Oem What Does That Really Mean?

[Iman74]

I never truly grasped the meaning of OEM. I see people saying OEM Hardware; I want to buy OEM hardware. This software is OEM. What does OEM really mean and what is it exactly? I always thought it was the OS License but now I'm starting to realize that's not it.

[DrZaius]

Hi Iman74,

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. In terms of computer hardware, it's what a manufacturer would send to a system builder. For example, if I run my own "Custom Built PC" store and I want to order 100 ATI video cards, I don't want them to send me 100 fancy retail boxes so that I have to rip them all open just to throw out all the extra manuals and flyers they have. Instead they would send it in a plain brown/white box with just the required cables and software. It also does not come with the bundled software CDs that come in the retail store packages. To get the "price edge" most online stores sell OEM parts. Hope that helps.

[Iman74]

This does thanks.

But I have one question and this goes towards everyone that posts here at OEM; when you post for example: "I am planning to build a PC; I'm looking for OEM Video card, OEM Systemboard, etc...", why are you using the term OEM. If OEM means what Dr. Zaius says then are the posters here saying OEM just to sound technically knowledge able or is there another meaning other than buying OEM products that come with the bare minium. So what if you get the manuals. I can understand the point if you were for a PC company (which I have and from being there for 2 years and what I learned what OEM means we never bought out 98 nic cards via OEM), then why don't you just say Video card, and motherboard, etc...

Just wondering.

[DrZaius]

Most of the time there is no difference between the OEM and retail version of the component. Another differnce I forgot to mention is that OEM components have a shorter warranty than the retail version. Other than that it's no point in saying OEM this and that. The only time it's important is for the processor, since the OEM version comes with the chip alone, while the retail version comes with a heatsink and fan. Hope that helps.

[Charliey]

If someone is posting a list of what they are buying, it is usually directly from the stores web site. Thats where you'll see people say OEM. It does not make a difference except for price, as retail boxes cost alot more for the demo cds and the nice box.