In
computer hardware
Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and motherboard.
...
, a white box is a
personal computer
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or te ...
or
server
Server may refer to:
Computing
*Server (computing), a computer program or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called clients
Role
* Waiting staff, those who work at a restaurant or a bar attending customers and su ...
without a well-known
brand name
A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's good or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create an ...
.
The term is usually applied to systems assembled by small
system integrators and to
homebuilt computer systems assembled by end users from parts purchased separately at retail. In this sense, building a white box system is part of the
DIY
"Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individuals use raw and sem ...
movement.
[Dell eyes 'white box' market](_blank)
CNET News, August 20, 2002
The term is also applied to high volume production of unbranded
PCs that began in the mid-1980s with 8 MHz Turbo XT systems selling for just under $1000.
In 2002, around 30% of personal computers sold annually were white box systems.
Operating systems
While PCs built by system manufacturers generally come with a
pre-installed
Pre-installed software (also known as bundled software) is software already installed and licensed on a computer or smartphone bought from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).[operating system
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common daemon (computing), services for computer programs.
Time-sharing operating systems scheduler (computing), schedule tasks for ef ...]
, 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 uses an
OEM copy of the OS.
Whitebook or Intel "Common Building Blocks"
Intel Corporation defined
form factor and interconnection standards for notebook computer components, including "Barebones" (chassis and
motherboard
A motherboard (also called mainboard, main circuit board, mb, mboard, backplane board, base board, system board, logic board (only in Apple computers) or mobo) is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other expand ...
),
hard disk drive
A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-mechanical data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage with one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with mag ...
,
optical disk drive
In computing, an optical disc drive is a disc drive that uses laser light or electromagnetic waves within or near the visible light spectrum as part of the process of reading or writing data to or from optical discs. Some drives can only ...
,
LCD, battery pack, keyboard, and AC/DC adapter. These building blocks are primarily marketed to computer building companies, rather than
DIY
"Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individuals use raw and sem ...
users.
Costs
While saving money is a common motivation for building one's own PC, today it is generally more expensive to build a low-end PC than to buy a pre-built one from a well-known manufacturer, due to the build quality and the total cost of the parts being used.
For these reasons, it is usually better to just buy a pre-assembled computer from a well-known manufacturer or brand name rather than just have people build it themselves (unless one has the talent, skills, budget, and the knowledge to do so).
See also
*
Beige box
*
DIY ethic
"Do it yourself" ("DIY") is the method of building, modifying, or repairing things by oneself without the direct aid of professionals or certified experts. Academic research has described DIY as behaviors where "individuals use raw and sem ...
*
Enthusiast computing
*
Homebuilt computer
*
White-label product
A white-label product is a product or service produced by one company (the producer) that other companies (the marketers) rebrand to make it appear as if they had made it.
The name derives from the image of a white label on the packaging that ...
References
{{reflist
Computer enclosure
Electronics manufacturing
Personal computers
Computer jargon