White box (computer hardware)

In computer hardware, a white box is a personal computer assembled from off-the-shelf parts. The term is applied to systems assembled by small systems integrators, and to homebuilt computer systems assembled by end users from parts purchased separately at retail. With standardization of form factors and connectors, a whole range of cases, motherboards, CPUs, hard disk drives, RAM and other parts can be obtained individually at many computer shops and assembled at home with a minimum of tools and technical skill. Alternatively, the shop itself may assemble components into a complete machine at a modest additional cost.

Similarly, the term "white book" denotes a notebook computer assembled from off-the-shelf parts.

In many cases buying a white box computer can save you money. They often come with better warranties than computers from HP or Dell because the system builder can simply pass on the manufacturer's warranties.

Operating system

While PC's built by system manufacturers generally come with a pre-installed operating system, White boxes from both large and small system vendors and other VAR channels can be ordered with or without a pre-installed OS. Usually when ordered with an operating system the system builder will use an OEM copy of the OS.

Pictures

File:Cb55 12.jpg

See also

Beige box

External links

• Buying a Non-Branded "White Box" PC
• What you need to know to buy a computer