When it comes to professional workstations, the market is saturated with options, each promising peak performance and reliability. However, Puget Systems distinguishes itself by not just offering high-quality components, but also providing a deeply personalized and supportive customer experience. This review delves into the Puget Systems Genesis I custom workstation, exploring what makes it stand out in a competitive landscape. We will analyze its build process, performance benchmarks, and the overall value proposition for professionals in demanding fields like video editing, color grading, and content creation. Is the Genesis I worth the investment? Let’s find out.
Personalized Consultation and System Configuration
The journey with Puget Systems begins with a refreshing departure from typical tech purchases. Instead of being presented with pre-set configurations, customers are engaged in a detailed consultation process. In the case of this Genesis I review, the reviewer spoke directly with a Puget Systems representative, Jeff Stubbers. This wasn’t a generic sales pitch; it was a conversation focused on understanding the reviewer’s specific needs and workflows.
The discussion revolved around the software used, the intensity of tasks within those applications, and future-proofing considerations. Questions were tailored to understand whether the system would be used for heavy 3D work in After Effects or more streamlined tasks. The conversation explored the balance between Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, and the increasingly popular Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve, ensuring the system would be optimized for the most critical applications. The reviewer expressed a desire for a versatile system, capable of handling everything from occasional After Effects projects to heavy Resolve workloads, all while aiming for a budget under $10,000.
This consultative approach is crucial. Puget Systems doesn’t dictate what you should buy; they listen to your requirements and then recommend a configuration that precisely aligns with your professional needs and budgetary constraints. This ensures that customers are not overspending on unnecessary components or underspending in areas critical to their workflow. The focus on application-specific needs, such as the benefits of dual GTX 1080 Ti GPUs for Resolve and an Intel i9 processor for overall performance, demonstrates Puget Systems’ expertise in tailoring hardware to software demands.
Transparent Build Process and Quality Assurance
Once the system configuration is finalized, Puget Systems provides an unparalleled level of transparency into the build process. Customers receive access to a dedicated webpage that is continually updated with details and images of their workstation as it is being assembled. This isn’t just a generic progress tracker; it includes actual photos of your system being built.
This level of detail extends to showcasing the individuals involved in each stage. From Beth, the installer, to Kyle who conducts initial benchmarks, and Josh who performs quality control, customers get to see the team behind their custom build. This transparency is more than just a novelty; it instills confidence and trust. When Josh identified that a GTX 1080 Ti was incorrectly placed in a reduced bandwidth PCIe slot and sent it back for correction, it highlighted Puget Systems’ rigorous quality control measures. This proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues before shipping is a testament to their commitment to delivering a flawless product.
The transparent build process and stringent quality control are significant differentiators. In an era where custom PC building often lacks accountability, Puget Systems provides a clear window into their operations, fostering a sense of trust and assurance that every detail is meticulously handled.
Unboxing and Premium Components
The Puget Systems Genesis I arrives meticulously packaged, reflecting the care put into its construction. The workstation is double-boxed, with sturdy foam corner protection surrounding the Fractal Design case box. An accessory box is included, containing essential cables and a comprehensive three-ring binder. This binder is not just filled with generic manuals; it’s a personalized document containing detailed information about your specific system. It includes the same build photos seen online, thermal imaging pictures, benchmark results specific to your system (covering real-world applications like Cinebench and Adobe Premiere), and a recovery USB 3.0 drive.
The attention to detail extends to what’s not included. Puget Systems thoughtfully omits unnecessary third-party manuals and extra cables, providing only what is essential for your setup. This contrasts sharply with other custom PC builders who often simply throw all included components into a generic bag.
Upon powering on the Genesis I, the first impression is silence. The Fractal Design Define R5 Titanium case, lined with sound-deadening material, effectively eliminates almost all noise. This quiet operation is a significant advantage for professionals working in noise-sensitive environments.
The components within the Genesis I are top-tier, reflecting a commitment to quality and performance.
System Specifications of the Reviewed Puget Systems Genesis I:
- Motherboard: Gigabyte X299 Designare EX
- CPU: Intel Core i9 7940X 3.1GHz 14 Core 19.25MB 165W
- RAM: 8x Crucial DDR4-2666 16GB
- GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 TI 11GB (x2)
- Sound: Onboard
- Networking: Integrated WiFi+Bluetooth
- Primary Drive: Samsung 860 Pro 512GB SATA3 2.5-inch SSD
- Secondary Drive: Samsung 970 Pro 1TB M.2 SSD
- Optical Drive: Asus 24x DVD-RW SATA
- Case: Fractal Design Define R5 Titanium
- Power Supply: EVGA SuperNova 1200W P2
- CPU Cooling: Noctua NH-U12DX i4
- Thermal Compound: Arctic Cooling MX-2
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
- Warranty: Lifetime labor and tech support, one-year parts warranty
- Software: LibreOffice, Chrome, Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop App, Resolve 1-3 GPU (courtesy installs)
The system subtotal for this configuration was $8,358.38. While not inexpensive, the price is justified by the quality of components, the meticulous build, and the exceptional support offered.
