perfect.
I could not ask for better !!!!
Thank You
I don’t know what else to say except “we’ll be back” to purchase another system soon.
Legacy Testimonial: 793
I decided to wait about a year after receipt of my computer before I reviewed, in order to give a fair assessment of the operation of the new system. Short answer; awesome. This was absolutely the best experience in acquiring technology, or anything else, that I have had.
Puget guided me through the selection for exactly what I needed, helped me reduce costs, and sent me the best computer I have ever used.
Not one glitch. Not one problem with the hardware or installed software as requested – and the price was right. People walk into my office and see the four large HDMI monitors it drives and are really in awe. Oh, did I say quite, wow this baby is really quite with the liquid cooling, Antec Case, etc. I give Puget the highest recommendation possible as well as my sincere thanks for what they do so well.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.