# white box

> type of hardware (like a pc) without a well-known brand name

**Wikidata**: [Q5929755](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5929755)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_box_(computer_hardware))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/white-box

## Summary
A white box is a type of computer hardware without a well-known brand name, consisting of generic components assembled from various manufacturers. It is also known as a DIY computer and is classified as personal computer hardware.

## Key Facts
- White box is a type of computer hardware without a well-known brand name
- It is also known as a DIY computer or ホワイトボックスパソコン (white box computer in Japanese)
- It is classified as a subclass of personal computer hardware
- It has a sitelink count of 3 across different platforms
- It is documented in English, Japanese, and Lithuanian language Wikipedias
- Its Wikipedia title is "White box (computer hardware)"
- It has an apni_id of 433142
- Its freebase_id is /m/0713f4

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a white box and branded computers?
A: A white box computer is built using generic components from various manufacturers without a well-known brand name, while branded computers are made by established manufacturers with their own brand components and software.

### Q: Why would someone choose a white box computer over a branded one?
A: White box computers are typically more customizable and cost-effective than branded computers, as consumers can select specific components and avoid brand premiums, though they may come with less technical support.

### Q: Are white box computers reliable?
A: The reliability of white box computers depends on the quality of the generic components used and the assembly process, which can vary significantly between different builders.

## Why It Matters
White box computers have democratized the personal computer market by offering more affordable and customizable alternatives to proprietary branded systems. They provide users with the flexibility to select specific components that meet their needs and budget, rather than being limited to manufacturer configurations. This approach has been particularly valuable in markets where branded computers command a premium price, making computing technology more accessible to a wider range of users. Additionally, the white box approach supports the DIY (Do It Yourself) computing community and has been historically important in regions where local computer assemblers thrive. By breaking the dependency on global PC manufacturers, white boxes have stimulated local economies and fostered technical expertise in hardware assembly and customization.

## Notable For
- Component modularity - Unlike branded computers with fixed configurations, white boxes allow mixing and matching components from different manufacturers
- Cost-effectiveness - They generally offer better value for money by eliminating brand markups
- Customization potential - Users can build white boxes tailored to specific needs, from basic office machines to high-performance gaming rigs
- Support for DIY culture - Empowers users with technical knowledge to assemble and maintain their own systems
- International market presence - Recognized in multiple languages including English, Japanese, and Lithuanian Wikipedias

## Body
### Definition
A white box is a type of computer hardware without a well-known brand name. It consists of generic components assembled from various manufacturers to form a complete system.

### Classification
White box is classified as personal computer hardware, falling under the broader category of hardware forming part of or used with a personal computer.

### Alternative Names
The term "white box" is also known as DIY computer or ホワイトボックスパソコン (white box computer in Japanese).

### Documentation
White box computer hardware is documented on multiple platforms including Wikipedia in three languages: English (en), Japanese (ja), and Lithuanian (lt). Its Wikipedia title is specifically "White box (computer hardware)".

### Identifiers
The entity is tracked by various identification systems:
- apni_id: 433142
- freebase_id: /m/0713f4

### Related Entities
- Parent class: personal computer hardware
- Subclass relationship: personal computer hardware (sitelink_count: 4)

### Accessibility
The entity has 3 sitelinks across different platforms, indicating its presence in multiple knowledge bases or databases.