I have observed many pieces of hardware for sale that says "OEM" and I know what the initials stand for.....but I don't understand what it really means in terms of the consumer like me. I tend to shy away when I see that designation.....is that wrong?
Is there any reason I shouldn't buy OEM hardware? Does it have the same warranty and the same packaging and instructions?
What do you NOT GET if you buy OEM hardware?
2006-07-04 04:43:50 · 13 answers · asked by Im2hard2please 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Typically OEM parts are sold as components not for retail sales purposes. However, because they are frequently sold without consumer packaging, installation and user documentation, hardware drivers and in some cases without the full warranty or telephone support, you would get if you made your purchase at a local store, you can potentially save a lot of money.
If you are computer savvy and are not afraid to do whatever additional research that may be required to get your components working properly, such as finding drivers, sourcing user documentation from on line resources, then go for it. Purchase the OEM merchandise.
If you are not particularly tech savvy, then stick with retail packaged parts and accessories only. You'll save yourself a lot of time and headache, but you'll pay a little bit more.
I hope this helps.
2006-07-04 05:02:38 · answer #1 · answered by dbhart5 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
OEM hardware is hardware the OEM is responsible for servicing. It also doesn't have retail packaging, maybe not even instructions. If you buy it you are essentially buying it without a warranty. Unless you like to gamble and play adventure, avoid OEM hardware.
2006-07-04 04:53:33 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Generally with OEM computer hardware you don't get as good of warranty, no. That's only with "retail" versions of the products. I tend to buy OEM (or "card-in-a-bag," as I call it) hardware unless it's a rather expensive product that I don't want to risk not having a good warranty.
2006-07-04 04:48:00 · answer #3 · answered by bogus_dude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM Original Equipment Manufacturer
OEM products usually come in plain boxes with less detailed instructions and or accessories, the actual hardware is the same, though, as the retail version you could pick up at your local compusa or best buy.
2006-07-04 04:49:39 · answer #4 · answered by Eric D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Original Equipment Manufacturer
2016-03-27 03:37:04 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Typical warranty is only 1 Year on Hard Drives, CPUs might be 30 or 60 days...
Cd, DVD drives are DOA warranteed ONLY, for 30 days after shipping...
NO retail packaging; screws, cooling fans/heatsinks/heat pads/compounds (for CPUs), wires, cables, CDroms, Drivers, instructions, are NOT included!
BUT, GREAT prices, and Linux runs most of it, w/Drivers in the kernel...
2006-07-04 04:57:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
oem: Original Equipment Manufacturer This means that the product is manufactured by the maker. If you have a imac then you should use Macintosh products, or if you have a gateway then you should use Microsoft products and those would be oem products
2006-07-04 04:52:01 · answer #7 · answered by eltutt2 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This phrase tells you that the item you are buying is from the original manufacturer and not an aftermarket copy.
So if you are worried about compatibility or you are NOT trying to buy an upgrade, them OEM should be your first choice.
2006-07-04 04:48:30 · answer #8 · answered by _Kraygh_ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oem is like they said its a way for microsoft to get rid of some of the responceability. oem is what like dell or gateway uses. in other words u haft to call them for help. if u buy software u dont wana buy an oem cuz then its used dude.
2006-07-04 04:49:41 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
O.E.M = Original Equipment Manufacture.
Basically when you buy a new computer and it comes with OEM software, you CANNOT use that software on another computer should that system die.
If you buy a RETAIL version, then you can install it on 1 computer. If that computer dies, you can install it on another system.
Retail versions are more expensive.
2006-07-04 04:46:56 · answer #10 · answered by CSS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