But it rarely matters for certain parts such as optical drives, since Windows 2K/XP usually have the drivers and in most cases you already have the necessary cabling. (And some people already have the extra software, i.e. the DVD decoder.)
i generally buy oem because i'm cheap, but for things that may malfunction more than others, i buy retail because they usually have better warranties.
oem is just a barebones version basically, you buy a dvd-rw oem you get the drive, and thats it. you buy retail you pay more, but you get manuals, driver cd's, usually dvd software, and cables/screws. depending on place of purchase and manufacturer you may get a better warranty too.
kurupt wrote:oem is just a barebones version basically, you buy a dvd-rw oem you get the drive, and thats it. you buy retail you pay more, but you get manuals, driver cd's, usually dvd software, and cables/screws. depending on place of purchase and manufacturer you may get a better warranty too.
Depending on the vendor, you'll also get free media.
OEM was really a means for independent PC builders to turn a better profit, back in the day. The parts cost less, therefore the entire system cost less and that made them more competitive.
These days, so many people build their own rigs, that anybody can get OEM anything.
