Windows 7 OEM single system restrictions?

[Freezybear]

Ok great. Windows 7 OEM official pricing was just announced.

Pricing looks good. Going from the bullet points on the link:

- Nobody cares about the box.
- Enthusiasts don't care about MS tech support.
- I'm only planning on using windows 7 on one new build... BUUUUT

What exactly constitutes "tied to a single machine"? I'm confused here.

1) What hardware can I change before Windows 7 thinks it's a different machine?
2) Can I reinstall Win 7 with the same hardware at all? Limited reinstalls? When I want to reinstall how does windows 7 know that I'm using the same hardware it was first authenticated with?
3) What reauthentication rights do I have with an oem version? Retail versions are easy enough with a quick phone call to MS... does it work similarly for oem? (Assuming there is some play with hardware from question one)

My immediate issue with planning a new win 7 build is what kind of drive to use. I'd like to eventually get a solid state drive once any issues with TRIM have been ironed out of win 7 and drive firmware. Unfortunately that would mean waiting on a SSD purchase. Can I install on a traditional drive and then upgrade in a few months to a SSD with the same oem authentication?

Does anyone have a reference link or experience regarding how oem software works regarding these questions? I'm finding little to no information about oem win 7 and it's relation to hardware itself. Most references I see talk about upgrade rights etc.

Any clarification is welcome! =)

 

[ViRGE]

1) They use a point system to determine when things may be fishy. But ultimately you're within the license (and can get activated over the phone at a minimum) as long as you don't replace the motherboard.
2) Yes. It knows based on a hash of the hardware.
3) Yes. MS's phone service handles OEM and Retail.

 

[GTaudiophile]

So is this THE version to buy for us builders?

Or the 3-pack if you need it.