In
computer hardware
Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), random-access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, and computer case. It includes external devices ...
, a white box is a
personal computer
A personal computer, commonly referred to as PC or computer, is a computer designed for individual use. It is typically used for tasks such as Word processor, word processing, web browser, internet browsing, email, multimedia playback, and PC ...
or
server without a well-known
brand name
A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's goods or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create and ...
.
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 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 operating system
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common daemon (computing), services for computer programs.
Time-sharing operating systems scheduler (computing), schedule tasks for ...
, 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
Intel Corporation is an American multinational corporation and technology company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and Delaware General Corporation Law, incorporated in Delaware. Intel designs, manufactures, and sells computer compo ...
defined
form factor and interconnection standards for notebook computer components, including "Barebones" (chassis and
motherboard
A motherboard, also called a mainboard, a system board, a logic board, and informally a mobo (see #Nomenclature, "Nomenclature" section), is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other expandable systems. It ho ...
),
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 hard disk drive platter, pla ...
,
optical disk drive,
LCD
A liquid-crystal display (LCD) is a flat-panel display or other electronically modulated optical device that uses the light-modulating properties of liquid crystals combined with polarizers to display information. Liquid crystals do not em ...
, battery pack, keyboard, and AC/DC adapter. These building blocks are primarily marketed to computer building companies, rather than DIY users.
Costs
While saving money is a common motivation for building one's own PC, for example in the US it is generally more expensive to build a low-end PC than to buy a pre-built one from a well-known manufacturer.
See also
*
Beige box
In consumer computer products, a beige box is a standard personal computer (PC). It has come to be used as a term of derision implying conservative or dated aesthetics and unremarkable specifications. The term is ultimately derived from the sty ...
*
Enthusiast computing
A gaming computer, also known as a gaming PC, is a specialized personal computer designed for playing PC games at high standards. They typically differ from mainstream personal computers by using high-performance graphics cards, a high core-co ...
*
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