OEM or Retail ?

[mrstinky127]

Im aboud to build my pc should i get windows 7 premium retail version or can i get the OEM version as it is a lot cheaper ? i will be making the pc myself. What is the difference between the two ?

[Aldrashan]

OEM is bound to your motherboard so if you ever want to upgrade that you'd have to buy a new copy of windows.

[Sthos]

OEM - Tied to that System's motherboard
Retail - Can be on re installed on a different system if you change.

Otherwise if you want more detail google 'whats the difference between oem and retail'

[Codyak]

Do you mean the system builder's version of Windows, or the disc that comes from say Dell or Acer? Basically, are comparing these two things?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116986
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116716

[vesseblah]

OEM is bound to your motherboard so if you ever want to upgrade that you'd have to buy a new copy of windows.

According to Microsoft EULA yes, but it's not enforced in any way.

[noteworthynerd]

According to Microsoft EULA yes, but it's not enforced in any way.

Nope, it isn't enforced whatsoever. If you want to upgrade your motherboard and you get "unable to activate", just use the automated telephone service and it'll go through no problem.

[Deleted]

First link using Google search option for "Windows 7 OEM vs RETAIL"

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

OEM is fine and as Note mentions, you'll have no issues reusing it later on.

[jmacphee9]

out of curiosity, what is the price difference between the two?

[Cyanotical]

out of curiosity, what is the price difference between the two?

with versions of 7, OEM is about 1/2 of the cost of retail

8 is a bit different because the retail upgrade is very cheap, and the OEM is not

[Deng]

with versions of 7, OEM is about 1/2 of the cost of retail

8 is a bit different because the retail upgrade is very cheap, and the OEM is not

Moreover there is no 8 "retail" other than an upgrade.

8 OEM for personal use is like 7 retail. You use Personal Use License that can be found here:
http://personaluselicense.windows.co...S/default.aspx

and more clarifications:
http://www.microsoft.com/oem/en/lice...e-license.aspx

So basically buying an OEM Windows 8 for your personal use (in shop, not with computer via brands like DELL) now allows you to sell it later/transfer to another pc and so on.

[xindralol]

OEM is bound to your motherboard so if you ever want to upgrade that you'd have to buy a new copy of windows.

not anymore ... someone sued microsoft I believe and you can now buy oem versions without it being bound to anything

[Nab]

OEM is not bound to anything, if you switch motherboards and it gives you some sort of error just call them and they'll give you a different code.