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In computer hardware, a white box is a personal computer or server assembled from off-the-shelf parts. The term is 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 latter sense, building a white box system is part of the DIY movement.[1][2]
Because form factors like ATX and connectors such as IDE, SATA, PCI, and PCI-Express are industry-wide standards, 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 less-common term "whitebook" denotes a notebook computer assembled from off-the-shelf parts.
Computer professionals and intensive computer users often prefer white box computers constructed with higher quality components which they are able to specify as opposed to the lower cost generic components often found in general purpose PCs. For these users performance, longevity and expansion capability take precedence to achieving the absolute lowest cost through the use of the cheapest possible components.
In 2002 around 30% of personal computers sold annually were whitebox systems.[2]
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Operating system
While PCs 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. Self-building white box PCs is still popular among users of the Linux operating system, though manufacturers such as Dell are beginning to offer Ubuntu pre-installed. In less developed countries the systems might be sold without an OS, potentially receiving a pirated Microsoft Windows later from their users.
Whitebook or Intel "Common Building Blocks"
Intel Corporation defined form factor and interconnection standards for notebook computer components, including "Barebones" (chassis and motherboard), hard disk drive, optical disk drive, LCD, battery pack, keyboard, and AC/DC adapter. These building blocks are primarily marketed to computer building companies, rather than DIY users.
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