"I am thrilled with the custom desktop computer Puget Systems assembled for me.
This desktop, built around their Serenity small form-factor configuration (micro-ATX size motherboard and case), is tailored to exactly meet my needs as a photographer who makes heavy use of Adobe’s Lightroom, Photoshop and other allied applications.
Some of the key attributes I wanted and found in the Puget Systems machine:
• A top-end Core i7 processor, sixth generation. That is currently the i7-6700K with a base clock speed of 4 GHz.
• 500 GByte SSD to be the boot drive and contain my executables and current working photography files.
• 2 TByte 3.5” drive for bulk data file and image file storage.
• Expandable for more drives: this machine can accommodate one more 2.5” drive and two more 3.5” drives.
• 16 GBytes of DDR4 RAM with room for an additional 16 GBytes.
• A mid-range video card with 4 GBytes of VRAM (my card is based on the NVIDIA GE Force GTX 960 processor).
• Plenty of USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 ports (eight and two).
• Sufficient power supply (650 W) to support all that future expansion.
• A quiet machine. Who wants to sit alongside a vacuum cleaner when trying to optimize photos?
• All in a handsome case that measures approximately 9” wide x 12” tall x 14” deep.
As I started my search, I checked carefully with the “Big 3” PC companies (you know them). What I found:
• Few systems that supported any level of customization. Increasingly, these vendors want to sell pre-packaged systems.
• For systems that did allow some level of customization, the machines I configured inevitably came up short on one or more key attributes:
o Still shipping fourth generation Core i7 processors, rather than sixth generation.
o Shipping sixth gen Core i7 but not the top of the line i7-6700K.
o Option for an SSD but limited to 256 GB.
o One SSD plus one spinning drive maxes out the system.
o Very limited power supply, say 250 W max.
o No discussion of system noise.
I considered building my own system but did not want to take on the integration job. A Google search for custom PC builders lead me to Puget Systems. I discovered a custom system from them would be in the same price class the best systems I could configure from the Big 3 but would meet 100% of my design goals for performance and expandability.
Some of the highlights of my experience with Puget include the following:
• Their website has a trove of knowledge. I found white papers on system performance for photographers, specifically outlining the performance needs of Lightroom and Photoshop. (There are papers for CAD-folks and others, too.)
• Their pre-sales support is highly responsive, knowledgeable yet unobtrusive (no annoying pop-up “chat/sales” windows.) That person efficiently answered my questions and helped me tune the configuration that produced a better system than I might have initially ordered.
• Their build process is totally transparent: once my order was placed, I could follow its assembly from parts staging, to assembly, to burn-in, to QA and finally to shipping.
• Puget puts your system to a demanding burn-in test and performance benchmarking with all the data made available to you. Great way to confirm the build, weed-out infant parts failure and trap issues before the machine leaves their facility.
• Great care in shipping. Box in a box, custom Styrofoam corners, heavy-duty corrugated boxes. Everything came through in fine shape.
• Delivery included a three-ring binder specific to my machine, with a USB flash drive to rebuild the machine to the exact configuration it had when it left the factory, and finally DVDs with OS and other software that’s installed.
• Speaking of software, a nice clean build: not a spec of bloatware. What a difference from the last few systems I’ve purchased from the Big 3.
If you are looking for a run of the mill, entry-level notebook PC, any of the Big 3 can serve you well. If you have more demanding needs and do not want to compromise on those needs, I urge you to talk to Puget Systems.
"
"Best computers available!"
"I bought a desktop from Puget, and I am extremely satisfied with it. It runs quietly and never pauses. The staff were very helpful with making sure I was getting the right computer for my needs. It's good to know that all the components used in the PC are good quality, not just the headline ones."
"After buying a 2600K in 2011 I had several occasions over the years to call Puget Systems to ask questions about my machine. They were always willing and able to help me.
When I needed more horsepower this year, they helped me configure my system, and delivered a great new machine. After the sale, one of their staff spoke with me and provided specialized information about obscure installation topics that is hard to find.
Dealing with Puget Systems has been a pleasure!
"
"This was my second order for two computers, the earlier two acquired several months apart about 5-6 years ago. If I last long enough to need another two, I'll be back to Puget. They can be trusted at every stage of the process, ordering, manufacturing, and after-sale support. There is little more to be said. There might be another equally satisfactory source for quiet PCs, but in my experience it's hard to imagine a better one."
"I am astounded at the level of service I received, packaging, and components are top of the line. Customer care / service are just great. "
"Forget Dell, HP, Lenovo, or anyone else. If you want a quality computer and excellent service, this is the place. I was amazed by the support given from the first inquiry until and after the product shipped. You can track your machine as it is being built and look at all the test results, Neat!!! The components used are top-notch, I've never seen such a neat, good looking tower interior as what I got. I referred a friend and she received hers yesterday. I've been using the computer for a couple of weeks now with Photoshop files 5g in size and love it. Great computer, wonderful staff. A++++++++++"
"After 20 years of purchasing all of our desktops from one of the "majors", we ran out of patience with the inept tech support and impossible to navigate voice response telephone systems. We decided to try Puget. Excellent all-around. We'll never go back."
