What is the diff between retail and OEM video cards?

[Rhodent]

Does this vary the warranty the same way OEM and retail processor warraties vary or does it have more to do with the software bundle? thanks

 

[Rhodent]

looking at OEM voodoo 3 3000 for 75 vs retail voodoo 3 3000 for 91. What is best. Thanks for any help

 

[Vegito]

Except in the case of ATIs where OEM had a slower core/memory and retail was faster.. btu usally oem and retail were the same except oem was pack in like a hundred and you get a silver anti-static bag instead of a fancy box...

 

[Rhodent]

ok..thanks...in my case..if the box vs bag is all the difference..then my best bet is with the OEM and save thee xtra cash. thanks

 

[nickburns]

i buy OEM when ever i can, i never use the software that comes with the hardware and the drivers are always so old too.

 

[Rhodent]

So burns are you saying that the OEM stuff does not come with any drivers or anything?

 

[bacillus]

the OEM version just ships with the barebone essential software ie drivers but no other bundled software like games.

 

[Dameon]

* Usually OEM revs are often devoid of other features such as TV-out or such.

 

[Dan]

I'm with nickburns on this one. I go the OEM route whenever possible. An OEM card typical comes with drivers but OEM or Retail status notwithstanding, the drivers are usually not the latest ones. Don't we all check the manufacturer's or chipmaker's site for new drivers when we install a new card?

 

[minuteman]

Another quick question regarding OEM and retail difference. Doesn't retail have higher quality standards, meaning you can abuse it more (overclocking)? My roommate used to get OEM parts for the same computer config as I had, but he would always have problems with either the video card or the processor. Also my retail hdd have not failed me while my OEM hdd had to be shipped back to manufacture twice already

 

[DaddyG]

Video Cards are the only component which can have a substantial difference between OEM and Retail. Lower quality and speed parts, missing features, etc. Some Video Card manufacturers don't even build their OEM cards, they outsource them. Plus, OEM Videocards are frequently knocked-off by the Chinese.

 

[dkozloski]

OEM vs. retail is a crapshoot. Add hard drives, CD-ROM's, and sound and SCSI cards to the group that can have substantial differences. What you get may only superficially resemble what you think you are getting. There is a chance that the reason it is on the open market at all is that it is defective and was rejected by the original customer. There are some real bargains to be had with OEM purchases but don't squeal too loudly when you get stung by some sharpie.

 

[chansen]

As with most others here, I go OEM whenever possible. Savings are usually in the 10% range, and you don't get the large, fancy box. Drivers are almost always supplied with both retail and OEM versions, and are almost always out-of-date for both. I haven't used a supplied driver disk for years.

Warranty is the only sticking point. OEM warranties are usually good only through the store where they were purchased, and are typically 30 days. The retail warranty is good through the manufacturer, and is a period of years, not days. That said, I prefer the OEM warranty. Just take it back to where you purchased it, and the good stores will replace it then and there. Sending retail packaged parts back for warranty replacement is a long process. Plus, for things like video cards, I find they either work or they don't. Unless you overclock them to death, they'll probably still be working a hundred years from now. You won't be.

Besides, OEM is environmentally-friendly

Regards,
Craig

 

[NesuD]

something to watch out for on oem prophet2 mx cards. the retail and oem versions have different memory. The retail are equipped with 6ns ram while the oems are using 7ns ram. If that is important to you then you need to go with retail.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

In US, you can get retail stuff from online store using coupon cheaper than oem stuff from small mail order, local, computer show, etc.

oem is not a wise buy, not every oem stuff like harddisk carries same warranty as retail. when you can get retail even cheaper than oem, why should you consider oem?