OEM vs Retail

[amdforlife]

Someone tell me the difference between the 2. As much information as possible would be appriciated. For 1, what does OEM stand for. And why is it so much cheaper than retail.

 

[IcemanJer]

Original Equipment Manufacturer (I think..?)

Retail is the stuff you see in CompuCity with all the fancy boxes and stuff. OEM tend to be cheaper because of less packaging, and basically you only get the hardware, and maybe a manual. Usually you can only get OEM goods through OEM certified stores, which means they have direct relationship with the manufacturer, or a supplier who has.

 

[amdforlife]

how come some people ONLY buy retail stuff? is there a quality difference?

 

[IcemanJer]

you pay a bit extra, but in the case of a CD-RW you might get some programs that you don't get with the OEM version (but it's not like you'll ever use those softwares...). Usually tho, with retail product you have warranty from the manufacture, and with OEM stuff you just sorta have it from the OEM store you bought the stuff from.

 

[SithSolo1]

Because they don't know better or have a lot more money than most people. usually the quality is the same but OEM may come without some feature or just in a different box.

 

[Sundog]

Usually OEM does not come with a long warranty (processors 30day OEM usually vs. 3 yr. with retail box)

Also retail box gives you customer service within the warranty period.
Example: OEM Windows ME = No microsoft customer service
Retail Windows ME = microsoft customer service

 

[Tominator]

With retail, you get a full warranty from the manfacturer. Includeing support.

With OEM, and it is not really supposed to be available to the general public, you get an abreviated warranty [sometimes] and no support from the manufacturer.

 

[IcemanJer]

Eh, with most computer products these days you shouldn't *need* manufacture support.

 

[Sundog]

<< with most computer products these days you shouldn't *need* manufacture support >>



I agree, but it happens quite often still.

 

[freebee]

One particular devious trick is to pricematch oem to retail parts. Given that computer terms these days are so varied with so many big words, many times a web site with minimal product description can be used to pricematch a retail store with unknowledgeable staff. However, its not too ethical, so do it once, enjoy it, and don't do it anymore.

 

[amdforlife]

well im buyin motherboards/processors. and i could save a BUNCH of money if its OEM. is it worth it?

 

[freebee]

Actually there is one store where the retail products were just as cheap as oem. However, the good stuff (tbird 1.33 and asus a7m266) are both outta stock till june I think. But at least you get free shipping over 199. You can always buy oem stuff at places at newegg.com, but typical retail tbirds carry 3 year warranties as oppposed to 1 year for oem.





gateway accessory store

 

[amdforlife]

well a 1 year warranty is a long time. i dont keep computer parts longer than 3 months or so. but i do plan on keepin this mobo/proc til xmas.

 

[jonnyGURU]

newegg is only 7 days on an OEM processor. PRAY when you order there.

Look around for the best warranty on an OEM unit. It will likely cost no more than $10 than a cheaper one and will still run $20 less than a retail.

 

[psteng19]

sometimes there are hardware differences in OEM vs retail.

for example, the OEM ATI radeon's lacked fans and were clocked lower than retail.

but overall, it's just packaging and bundled software and warranty.