Performance Benchmarks in Real-World Applications
The true test of any workstation lies in its performance under pressure. The Genesis I was rigorously benchmarked using industry-standard software and real-world video editing scenarios. The reviewer, a video editor and colorist, focused on tests relevant to their daily workflow, particularly within Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 15 and Adobe Premiere Pro.
DaVinci Resolve 15 Performance:
A 10-minute UHD (3840×2160) sequence at 23.98fps, incorporating mixed format footage (4K and 8K Red, ARRI Raw UHD, ProRes4444), served as the primary test project. Temporal Noise Reduction, resizes, and a base grade were applied to simulate realistic editing conditions.
- Smart User Cache: Caching to DNxHR HQX 10-bit on the secondary Samsung 1TB drive took 4 minutes and 34 seconds.
- Playback Performance: Real-time playback was achieved for all media except 8K footage, which played smoothly at Quarter Res Good (approximately 18-20fps at Half Res).
- H.264 Export: Exporting the sequence to H.264 (23.98fps, UHD, auto-quality, main profile) took 11 minutes and 57 seconds.
- DNxHR HQX 10-bit Export: Exporting to DNxHR HQX 10-bit QuickTime took 7 minutes and 44 seconds.
Compared to an Intel i9-based MacBook Pro with a Blackmagic eGPU Radeon Pro 580, the Genesis I demonstrated significant performance gains. The MacBook Pro took 16 minutes and 21 seconds for H.264 export and a lengthy 22 minutes and 57 seconds for ProRes4444 export on a similar test.
Adobe Premiere Pro Performance:
Similar tests were conducted in Adobe Premiere Pro using a comparable sequence.
- H.264 Export: Exporting to H.264 (23.98fps, UHD, VBR 10Mb/s target rate) took 9 minutes and 15 seconds.
- H.265 Export: Exporting to H.265 took 47 minutes.
- DNxHR HQX 10-bit Export: Exporting to DNxHR HQX 10-bit QuickTime took 24 minutes.
Drive Speed and System Benchmarks:
- AJA System Test (1TB Secondary Drive, UHD, 16GB file, ProRes HQ): Read speed of 2951MB/sec and write speed of 2569MB/sec were recorded, indicating excellent performance for cache and project drives.
- Cinebench R15: OpenGL – 153.02fps, CPU – 2905 cb, CPU (single core) – 193cb, MP Ratio 15.03x.
- Unigine Superposition Benchmark: Overall score of 7653 (min 45.58fps, avg 57.24fps, max 72.11fps).
These benchmarks confirm the Puget Systems Genesis I as a powerhouse workstation, capable of handling demanding video editing and color grading tasks with ease. The inclusion of dual GTX 1080 Ti cards and a powerful Intel i9 processor translates directly into tangible performance benefits in professional applications.
Conclusion: Is the Puget Systems Genesis Worth It?
In conclusion, the Puget Systems Genesis I custom workstation transcends the typical custom-built PC experience. While the option to build a PC yourself using online component pickers exists, Puget Systems offers something far more valuable: expert consultation, meticulous build quality, transparent processes, and exceptional customer support that extends far beyond the initial purchase.
The Genesis I is not just about high-end components; it’s about the entire ecosystem Puget Systems has created around its workstations. From the initial phone consultation to the detailed build updates and the comprehensive post-delivery support, every aspect is designed to provide a premium and reassuring experience.
For professionals who rely on their workstations for their livelihood, the Puget Systems Genesis I represents a worthwhile investment. The slightly higher price point compared to DIY builds is justified by the peace of mind, reliability, and performance optimization that Puget Systems delivers. If you are seeking a custom workstation that is not only powerful but also backed by a company that genuinely prioritizes customer satisfaction and quality, the Puget Systems Genesis deserves strong consideration. It’s more than just a PC; it’s a partnership for professional success.
Source: postPerspective
Link: https://postperspective.com/review-puget-systems-genesis-custom-workstation/
