Barebone computer

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Shuttle SN41G2 (non standard form factor). This series typically contains custom size motherboard and power supply, while CPU, memory and drives (2 HDD can be fitted) must be purchased separately. Graphics is usually added via PCI-Express extension card (double width supported) but processor graphics, if present, is accessible. Processor cooling evolved from relying on the cooler that is sold with CPU till recently offered highly custom laptop-style heat sinks[1]
Supermicro 5016T-MTFB (1U server). CPU and memory slots are empty; also contains one (topmost) dummy fan that can be replaced by functional fan if required. While blue SATA cables to hard drives are installed (top edge), hard drives themselves are not included. The available PCI-Express slot (riser card in the middle) is also empty. Includes motherboard, CD-ROM and power supply (bottom).[2] Old PCI slot is still present on the motherboard but requires separately sold riser card to be reachable.

A barebone computer is a partially assembled platform or an unassembled kit of computer parts allowing more customization and lower costs than a retail computer system.[3] They are available for desktop computer, notebook (see barebook) and server purposes, and in nearly any form factor. Manufacturers are also able to produce systems of a specialized or non-standard form factor, since the system is sold as a pre-built unit, with the motherboard and power supply already installed.[4]


Assembling a barebone computer by hand is usually less expensive than buying a pre-configured computer from a retailer, and may save time and labor compared with building a system from scratch. A typical barebone desktop system consists of a computer case (or tower), with a pre-fitted motherboard and power supply, and often cooling accessories, an optical drive, and possibly a media-card reader. The purchaser of such a platform only has to equip it with a CPU, RAM, hard drive (if these are not already included) and additional input/output devices depending on their needs. This often includes installing an upgraded graphics processor if the one built into the motherboard is deemed insufficient (or not present at all). Audio adapter or network adapter may be added but this is less common as recent motherboards often already contain capable solutions.

Peripherals, such as a keyboard, mouse and monitor, almost always must be acquired separately. Barebone systems sometimes include a CPU or RAM, but rarely any mass storage media (hard drives), operating system or other software. Sometimes PCs with everything a normal desktop PC has except Microsoft Windows operating systems are sold as a barebone computer, but may include free software such as Linux. Refurbished and used computers may also be repackaged as barebone computers, as many computers returned for refurbishing may have missing, broken, or obsolete parts such as hard drives and peripherals.

Upgrade limitations[edit]

Future upgradeability of a barebone system may be limited, especially from the point of view of the motherboard component, which may have less space for extra I/O devices and fewer memory and PCI card slots than desired. The motherboard may not be compatible with faster processors and memory than those originally purchased with the barebone system. Barebones may also have limit on the maximal processor thermal design power (TDP) and not be able to support CPUs that would otherwise fit into the socket.


The following companies currently manufacture barebone computers:

This list is not absolute or exhaustive.

See also[edit]


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