What does OEM mean?

[Peyton]

I see CPUs for sale and says OEM,is this just the packaging?If not what the difference between an OEM an non OEM?Why the price difference?

 

[Twinhead]

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer.

OEM CPU means the CPU doesn't have retail box, AMD certified HSF, user manual, and things that usually come with retail package. OEM CPU comes with just a CPU, nothing else.
Since OEM CPU doesn't have so much things that usually come with retail package, so the price between will be quite a difference.

One more thing, OEM CPU's warrranty usually covers by the reseller, not the CPU's company.

 

[MustPost]

OEM components are made for companies like DELL or GATEWAY, or small system builders who wouldn't give you all your boxes anyways so they are just a waste of packeging.