MCP Server
BuildBox runs a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, so an AI assistant you trust — Claude or any MCP-capable client — can browse the parts catalog, check compatibility, and assemble a complete PC for a budget, directly. It proposes builds; you review and order. It never orders or takes payment.
Endpoint
Point your MCP client at this HTTP endpoint:
POST https://buildboxapp.com/api/mcpHow to connect
Add BuildBox as a remote MCP server in your client's config. The exact format varies by client; a typical entry looks like:
{
"mcpServers": {
"buildbox": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://buildboxapp.com/api/mcp"
}
}
}- 1Add the endpoint above to your MCP client (config file or an “add server” dialog).
- 2The client calls tools/list and discovers BuildBox's seven tools.
- 3Ask in plain language — e.g. “assemble a $1500 gaming PC for 1440p” — and the assistant uses the tools, then hands you a build to review.
What the assistant can do
Seven tools, each wrapping the same logic the site itself uses. Parts are referenced by a public slug.
list_categoriesList the component categories BuildBox builds with.search_partsFree-text search across the catalog (brand, model, or keyword).list_partsList parts in a category, optionally capped by price or brand.get_partFull detail for one part — price, description, and the full spec table.check_compatibilityCheck a set of parts for socket, memory, power, and clearance issues.assemble_buildTurn a budget + use case into 2–3 complete, compatible build options (in-budget, ≈10% and ≈20% over) with a rationale for each.create_buildSave a chosen parts list and get a shareable build link to review on the site.Try it from the terminal
Every tool is a plain JSON-RPC call. List the available tools with curl:
curl -X POST https://buildboxapp.com/api/mcp \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-d '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"tools/list"}'What it will never do
The MCP server stops before any transaction. No tool orders, pays, enters an address, or touches an account. The assistant assembles and saves a build; a person opens the link, reviews it, and buys on BuildBox. Financial actions stay with you.
FAQ
- What is the BuildBox MCP server?
- An HTTP endpoint that lets an MCP-capable AI assistant work with BuildBox directly — browse the catalog, check part compatibility, and assemble a build for a budget — without copying data around by hand.
- How do I connect my assistant?
- Add the endpoint (buildboxapp.com/api/mcp) as a remote MCP server in your client. Read tools need no account; the assistant then discovers the tools and uses them when you ask.
- Can the assistant place an order or pay?
- No. The tools never order, pay, set an address, or change account settings. The assistant can only assemble and save a build and return a link — you review and buy on the site yourself.
- Do I need an API key or login?
- No. Browsing and assembling are anonymous. Saving a build uses a shared guest account and returns a public link you can open and fork into your own account before ordering.