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CPU: OEM vs. Retail.

OEM--cheaper, minimal warranty, comes with just the cpu in a little vacuum formed package.

Retail--more expensive, 3 year warranty or so, comes with a heatsink and fan, instruction sheet, warranty card, etc.
 
With OEM, you'll get only the cpu. With retail, you'll get the cpu, a heatsink fan, and nice pretty box. Also, retail cpus usually carry a longer warranty than OEMs. Performance wise, there's no difference.
 
Wow! You guys are quick!

When I built my system, I bought an OEM and bought the fan of my choice. I was also wondering if there was any performance advantage in one CPU over another.
 
If you do not overclock, it does not matter, get the cheapest combination you can.

If you want to overclock get the retail, it comes sealed.

Some retailers check unsealed OEM.
 
Retail and OEM's are the same exact chips. The overclockability of a processor varies from chip to chip. What he was referring to is that some retailers test OEM chips to see which ones are better overclockers and sell them for more $. Since OEM chips come in bulk, it is easy for a retailer to check them as opposed to retail chips that are in a sealed package. However, so few retailers do that it really is a nonissue.
 
Originally posted by: yellowperil
Don't forget the nifty case sticker!
Click to expand...

Good point yellowperil 🙂

Also, in my past experience, retail CPU's come w/ the fan and heatsink already installed while OEM CPU's require that the end user install the heatsink and fan that they choose to use.
 
I was surprised to see that there isn't an FAQ re: this question. God knows it gets asked often enough.

I always buy OEM myself.

--> I get the same quality chip for less money.
--> I use the HS/F of my choice Typically one of better quality, IMHO, than what is supplied with a retail chip.)
--> I swap out chips so frequently that an "extended" (3-year) warranty is irrelevant.
 
I've always suspected that OEM was as good as retail. I figured that I would replace my cpu in less than 2 years anyways, as well as the rest of the PC. Technology advances too fast, and I want to stay current. It is the same with hard drives. Who needs the software and cables, when you already have the cables and if you need the mgr's software, just download them online.

Again, I appreciate everyone's input. 🙂
 
Also, in my past experience, retail CPU's come w/ the fan and heatsink already installed while OEM CPU's require that the end user install the heatsink and fan that they choose to use.

Uhhmm... this sounds a little confusing, can you elaborate? I mean, the retail version comes in kit form and includes a HS/F whereas the OEM is just the CPU alone and you have to buy your own HS/F. Regardless of retail or OEM, the end-user is still the one who installs the HS/F. If you buy retail, does an AMD rep come over and install the HS/f for you?😕
 
Retail is for end-users, oem is for system integrators/builders.
End-users don't get direct warranty from the manufacturer for most oem stuff (except bare hard drive, original ATI vga card in bulk pack, etc.).
You pay more for the retail cpu, but the manufacturer has taken user-error into account, so whatever you burn it, damage it during installation, misuse, etc, the manufacturer is happy to give you a new replacement immediately.

Sometimes you can even get retail stuff at lower price than oem from some crazy e-tailers with promotion, coupon, pricematch, price error, etc.
 
I think it depends what you want. Most people here on AT go for the OEM processor, but when i bought my Pentium 4, i had no choice but to get a Retail one. I think its just peace of mind..
 
Originally posted by: Dan
I was surprised to see that there isn't an FAQ re: this question. God knows it gets asked often enough.

I always buy OEM myself.

--> I get the same quality chip for less money.
--> I use the HS/F of my choice Typically one of better quality, IMHO, than what is supplied with a retail chip.)
--> I swap out chips so frequently that an "extended" (3-year) warranty is irrelevant.
Click to expand...

pretty much describes what i was going to say. 😉
 
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