"After buying Off-The-Shelf computers for the last 15 years and never being quite satisfied, I discovered Puget Custom Computers. These folks are awesome, they were so helpful and knowledgeable, asking the right questions and giving honest answers, and quickly building the computer to suit my needs. I talked to them several times after the initial order, making changes here and there with absolutely no hesitation on their part, they even pre-wired for additional components I wanted to add later.
Their workmanship and dedication are obvious in the end result.
Highly recommend!"
"Their entire process was great. They are true professionals. These are not the lowest-cost builds areound, but considering all the customer service, up-to-date communication, and no upselling, and warranty - I consider it an amazing value."
"I've been building watercooled, high end gaming pc's as a hobby for 7 years; my current pc is a Rampage V w/ 3 x GTX 980. Only problem building your own pc, is it takes a LOT of time, and a LOT of fiddling, ordering, and waiting.
I needed a high end pc for my wife, and needed it faster, and cheaper than I could do it my self - I found Puget Custom Computers, thank goodness, AND, I'm impressed.
- High end, priced right components
- They read my followup emails and set it up exactly how I wanted it
- Nothing loaded on to the PC that I didn't want
- The Documentation Book that came with, outstanding
- No Upselling of products - Thank you
- All necessary drivers loaded, and did notice they didn't load Nvidia's "Experience" - Thank You!
- I received my wife's custom build 10 days after ordering, counting the weekend
- Excellent shipping container/delivery
I will buy from them again, and I'm recommending Puget to my I.T. department for the company I run. Nuff said.
**On the price, remember, you're not buying a run of the mill pc from Costco or Best Buy, you're getting high end components, building a high quality product.
Thanks folks and Puget, and wish you the best in your continued success :-)
"
"For some reason my review came out funny but, it states the pros and cons from the two times I have purchased a gaming PC from Puget Systems. If I could rate Puget Systems higher I would! I simply love this company and I feel very grateful to have found them. I am currently on my second PC from them and couldn't be happier.
Pros:
- Reliable, fast response, best customer service I ever seen.
- Puget Systems does not add bloatware to there computers. Meaning you won't have computer with useless junk on it. Just the operating system you ask for and things you actually need.
- Puget Systems really listens to you and they do not try to up sale you with add-on parts that don't fit your needs or budget.
- When you order a PC you can watch the process with updates on there website so you know what's going on every step of the way while it's being built which is pretty cool because it's nice to see what's finished, what part are in order, and thermal pictures of your PC to show you where most of the heat is at so they can configure the fans properly to reduce heat in your PC.
- You can upgrade your computer you bought from them for free as part of there lifetime commitment to you as a customer and they'll even clean the dust out if you ask! So if you need a new video card and a power supply they can put it in for free. Great if your local if not it depends on shipping and handling costs.
- If you got a problem with your computer they actually care even after the computer is sold. Also a one year warranty and parts from Puget Systems is included. They also email you to check up on how your PC is doing after you use it 6 months or so to check if you're still satisfy with your purchase.
- Best benefit I found is if you're local like me you can always drive up to there place of business and avoid shipping and handling cost.
- Products they use are tested for reliability so there not going to sell you cheap unreliable motherboard, power supply, etc... They only sell parts for computers that they have tested a lot and feel strongly about when it comes to parts being reliable.
- If you call and talk to a sales rep and you have no clue about computers or what each part does they will explain every part and what it does and how it helps you when it comes to your needs in your computer you're trying to build. So you can also learn about computers parts and know which part you should spend more money on and what part you really don't need to.
Cons:
- Can take up to couple week since they have to build your computer and sometimes they have to get a part if its not in there inventory at the moment. With that being said this isn't really a con for me but, had to put something!
- If you're not local I assume things might not be good when it comes to upgrades or issues with your computer due to shipping and handling cost.
- They can be tad bit expensive if you're on a low budget depending on your needs of course. Nice thing though they will be honest and at least tell you the price and try there best to find best way to work with your budget."
"The support from configuration all the way to receipt of computer was excellent. The computer is whisper quiet, powerful, and configured the way I wanted it (just the operating system). Could not be more pleased."
"Puget builds us computers that are solid, built for what we need to do, and come with great support. I recommend them to everyone
"
"Having acquired a computer from Puget Systems in the past, it was with complete confidence that I placed my order. Due to circumstances there were complications related to where and when I would take delivery of my new computer. The people that I was in contact with there remained undaunted and I received my computer exactly when and as requested.
These people and the computers they put out are awesome! Write that down..."