Warranty 3 year vs. 30 days on OEM

[sblake]

I am new. Can someone explain the difference in Retail CPU versu OEM. I think I uunderstand the price difference but why the warranty difference. Are they the same chip?

 

[DieHardware]

I think oem cpus bought from an authorized dealer carry a one year warranty. IMHO the $20(in my area at least) premium to buy retail is worth it. You get the longer warranty, a nice HSF a good storage box if your replacing an existing cpu and the all important logo sticker

 

[kylebisme]

not to mention with retail you know the chip hasnt been tested for overclock preformace where as with oem you are takeing more of a chance.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

yeah ive seen dealers as low as 15 day warranty. come to think of it im going to call amex blue right now and see about their warranty policy.

 

[Cherub]

Simple answer:

1. A Retail CPU is sold by AMD to consumers through retailers, for consumer use. They come complete with heatsink and fan.
2. An OEM (original equipment manufacturer) CPU is sold by AMD to system builders (Dell, Gateway, Compaq, etc.) to be incorporated into pre-built computers, which are then sold to consumers.
3. OEM CPU's are not intended by chip makers to be sold to consumers, and they will not be supported by the maker. Chip makers rely on the computer retailer to warranty and support the CPU as part of a pre-build computer.
4. Retailers who deal in OEM's basically get hold of excess chips and sell them at reduced cost because there is no factory support and no heatsink/fan unit. These retailers warranty the CPU's themselves, and set the length. There is no rule on the length of OEM warranties-they generally run from 15 days to 1 year, and are only as good as the companies that offer the warranty.

OEM chips are only justified when the cost is excellent and when you are able to personally observe the chip, such as at a computer show, to hand pick a particular stepping. Retail CPU's hold their value much better, and are easier to resell at higher prices on auction sites, when upgrade time comes.

 

[InFlames]

<<
OEM chips are only justified when the cost is excellent and when you are able to personally observe the chip, such as at a computer show, to hand pick a particular stepping. Retail CPU's hold their value much better, and are easier to resell at higher prices on auction sites, when upgrade time comes. >>



I completely disagree! A chip is a chip. The only difference is how they are INITIALLY sold. Who buys CPU's on their RESALE value anyway? Unless you are suggesting buying an OEM chip and IMMEDIATELY selling it, then I'd understand. But if you are buying chips for your own personal use, OEM is the way to go - especially if you already intend have a suitable HSF.

 

[compuwiz1]

It's like with the pretests, or oem bulk. I can post what the stepping is on my site. I can't do that with retail boxes because I don't know what is inside, and would not want to have to open a bunch of boxes. OEM are easier to grab 10 or 20 at a time for me, all nice and pretty in a tray with no heatsinks.

 

[rommel]

but in all likely hood if the cpu runs aight for a month it will be fine...a bad one will prolly show itself almost immediately