what is a "bare bones" system?

[stevel227]

I have a 4 yr old PIII that will soon need to be replaced. I get ads from TigerDirect for "bare bones" systems, and I'm not sure what that is. Is it a complete computer without OS, monitor and keyboard? Or is it missing other necessary hardware components, like video/audio cards and networking jacks, etc? I'm not interested in building my own computer, but don't mind buying a separate OS and already have a good monitor and keyboard.

Thanks for help! (the ads are just not that complete)

 

[V_R]

Basiclly its just the tower, no keyboard, mouse, monitor, printers or anything else.

 

[Me__2001]

Basiclly its just the tower, no keyboard, mouse, monitor, printers or anything else.

i always thought that it was a case with PSU and just a motherboard ? you then have to add all the other parts ?

 

[V_R]

To elaborate...

Well i guess we're both kind of right, a 'barebones system' can be a basic tower, just the case, psu and motherboard, but some have cpu's and ram installed too. It seems to depend on where you shop. They are usually supplied without a hard drive, keyboard, mouse, monitor and operating system.

For example, Novatech have barebone systems Here These have all but graphics and hard drives.

Good explanation here.

HTH.


Sorry my first post wasn't too clear, i was in a bit of a rush.

 

[stevel227]

thanks for feedback

So I guess if I want to upgrade my machine while saving my HDs, flat panel and keyboard (and maybe video card), I guess I'd better be careful to pay attention to what's offered. I'd hate to buy a barebones one, thinking that all I'll have to do is buy a new operating system and patch my good hardware stuff on the new machine ... only to find out that it doesn't come with the essential A-frame, or fritzenbyte engine, or whirlygig flugenator .... can you tell I don't know much about building machines?

Guess my best bet is to just buy a fully configured machine, but just without monitor, and start from there.

S