When buying parts from newegg/tigerdirect: what is the difference between OEM and Retail? Which is better and why?
2007-03-16 16:45:10 · 9 answers · asked by **turbostance** 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
OEM is basically the same product as retail, but it usually doesn't come with the packaging, manuals, cables, CDs, etc. that you would get with the retail packaging. If you already have these, then I would go for OEM, because it's obviously cheaper. By the way, nice store choices, tiger and newegg are the best.
2007-03-16 16:55:01 · answer #1 · answered by alexmg2420 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM means that it came from a second party such as Dell, or HP...Retail means it comes straight from the company that made it...ie...windows XP Operating system, if you get it from Dell or HP or whatever they have the CD Key. If you buy it from Microsoft the CD Key is on the back of the book. Either is ok unless you lose the CD key...OEM you have to call Dell or whatever and they charge you to find it. Retail you call MS and they will probably give you a new one for a minimal fee. The best thing is to install Belarc www.belarc.com Advisor for free run it. Save a copy to a floppy or somewhere and keep it or print it and keep it or EULA in part 5 or 6 allows you to copy your Registered software ONE time for backup, but the info for that software (cd key, registration number etc) on notepad because you can open notepad in any mode if you save it in word and then it corrupts and you go to reinstall it, it can't open the word doc until Word is installed see the problem, or you can do like my Dad and Write them all down and then put them on the side of your pc with clear packing tape so you'll always have them.
2007-03-16 16:53:58 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OEM is a version that is not sold in stores and is not always fully supported, for example driver may not be included. Retail is specifically made for customers with full support. Also these are the ones advertised and sold in stores. It doesn't matter really which you buy but the most important thing you need to do is download drivers before installing any OEMs
2007-03-16 16:52:21 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin K. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go for the OEM version there is no difference only in the price you will pay more for the retail version a lot more, the OEM version is not in a box. and comes with no manuals, and that is the only difference.
You may have to buy some hardware with the OEM version but thats no problem buy something cheap that you need
2007-03-16 16:56:02 · answer #4 · answered by Carling 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rajure is correct, however, he did leave one very important part out. Most OEM parts usually only have a OEM's warranty (usually 1 year) UNLESS it is stated as a differnet warranty time period!
Be SURE to ask the compnay you're buying from what the warranty period is if it isn't listed!
2007-03-16 16:54:11 · answer #5 · answered by mrresearchman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
basically they are same. It is only the bulk licensing by the company which buys the licenses to add them in their product make it an OEM license. These are bit cheaper than the retail ones
2007-03-16 16:50:57 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
on newegg it generally means the way it's packaged. a "retail" cpu will generally come with the heatsink and fan, where an "oem" cpu won't.
2007-03-16 17:01:20 · answer #7 · answered by headmaster382005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get retail man don't get OEM ...just go with it
2007-03-16 18:00:29 · answer #8 · answered by randike2007 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OME means that you are not getting it dercitly for the company that made it such as Windows XP but you got it from DELL
2007-03-16 17:09:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