OEM?

[Whitehawk]

hi guys...just a quick question... what does the OEM mean at the end of some RAM and for example Windows XP OEM?

[Kc2iLq]

I means Original Equipment Manufacturer. Basically, It doesn't come in a fancy retail package and it's cheaper.

-Kc2iLq

[Whitehawk]

but its the same thing?

like a non-boxed processor?

[Kc2iLq]

Yup. There is usually no waranty included with an OEM item though.

-Kc2iLq

[Whitehawk]

ive voided the warranty on about everything i own anyway....:P

[DallasDon]

Some OEM hardware like HDDs, Vid cards, mobos, etc. do not come with driver CDs or instructions.

Gotta know how to get the drivers off the manufacturer's site.

[John Prophet]

the biggest difference might be in cpu's..usually a "retail" cpu has the heatsink/fan included and has a one year warranty (and sometimes 3 years)...whereas an "oem" cpu has no heatsink included and might only have a 30day or 14 day warranty

[jmichna]

Originally posted by Kc2iLq
Yup. There is usually no waranty included with an OEM item though.

-Kc2iLq

Actually, even OEM equipment normally comes with a warranty. The major differences usually are:
1) Any claims against the warranty are between you (the buyer) and the hardware manufacturer - not between you and the vendor who sold you the equipment, and
2) Sometimes the OEM warranty period is shorter in duration than the retail package waaranty.

[ArcticFox]

If the price is right and the manufacturer provides drivers and whatnot, jump on it.

[electric]

Originally posted by ArcticFox
If the price is right and the manufacturer provides drivers and whatnot, jump on it.

couldn't agree more,saving money is the way to go