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: 792
I purchased a custom-built pc two years ago (June 2009) from Puget and have been very pleased with its performance. Beyond the hardware, however, Puget also has extremely responsive, competent, and gracious customer-support. When my RAID array wasn’t being detected by the BIOS (at 4am east cost time) and I couldn’t make heads or tails of what the problem was, within 12 hours Puget’s technical support had held my hand through the process of diagnosing and remedying the problem that stumped several of my more computer-savvy associates. I couldn’t have been more grateful. Thank you.
Legacy Testimonial: 791
This is my second desktop I have bought from Puget Sound and if I need another it will also be ordered from this them!!! This company is First Class; it takes me back to the 1950’s when people cared about what they did and took pride in what they built.
I miss those days when a man’s word was good enough. This company reminds me of those good old days. It has been a pleasure doing business with a company which has pride and integrity. Job well done!!!
Legacy Testimonial: 790
My company utilizes Puget as our sole source vendor for most of our data collection servers for the last 3 years. These servers are used for bleeding edge R&D projects. Although I’ve built systems for 20 years William George has saved me from making minor & major mistakes in our hardware configurations. Puget saves us money & time by not having to qualify our basic hardware & by helping us to not make design mistakes. I’ve always been impressed by the quality & depth of their build services as well as the quality of the technical knowledge of Puget’s employees.
Make no mistake: if you’re in the market for a custom PC, Puget is the world’s greatest custom PC builder.
Legacy Testimonial: 789
Jon,
This is the second system I have purchased from Puget. I thought the first one was great but this latest one is Fantastic! Much more than I ever expected and Quiet! Hope it lasts over six years just like the other one. So see you in six years?
Legacy Testimonial: 788
I shopped around, and you guys have given me the best choice, such as what options I can select, not to mention about the best prices.
Legacy Testimonial: 787
In early 2011, I ordered the first Sandy Bridge Echo II with Linux OS.
The friendly staff means well, but I had several problems throughout the entire process.
Pros:
The binder with papers and spare components and the files with burn-in testing reports are very nice. The Build-progress website it very nice. Puget has the best website and prices for “white-box” custom builds.
Cons:
Puget has much room for improvement in build quality, pre-sales website. Pre- and post-sale Support is helpful and friendly.
Bottom Line:
Ultimately, I chose Puget because I couldn’t get the custom-spec machine I wanted built anywhere else. I’d hesitate before buying from Puget again, but I don’t know anyone else that is better. Ultimately, the PC world just isn’t Apple quality, so the tradeoff is “customizability” vs “top-line build quality”.
Details:
I submitted corrections for several product spec errors on the website.
My computer arrive with the case metal pieces partially separated, with panels screwed together in incorrect alignment.
The front panel audio jacks are misshapen, so headphone/microphone plugs pop out upon insertion.
For cable management, the hard drives were connected to incorrect SATA cables, so I had to remove and re-arrange the cable plugs when I added a second hard drive.
The Linux option is slightly misleading. Even though it is officially not supported, it would be nice to be warned that some basic functionality (like Suspend/Hibernate) flat out does not work on Puget’s current generation of hardware (Intel Sandy Bridge).
Puget kindly offered to replace my system with a rebuild, but I didn’t see how that would help, but it would add hassle.
The Asus motherboard driver CD had Zynga malware on it (but this isn’t really Puget’s fault — I assume the Puget-pre-installed Windows OS does not have the same malware).
Legacy Testimonial: 785
Where to begin…. At five years my old computer, while fairly well equipped, was beginning to show its age. What I really wanted was a unit built specifically to address my needs in dealing with some rather large projets in Photoshop CS5, LR3, and Premier, as well as some fairly intensive HDR , Panorama applications…
Over the last 25 years I have dealt with the “big” computer manufacturers, foreign based (or virtually non-existent) Customer Service, seemingly endless phone waits, representatives that seemed genuinely offended that I didn’t hold a Masters Degree in Computer Sciences, and with units that were stamped out like so many cookies. I also tried a “custom” business on the East Coast that, at the time, had a good reputation… Unfortunately, as is often the case with rapid expansion, their product reliability in general and customer service in particular has really taken a hit. Make one myself?… An invitation to disaster!… Good at using them, yes… building them, no!
In my search (and an attempt to catch up with today’s technology) I began to see a good deal of input on a business called Puget Systems. . The more I looked and read… the more I liked what I saw. Their web site was extremely professional, well laid out, and very informative. No glitz and flashing signs or “fluff over substance”. The ratings for this Puget Systems were/are fantastic… With almost a thousand direct customer reviews in one source I couldn’t find one that was other than “five stars”. A common thread in every personal account was the ” outstanding customer service and the build philosophy of the company”..
