Difference between retail box version and OEM version??

[cluelessnewbie]

I was just wondering what OEM stood for and what the real difference between the two is..

[BBA]

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer.

Basically, if a video card or so is to be installed in a pre-configured machine, then it needs no flashy box with advertisement printed all over it...and it needs no special bundled software.

The flashy box and bundled software are considered necessary for retail sales purposes.

The difference is mostly in cost of preperation, as the end product is the same device.

[SysOpt]

For CPU's, retail box versions include a fan/heatsink, OEM versions do not.

OEM versions also come in a plain white box with a manual, retail versions usually come in the nice pretty product box packaging from the manufacturer. Sometimes there are other differences - I always go for OEM.

[SysOpt]

Zapping to general tech.

[Goldwingnut]

The OEM version is for a guy who has installed this component before, and will install them again. He doesn't need tech support to hold his hand through the process. He doesn't need to ask what a PCI slot looks like or where they keep the IRQs.

Retail version is for a guy who:
1) Buys the product off the shelf
2) Does his research in the store, reading the back of the box.
3) Needs tech support.
Someone has to pay for that tech support. The person who needs it, pays for it, by paying Retail.

You don't need tech support. You got us.

If you are a photographer, you will find the following is true: If you obviously know what you want and where to find it, ask questions that indicate you have done your homework and direct your attention to pro-grade equipment, a good camera store will have an experienced salesman who will keep the newer salesmen off your back. You will get a 10% pro discount.

That's the difference between OEM and Retail. Pro and Novice.

[Bsdboy]

One more difference is the length of the warranty,OEM has full manufacturers warranty Oem often has 30 or 90 day warranty.

Bsdboy

[nunyadam]

just to add to what bsdboy said ,
O.E.M. AMD processors do not have a warranty.

They will in some case's still replace an oem processor. (they replaced mine after the core cracked.)

nunya

[cluelessnewbie]

Alright I saw a retail version of athlon t bird 1.4 ghz 266 w/ heat sink and stuff but HOW do i find out what heat sink it is?

I looked everywhere but there is no info on what heat sink it offers... could someone help?

[Bsdboy]

It comes with a standard AMD heatsink.

Bsdboy

[cluelessnewbie]

is the standard amd heat sink any good in cooling the cpu down or should I just buy an OEM and buy my own cooling fan?

actually, is the heat sink attached to the CPU in the retail version, if not, I can take off the standard heat sink and put in a better cooling fan.

[Bsdboy]

The standard one is good enough if you don't overclock and yes you can replace it if you want something better.

Bsdboy

[otheos]

Sometimes OEM products are slightly lower spec. Not CPU's but OEM graphic cards (especially ATi) are usually clocked lower (due to lower quality mem).

Make sure you know what it is before you buy. Just ask here.

[cluelessnewbie]

So the major difference between retail athlon tbird 1.33ghz and OEM athlon tbird 1.33ghz is that retail gives you more manuals and gives warranty??

there is no performance difference between the two right??

[Bsdboy]

No difference

Bsdboy