What's OEM ?

[UKok]

I've seen graphics cards (and other products)advertised as Retail and OEM ?
a) What does OEM mean ?
b) Can I use either when building a PC ?

[Steve R Jones]

OEM

(n) Stands for original equipment manufacturer, which is a misleading term for a company that has a special relationship with computer producers. OEMs buy computers in bulk and customize them for a particular application. They then sell the customized computer under their own name. The term is really a misnomer because OEMs are not the original manufacturers -- they are the customizers.

Another term for OEM is VAR (value-added reseller).
(v) To provide equipment to another company, an OEM, which customizes and markets the equipment.

Copyright © 1996-1998 Mecklermedia Corp.

[Rich H]

Yep, Original Equipment Manufacturer.

You'll probably see the graphics card sold as "graphics card" (retail) and "graphics card" (OEM).

The difference usually is that 'retail' is slightly more expensive and comes with a nice box + whatever bundled games n' stuff. The OEM version will come bubblewrapped in a brown envelope and probably just have a driver disk with it.

Essentially both cards are exactly the same, but OEM is cheaper because it doesn't come with all the trimmings. If you want to save cash (and already have the extra bits) go for the OEM version.

[beller6]

Yes same here. When I built another system last year went for an OEM version of whatever I could get my hands on. You can really save bucks. The products will be genuine not copies and will have the software.
If in doubt ask the reseller.

[Legoboy]

Well, speaking myself as an OEM manufacturer or "Customizer" as it has been eloquently put :-)...I'm absolutely shocked that anyone would buy retail versions! The price of retail compared to OEM can sometimes be huge! An example is the Maxtor 20.4GB hard drive. OEM trade price is some 30% less than the retail price. If you can get it OEM, then go for it!

Legoboy

[Paul V]

Where are good places to buy OEM products?

[Legoboy]

Depends on what part of this large green Earth you find yourself in...

I know of a few good OEM suppliers in the UK, a couple in the USA and a few in Japan (for those hard to get new toys).

Legoboy

[Paul V]

Well, I frequently find myself in the grand state of Confusion, when I do visit this earth I frequently am known to be seen in the midwest of the US of A, often in MN or WI.

[Buji]

What about warranty? According to Creative, they won't warranty oem. Have to go thru reseller.

[Jim Dancy]

One thing about the retail pack, especially the hard drive, including the Maxtors,you get everything you need.

As an individual I don't want to running around looking for rails, data cables, etc., that do not come with the OEM drive.

I would also guess the retail pack comes with a little more software than the OEM.

[Legoboy]

What you get in an OEM pack is usually a little on the confusing side. As a general rule, OEM Motherboards will come with cables, a selection of screws, washers and spacers. OEM h/d's tend to come with...er, a hard drive and that's about it (of course you already have a cable from the motherboard)and if you have a standard case then you shouldn't need new rails, OEM CD-ROMS tend to come with an IDE and digital audio cable.

I'll be the first to admit, OEM products are strictly for the advanced amateur/ pro. They'll usually have quite a collection of spare parts kicking around so a simple lack of a cable is but a minor annoyance. The one place where OEM kit really comes into its own is when building a complete system, one can save 100's of £/$'s by buying OEM where possible, just make sure you KNOW EXACTLY what you are doing cause the support usually just ain't there and any returns will have to be made quickly to your OEM dealer to get a replacement. If in doubt, buy retail.

Legoboy