Custom PCs and FCC certification

[bradl]

Hello

Another post about FCC got me wondering: AFAIK, FCC does not give certifications for motherboards (https://transition.fcc.gov/bureaus/oet/info/documents/bulletins/oet62/oet62rev.pdf):

The FCC does NOT currently authorize motherboards, cases and internal power supplies. Vendor claims that they are selling "FCC-certified cases," "FCC-certified motherboards" or "FCC-certified internal power supplies" are false.

If the motherboards themselves are not certified, are assembled PCs (from Dell, HP, etc.) certified? Many local shops sell assembled/custom PCs as well, so are custom PCs meant to be certified?

Can someone assemble and sell a computer without getting FCC authorization?

Yes, as long as they start with an FCC-authorized system and add to it only FCC-authorized peripherals (or certain subassemblies that don't affect the authorization of the system such as internal disk drives and internal memory expansion units).

The boards aren't certified to begin with, wouldn't it be impossible to start with a certified system?

[RGB255_0_0]

Never really noticed, so I took a look at my old 775 board from Gigabyte: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3485#ov

Obvious FCC logo there and...

And as long as you don't modify modules, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adaptors, then I don't see how a custom PC would break FCC compliance.

[bradl]

Never really noticed, so I took a look at my old 775 board from Gigabyte: http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3485#ov

Obvious FCC logo there and...

So this board is a Class B device. Isn't it required to publish the test reports of Class B devices though? I can't seem to find even your board's FCC ID.

[DimitriP]

So this board is a Class B device. Isn't it required to publish the test reports of Class B devices though? I can't seem to find even your board's FCC ID.

There are all kinds of  "-ATION" for equipment (ok...three)
More fun facts here : https://www.fcc.gov/general/equipment-authorization-procedures

[bradl]

There are all kinds of  "-ATION" for equipment (ok...three)
More fun facts here : https://www.fcc.gov/general/equipment-authorization-procedures

Thanks for the useful link. It says:

However, the responsible party must provide a test report and other information demonstrating compliance with the rules upon request by the Commission.

So, if the FCC finds a particular custom PC troubling, would they ask the custom PC assembler or the board maker for the test reports? I'm guessing the test reports are the board maker's property and they're kept private. But then, wouldn't the "responsible party" be the assembler since they would be the one who selects the part and engages in the sale?