White box (computer hardware)

In computer hardware, a white box is a personal computer or server without a well-known brand name.

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.

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.