My original e-mail inquiry was answered the same day by William George. Thus began a two week correspondence between the two of us relative to my needs. William was incredibly well versed on the various options open to me and even made suggestions relative to my build that ended up giving me better performance, less “overkill”, and a cost saving. While he was obviously knowledgeable enough to “bury me in technicalities” William addressed my needs and explained his reasoning in a manner that was easily understood by someone beginning to suffer far more “senior moments” than I would like to admit. There was no “sales pitch”, no rushing, no pressure to buy, and no question was ever regarded as to small to address. Patience, professionalism, and knowledge… a powerful combination!
Equally impressive was the content of the Puget Systems web site. In looking at the various models it was refreshing to be able to click on a component and have a window come up with comments from the staff on exactly why that unit/part was selected/recommended, their experience with it, and other important information.
The final price of the unit was more than reasonable considering its components. I came away from my discussions and research with the feeling that I was getting a well though out, compatible, and extremely powerful system with a company that was willing to back up its reliability.
The ordering process was painless (aside from the slight change in my $ balance) and it was enjoyable to be able to follow the fabrication and testing of my own unit on-line… Again, the result of a great site and obvious company pride.
I elected to travel the 100 miles from my home to take delivery directly from Puget Systems… On arrival, William was there to meet me and I had a chance to meet other staff members as well. The computer was hooked up and running. I was shown that all the special configurations of discs, partitions, and OS installation had been done as we had discussed. The interior of the unit showed that a great deal of attention to detail and pride had gone into the assembly.
I was also supplied with complete Benchmark and testing results, the unit is pre-setup for expansion of drives and the like… all the necessary parts and cables are included.
When I arrived home and began the dreaded transfer of data,photos, and installation of applications I fount that it was actually fun (?) . When I got Photoshop CS5 and LightRoom 3 installed I couldn’t resist doing some “tests”… All I can say is “WOW!”. I had timed some previous photo processing actions on one fairly large file with my old unit… 18 sec. Same action on the new unit…3 sec! Let’s just say “It is fast”.
I couldn’t be happier with Puget Systems, their staff, and their product. I will buy there again and will highly recommend them to anyone considering a step-up in quality, performance, and service. Maybe not the largest company in the U.S. but certainly among the very best!
Legacy Testimonial: 784
#83200. Simply the best and most professional computer buying experience I have ever had, period. Quality top to bottom. Highly recommended.
Legacy Testimonial: 783
#86087. This computer received in excellent condition thanks to the proper packing. Overlook shows the attention to detail given to this build by talented and interested Puget Systems staff. The machine fires right up with no noise, none, not even any kind of a sound. Fast boot, no heat. Everything works smooth and is a pleasure to use. The video drives an AsusVH2442H in HDMI 16×9 with a outstanding picture really breathtaking. Since the machine is silent a person can stay at the desk much longer than being next to one that noisey.
To sum things up The Puget Systems people design and build computers that are as good as you can get, SOTA. You receive a lot of extras that are to numerous to list here and then there are the people. The people make the the whole experience over the top. I like this company there products and there way of doing business. I plan to have several more machines built by them.
Legacy Testimonial: 782
To encounter a company that takes quality and customer service as imperatives is rare in the fierce competition of the PC arena – Puget Systems does. The Serenity model delivered: silent and swift. Other observations on this Serenity that is used primarily for financial analysis with Excel:
– There was no effort to sell me hardware I did not need
– The prices are fair
– My questions about the final system were answered by Jeff who was knowledgeable, patient and courteous
– The system was built and tested over a holiday, shipped on a Monday, reflecting a serious work ethic
– The shipping package is by far the most carefully thought out I have seen
– The computer arrived intact after a flight from the West Coast to the Gulf Coast
– Quality parts and meticulous cabling were a welcome sight
– The software was installed and updated with current patches and drivers
– A Rescue Disk was included with the all parts and extensive documentation
The list goes on. This was not a minimum configuration, a sizzling i7, 16 G of memory, a SSD primary drive, a 2 T secondary internal disk, and a potent graphics card. I have yet to hear a fan crank up. The Serenity is not just quiet, it is silent. An ideal office machine.
There may be other companies that can match Puget Systems quality and service but I haven’t found them.
Read more testimonials from Puget Systems clients.