Any downside to buying an OEM hard drive

[gorcorps]

I think my laptop drive is on it's way out and I'm trying to find a replacement. Just making sure buying an OEM drive won't be a problem aside from maybe warranty coverage. They aren't refurbished, right?

 

[fffblackmage]

No, they're not refurbished. They are brand new, but they just don't come with the retail packaging, which includes stuff like a manual, cable, and the fancy box.

 

[corkyg]

Been using OEMs since 1997 - probably about 24 of 'em in 6 laptops, and never have had a problem of any kind. No difference in warranty when they are bought new from a reputable dealer like Newegg or ZZZ.

 

[fluffmonster]

I've only ever used oem drives. mobos always came with more than enough cables, and laptops don't generally need them. you can find manuals from the manuf if you really want one.

 

[RebateMonger]

I pretty much only use OEM disks. They are usually cheaper than Retail Box disks and are about all that my main online supplier sells.

There's speculation that OEM disks are more likely to have suffered handling or shipping damage by the time they arrive in user's hands. That's certainly possible, since the Retail shipping containers seem pretty sturdy and may help alleviate poor handling or packing at wholesalers. But unpowered disks move their heads to landings that help protect the heads and platters from shock damage.

 

[jensbodal]

No, they're not refurbished. They are brand new, but they just don't come with the retail packaging, which includes stuff like a manual, cable, and the fancy box.

Most important part IMO being the lack of a SATA cable, very important if you're building a PC or adding a drive to your desktop, but pretty much negligible regarding laptops.

Case in point: Bought a SSD as an upgrade to my PC, had to play musical chairs with my two SATA cables in order to install Windows on my SSD, and now I am only using my two Hard Drives with my CD-ROM disconnected until I get some new SATA cables.

 

[bruceb]

OEM drives do not come with mounting screws or rails, which you need if adding to a desktop computer. Since you are replacing an existing drive, you should have all the hardware you will need.

 

[gorcorps]

Thanks guys... Looks like the only "issues" I'd have aren't a problem for a laptop HDD.

 

[fffblackmage]

Most important part IMO being the lack of a SATA cable, very important if you're building a PC or adding a drive to your desktop, but pretty much negligible regarding laptops.

Case in point: Bought a SSD as an upgrade to my PC, had to play musical chairs with my two SATA cables in order to install Windows on my SSD, and now I am only using my two Hard Drives with my CD-ROM disconnected until I get some new SATA cables.

I think it's more important for SSDs come with a 2.5" to 3.5" bracket for desktop use rather than SATA cable. I have spare SATA cables that came with my mobo, but I don't have any brackets for my SSDs. I really find it annoying that most SSDs don't come with anything even in the retail packaging.

I know what you mean though. I gave a friend an SATA cable because he bought an OEM HDD, but had a pre-built rig.

 

[jensbodal]

I think it's more important for SSDs come with a 2.5" to 3.5" bracket for desktop use rather than SATA cable. I have spare SATA cables that came with my mobo, but I don't have any brackets for my SSDs. I really find it annoying that most SSDs don't come with anything even in the retail packaging.

I know what you mean though. I gave a friend an SATA cable because he bought an OEM HDD, but had a pre-built rig.

That is definitely true, I didn't think of this though since my Intel X25 did come with the bracket, but no SATA cable.

And now that I look back and what I bought, I don't think I even purchased an OEM drive and apparently SATA cables just don't come with it. I got it for $200 so assumed since it was the cheaper of the 80GB it was OEM.

 

[corkyg]

Folks, OP is not talking about desktop use, but for laptop use. No cables involved. Just remove the old HDD from the laptop's caddy and replace with the SSD. Same screws. Nothing else needed.

"Thanks guys... Looks like the only "issues" I'd have aren't a problem for a laptop HDD. "

Right on!

 

[fr]

Most retail drives don't come with anything inside anymore. It's just the OEM drive and some cardboard.

 

[jensbodal]

Folks, OP is not talking about desktop use, but for laptop use. No cables involved. Just remove the old HDD from the laptop's caddy and replace with the SSD. Same screws. Nothing else needed.

I don't think any of us thought otherwise, simply offering our thoughts on the "downside to buying an OEM hard drive."

Most everyone stated that the downsides we are referring to are mostly irrelevant in relation to laptops.

 

[corkyg]

I don't think any of us thought otherwise, simply offering our thoughts on the "downside to buying an OEM hard drive." Most everyone stated that the downsides we are referring to are mostly irrelevant in relation to laptops.

Agree - and in that vein, any time you buy an OEM drive to replace another drive in a desktop, the cables and screws are already present for duty.

 

[lxskllr]

It's hard to think of a situation where oem/retail will ever have a relevant difference. Unless you've built your computer oem top to bottom, you generally get many extra cables, screws, and everything else it takes to install extra parts.