What is OEM?

Question

I've been thinking about building a computer and while I was looking at processors, I've come across something called OEM. What does it mean?

Answer 1

Original Equipment Manufacturer is also known as OEM in short.
You\ will come across this term in many devices, what this means in simple terms that the manufacturer has manufactured this device /product originally. In other terms the product was build-to-order and sold to another company "B" who add value to the product before passing it along to "C" or to a consumer.

For example I make 100 bare a wooden chairs for you. Then you buy from me and add some color, cushioning and designs. Then I am the OEM and you are the VAR (value added reseller).

OEM in electronics/software also points to the general fact that the device was built "to" someone's specification with possible modification/deviation from original product. The VAR then may use the OEM product in other ways. Common example is the WindowsXP OEM version available for certain laptop brands. Ofcourse they are bulk manufactured too for that particular brand.

This is my explanation but please do read the wikipedia link attached for further information.

Answer 2

OEM (or Original Equipment Manufacturer) in the context of building your own PC, means equipment (or parts) that are designed for system builders (Dell, Gateway, or even small businesses that build computers).

What this means for you is that usually when you are buying parts to build a PC, you have a choice for OEM or Retail.

Generally speaking, OEM is just the basic part with minimal packaging or accessories. "Retail" is usually the fancy box, instructions, accessories, cables, software, etc.

For processsors, OEM might mean that it is the processor ONLY, with no heatsink & fan. For CPUs, I would suggest getting a "retail boxed" cpu, as this has the properly matched heatsink and fan included.

For other items, such as video cards and hard drives, you can usually save money by buying OEM, as they are typically less expensive because they don't include any extras.

Answer 3

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) means that a company has purchased someone else's components or equipment to sell as their own. To you, it might not matter, unless the OEM does not provide any support.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 4

Original Equipment Manufacturer

Answer 5

Original Equipment Manufacturer

i buy OEM alot because it saves $. For example manuals and instructions are avaliable online as PDF's. U dont need that packaging and stuff. Usually when u buy a oem part, its just the part wraped in bubblewrap or styrofoam.

Answer 6

Original Equipment Manufacturer. The original manufacturer of a hardware component or sub-component.

Dell is the best E.g

Answer 7

OEM means genuine.

Answer 8

origanal equiptment