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Those vendors will buy THE cheapest parts possible and throw the system together based on these should work. Skimp on a power supply, I don't care WHO builds it, and I've seen many an el-cheapo PSU stuck in a name-brand PC, ready to take out the rest of your computer if you're unlucky (and lucky if it is the only thing that dies.) Admittedly in the consumer market, where most of my client base lies.

I agree, build with quality components, and you'll get more than 18 months out of a white-box. The vendors who want to maximize profits at any cost will buy the cheapest, only to have them fail when least convenient. Vendors who only go with proven quality parts can build a running system that will outlast a few generations of improvements. I don't care if you're white-box builder/vendor or a multi-million dollar OEM... if you skimp, you will hurt the client in the end.

CHECK THE VENDOR out closely, and don't necessarily go for the lowest price units, white-box or major name.