Oem?

[Rippy087]

I looked it up, I don't fully understand what it is though. Is it something I should stay away from when buying parts? Or is it pretty safe that the quality will be just as good as retail?

Thanks,
Jake

 

[Computer Head]

OEM means it comes direct from the Original Equipment Manufacturer. That would be the best buy if you ask me.

 

[karling07]

http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/O/OEM.html

Its perfectly safe and like jervin said, it's usually a better buy

 

[mammikoura]

the parts will be exactly the same, u just won't get all the extra stuff that comes in the package. (and u won't probably get the package either, just a small brown box or something)

Should u get OEM or retail? It really depends on the part we are talking about. Like for the mobo I'd definitely go with retail, since then u get all the IDE, sata, etc. cables. And with processors if u go OEM then u need to buy an aftermarket heatsink and fan for it. U can save a lot by going just OEM, but make sure u get all the cables etc. for the build.