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I'm in the process of ordering parts to build my computer and am looking for any advice here. I've been looking into hard drives that I could purchase online, ideally in the 300-500 gig range. The OEM hard drives are cheaper of course and I notice it's much easier to find available hard drives in any version if they are OEM. I was debating about whether to purchase a retail version, but it will cost me more and I'm having a hard time finding anyone selling these large hard drives in a retail package. Would it be worth it for me to buy an OEM drive instead to save some money? If I do, what am I going to need to get that will be missing from the OEM version?
The only way to get OEN HDs directly from the manufacturer is by ordering large quantity. Is this what you plan to do?
i_XpUser
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The difference between OEM and retail is that the OEM version comes in a plain cardboard box with no software and no instructions. The retail version will be in a fancy box with installation instructions and software CD.
The lack of software is not usually a problem as it can be downloaded from the major manufactures web sites.
Stuart
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Go for the oem I've never had a problem with 'em. Just make shure you get it from a reputable seller.
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XpUser, your link talks about DVD burners.
I mainly buy retail hard drives when they are on sale because sometimes they are cheaper than even OEM drives. Other times I might buy either type. With a OEM drive all you get is a drive in a factory sealed bag. You must supply everything else including the screws. I have never had a problem getting a drive replaced under warranty with a OEM drive.
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Tech support/bundled stuff/warranties aside, you might also consider the packaging a retail product is shipped in. Most retail hardware is well-protected in transit; OEM hardware tends not to be. Initial quality of retail products is often higher than their OEM counterparts as a result of damages incurred during the shipping process.
That said, all the HDDs I buy are OEM. I find that I do not need the 'extras' bundled into the retail kits. Also, I only purchase from vendors that have an exemplary refund/replacement service.
"If it ain't broke, upgrade anyway."
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