Oem, Vs Retail

[ZenPc]

Hmmm tried posting this question the other day and itis not in forum....i will try again. I finally did it .....I am free of the plain beige box and am on the way to building my first computer. I have a LOT to learn but i am sure with the help and expertise you all have I will put together my first home built gameing machine. I expect to have a lot of real noob questions over the next few months or so but eventually i may learn enough to help another newbie builder. Ok here is my first question. I am going to buy a copy of Windows XP Home Edition and i see that it is sold in both OEM and Retal Box. Oem is clearly less money so i would like someone to please explain the difference in cost. Is their and advantage in getting retail over oem??? Is there something in retail box that wouuld explain the cost difference and is it of any value to a person new to home building?

[Kov-Ice]

Welcome to PCMech. OEM is usually just the basic part or software you need, often wrapped only in bubblewrap. OEM XP would be just the CD, a small installation pamphlet, and your certification number. The Retail comes with a nice, shiny box... not sure what else. Maybe an actual printed user's manual.

OEM hardware again is same thing minus the packaging. It still will normally come with drivers or other software, and alot of times will still have necessary cables etc. One major difference is in the processor, as OEM is 1 yr. warranty while retail has 3 yr. warranty.

[glc]

OEM and retail software is identical in this case, they both come with a CD and a little pamphlet, and a COA. Retail gets you support from M$, OEM support has to come from the builder (i.e. YOU).

[ZenPc]

Thanks for the clarification

[Kov-Ice]

Most stuff you're OK to get the OEM. Definitely get your processor Retail tho. If you want the bonus games with your vid card, you have to go Retail as well.

[RayH]

In practical terms, for XP Home OEM and Retail will function the same. Technically, you can transfer the retail to another computer (after first having removed it from another computer). OEM can't be transferred. But upgrading the computer is allowed.

As for hardware, check out both packages. Warranties can be different. Retail processors come with 3 year warranties. OEM come with 30 days. With other hardware, retail sometimes comes with software that could be worth as much or more than the hardware.

If you need the sotware, retail is a good way to go. If not, OEM can save you a couple of bucks. Your old CD burning software might not work with a new burner. You need playback sofware to view DVDs on a DVD ROM.

If you plan to burn DVDs, then you need DVD burning software.

[tyoung]

OEM software will be just fine.

You will easily be able to transfer an OEM version to a new computer if you wish to. I have done it 3 times. You will just have to reactivate it with each transfer.

Any idea on what parts you are going with yet?

Once again welcome to PC Mech.

[ZenPc]

Thanks for all the repliies they help a lot. As far as parts go yep i have a few so far with more to go. so far i have a Coolermaster Pratorium aluminum case, a vantec ion 400 watt power supply a Liteon combo drive a samsung floppy and an audigy 2ZS sound card. Thinking about going with raptors in raid zero config and am still muling over mobo and cpu and vid card. i have to think about a few issues for awhile concerning those.