DescentBB

what is the difference?

I was looking at newegg.com

OEM doesn't have the box. In the case of processors it doesn't have the heatsink/fan assembly. Sometimes doesn't have a driver CD.

Just think of it as hardware-only.

and most importantly, doesn't usually carry the same warranty

Doesn't always have all the extra cables either; such as vivo cables.

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.)

Well an Example of OEM Vs Retail

Microsoft Windows XP Professional (full version)

Retail: 299.99
OEM : 117.00

What is the difference: Well with the retail version you prepay for tech support...

nothing more folks! Oh and a pretty blue box!

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.

thanks!

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.