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Win7/8 retail vs oem

S

SHOrdr

Member
I'm building a computer and I'm so confused as to which os to buy, not 7 vs 8 but the ~$100 oem system builder stuff people keep linking that says "disclaimer" need license or whatever, or the ~$200 retail both say full version but the latter has no disclaimer and what is the cost to me if I get the oem then what ever license they are talking about. Thanks for the help.
 
AFAIK OEM builder versions are tied to the motherboard and perhaps other components. So unless you almost never updgrade the motherboard you can save a bit of money.

If you regularly build new systems and intend on moving your OS to the new computer and putting something like Unbuntu on the older computer then you want the Retail version as it has less restrictions than the OEM version.

If you intend to have the system around for a while and want to save make sure you get a fairly new motherboard that more future proof when going with the OEM version.

*edit*

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...m/fae7b2ab-c530-45e6-aeb3-cc55cf7b9231?auth=1

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system
Click to expand...
 
Isn't the retail version of 8 called something goofy like "OEM system builder"?
Then their is the regular OEM version that is a one time use deal.
 
There is no such thing as a retail full version of Windows 8. You either buy the retail upgrade version or the system builder (OEM) full version.
 
Anteaus said:
There is no such thing as a retail full version of Windows 8. You either buy the retail upgrade version or the system builder (OEM) full version.
Click to expand...

Another mark against it, in my opinion, besides Andrew Sinofsky's draconian UI choices. MS should've dumped him right after Win7 came out.
 
Ok so if I started with win 7 oem system builder could I later upgrade to the retail win 8 with the win 8 retail upgrade?
 
And then after I go from oem 7 to upgrade 8 I could then change my MoBo with out having to repurchase windows?
 
blankslate said:
Another mark against it, in my opinion, besides Andrew Sinofsky's draconian UI choices. MS should've dumped him right after Win7 came out.
Click to expand...

Why? The new "oem" gives you retail privileges. They simplified the skus, and made it better for enthusiasts.
 
lxskllr said:
Why? The new "oem" gives you retail privileges. They simplified the skus, and made it better for enthusiasts.
Click to expand...
Exactly. The only full versions of Windows 8 sold are for all practical purposes retail versions.
 
You can upgrade to a new computer or motherboard with an OEM license just fine. If it doesn't activate automatically(it will most of the time anyway) you call Microsoft and tell them it is installed on only one PC and it's a new or upgraded PC and they will make it work.
 
lxskllr said:
Why? The new "oem" gives you retail privileges. They simplified the skus, and made it better for enthusiasts.
Click to expand...

Then it's a Retail version right? I was going off of the older meaning for "OEM."

Either way I'm glad there are ways to get Win8 to boot into an older style interface.
 
blankslate said:
Then it's a Retail version right? I was going off of the older meaning for "OEM."
Click to expand...
Technically no, it's still OEM. As far as MS is concerned it's not a retail version; it's an OEM version without all of the restrictions that accompanied OEM software in the past.
 
Last edited:
ViRGE said:
Technically no, it's still OEM. As far as MS is concerned it's not a retail version; it's an OEM version without all of the restrictions that accompanied OEM software in the past.
Click to expand...

If they call it an OEM version then remove the restrictions that OEM versions used to have and and it's as functional as Retail versions of older Windows editions then we're just going off into the weeds.

They can call it an "OEM with the rights of old school Retail versions, which we just choose to label OEM".

When it was stated that they just have the Retail upgrade and the OEM version available for sale I didn't realize that they removed the old OEM restrictions for the "OEM" version.
 
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