Windows 7 Retail vs. OEM (for people who upgrade hardware often)

[madman300]

Since many of you upgrade your machines often I would like to ask what everyone is doing in regards to purchasing Windows 7.

My situation is this, the last copy of Windows that I purchased was XP, through college, about 8 years ago. Now that the RC is expiring I can't decide if I should buy the OEM full version of Win 7 Pro or the retail full version of Win 7 Pro ($139 vs $270).

If OEM is purchased and I decide to upgrade motherboards I understand I will need to buy a new license. I guess this could be done 1 time and you would spend about the same amount as buying the retail version. ($140 x 2)

Of those of you who use Windows 7 and build your systems, what version did you buy and why? If OEM, do you plan to upgrade your motherboard in the next few years? What will you do then?

Thanks.

 

[13Gigatons]

The OEM copy will re-activate you might at worst need to do phone activation. When you call don't bother with the details they really don't want them just give them whatever codes they need for the phone activation.

PS: I believe the activation information is only stored for 120 days on Microsoft's servers, just to prevent one key from being activated repeatedly in a matter of days.

 

[krypto1300]

The OEM copy will re-activate you might at worst need to do phone activation. When you call don't bother with the details they really don't want them just give them whatever codes they need for the phone activation.

PS: I believe the activation information is only stored for 120 days on Microsoft's servers, just to prevent one key from being activated repeatedly in a matter of days.

This!

I've just done this with my copy of Win 7 Ultimate x64 after changing MB, CPU, RAM.