Video Card: OEM, Box, Retail .....?????????

[j14g 0]

Shopping around for a new video card I see terms like "OEM" , "Retail" , or "Box" . Could somebody explain the difference and whether one is more desirable than the other ?ThanksJohn

[wsieffert 0]

OEM - original equipment manufacturer - you may get the card wrapped in hopefully static free bubblewrap - no warranty, etc. Usually cheapest. If you were Dell you would probably by hundreds of these.Retail - you will get the retail box, just as if you went to your favorite electonics store and bought it off the shelf. You should get the manufacturer's warranty, any specials included, cables, etc. Most expensive, but maybe not if you get extras and the warranty.Box (White Box) - maybe just a step above OEM. You may get some instructions and extras. More expensive.