Seriously daft question about OEM

-fedexer- · 11 Sep 2010 at 10:22

Hey guys, i'm new to OcUK, but i am looking to start ordering some stuff in to build up a rig.

I just wanted to ask, what are the main differences between OEM and retail buy?

And does OEM not include things like sata/power cables for harddrives and such, so i would have to order those seperate or are they included?

Anything else which wouldn't be included for a hardware component? (Maybe even installation leaflets?)

Thanks,
-fedexer-

drunkenmonkey · 11 Sep 2010 at 10:30

oem comes with the least amount of packaging

hard drives come in anti static bags

cpu's come without heatsinks

no retail boxing

ect ect

RJC · 11 Sep 2010 at 10:32

CPU'S come in a plain box and no heatsink and can come with a lower warranty.

HDD come in anti-static box / bag - no cables ect.

Most SATA cables come with the motherboard.

JPNUFC · 11 Sep 2010 at 10:39

The guys above have summed it up, no frills version you get the basic product only no cables or fancy package!

-fedexer- · 11 Sep 2010 at 21:14

Right thanks for that, just got back to work. So generally speaking oem stuff, involves me buying some cables also, good to know

Would anyone suggest oem > retail? or is there a level where you should choose one over the other?

RJC · 11 Sep 2010 at 21:20

I find it depends on what component, most Hard drives on Overclockers are oem but still come with good warranties (3-5 years) cpu's which are oem only come with 1 year most of the time, so I tend to buy retail.
OEM Vs Retail depends on the product which I am buying.

-fedexer- · 11 Sep 2010 at 21:25

Right, thanks for the information RJC, it's good to hear this from someone :cool:

I've bought some OEM hdd's from OC before, but tbh the whole idea of warranties never crossed my mind. Thanks a lot for that, it shall come in useful when i get round to building or atleast buying my rig components.