x850xtpe oem and retail?

reyalP · Jun 20, 2005, 02:19 PM

Will there be any difference between http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102554 and its retail counterpart? I know it dosen't come in the pretty box but thats okay. I just want to know if physically it's any different. I know many years ago I heard the oem versions had slower memory and not as high quality parts. Just want to make sure it's not that way anymore.

Necrosis · Jun 20, 2005, 02:33 PM

Most of the time now they're about the same. However, the big issue is warranty. If you buy OEM cards you tend to get the shaft on the warranty side.

daedal · Jun 21, 2005, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Necrosis

Most of the time now they're about the same. However, the big issue is warranty. If you buy OEM cards you tend to get the shaft on the warranty side.

Warranties don't last too long on my side.

But as far as I know, there's isin't a concrete difference between brands apart from the cooling option and as mentioned, the warranties.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jun 21, 2005, 08:39 PM

OEM cards are the cards without the fancy packaging....if you plan on modding it then get that, and save the cash because you'd void the warranty anyway

Silent Patriot · Jun 21, 2005, 08:50 PM

Sometimes you get a game or two. I'm not sure what might come with the retail box. I picked up an OEM back in Feb. for $609. All it came with was cables and install disk, but I'm happy. Tops of the 90nm AMD FX-55 CPU nicely.

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jun 21, 2005, 09:25 PM

But the games, you'd just as well buy them because they never come with their manuals or boxes etc....so for the price, not really worth it.

Again, only reason to get one is warranty.

Necrosis · Jun 21, 2005, 09:47 PM

Plus normally the games suck too, or worse yet are just demos. My 9800 Pro was an OEM, and never had any problems with. It's still happy in a friend's computer.

riles9262 · Jun 21, 2005, 11:14 PM

That's been my experience with retail, sucky games...ever since my 8500 came with counterstrike

If I have problems with my hardware it's always in the first couple months, so the cheaper oem price suits me just fine.

Tipstaff · Jun 21, 2005, 11:21 PM

Funny thing though, sometimes manufacturers will pull cards from their retail line to fill their OEM line, and vice versa. I've seen this a number of times where the serial number was tied to their retail database.

Again, though, it's all about the warranty. That can vary from manuf. to manuf., but generally OEM get's basic warranty (90days with seller.. if your lucky), and retail gets 1 to 3 years, or more depending on the manufacturer (BFG, for instance, gives a lifetime warranty on their retail cards).

Rule of thumb: CPU, video card, and Hard drive.. always buy these retail. Since they tend to be the most sensitive parts in the machine, the longer the warranty, the better.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Jun 23, 2005, 03:15 AM

Useally warrenty is less on OEMs I'm not sure what the current policy is
+ retail is shipped in a protective box untill you open it. OEM is shipped
in a static bag in bulk for more likely to be damaged or cosmetically
scratched along the way...