OEM

[Vampiel]

What is OEM? How big of a difference would it be if I got an OEM as opposed to a normal pci/agp card?

[Nathan]

Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Usually the difference is the retail version has games or extras with it. The OEM version does not. Sometimes the OEM version doesn't come with drivers or documentation. However, you can usually download both them off the net. But sometimes the OEM comes with drivers. And the OEM is cheaper too. In a few cases the card is different too. So shop carefully.

[This message has been edited by Nathan (edited 10-08-99).]

[MickMitani]

Some OEM equipment is not eligible for tech support. Some OEM packages are not allowed for sale by themselves as they are part of bundled combos.

[Ed_S]

OEM equipment is sold by the manufacturer to system builders for use in constructing new computers. It is not intended to be sold by them as individual pieces. Usually in plain package with no frills or extras, since theoretically the builder doesn't need them. Also has lesser warranty which is harder to use, and little or no tech support, since the builder is supposed to be responsible for warranty and support for the completed computer. Usually these are non-returnable.

They can be a great deal IF you know what you're doing and accept the consequences if a problem happens.
If it's not a big difference, buy the retail video card. If it's incompatable or you have any problems, it'll be worth it for the warranty.

[chuckiechan]

I limit my OEM purchases to name brands. I got a Sony floppy for about $15. & a Sony CD rom 40x for $40. I trust the names, the set-ups are a no-brainer (so far). Both low dollar, low-tech.

In fact, neither had a warrantee card. (No junk mail, Whoopie!!)