OEM: What is it, why you should get it and why sometimes, it’s better than the original

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 1:50 pm

What is OEM?
The acronym stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and you might have heard it countless times if you’re a tech or car enthusiast. It either refers to parts or manufacturers that are used in the final product, be it for your computer or car and will be branded under the final product’s brand as well. For example, ABC sparkplugs that are installed in a BMW vehicle will be branded as BMW sparkplugs. On the computer end of things, OEM parts and products are identified by their generic packaging and lack of documentation.

Why you should get it?
Price, for the most part. For example, the OEM version of Windows 7 will cost around $50 to $150 less than the retail version. This is due to the fact that the OEM version isn’t meant to be sold to consumers in the first place, hence the plain packaging and lack of benefits such as tech support. Although the OEM versions of products aren’t meant to be sold to consumers, it’s perfectly legal, as long as you know your way around.

How is it better than the original or aftermarket product?
For tech enthusiasts who can build a PC blindfolded, price is the main factor again. The few dollars saved on each part might let you upgrade something else or let that fancy new monitor fit into your budget. Although certain OEM parts might ship without critical components, such as a processor that comes without a fan, it frees up space and works to your advantage instead. For example, you would want to use an aftermarket CPU fan instead of the stock one if you’re a performance junkie anyway.

But if you’re just stingy and are unwilling to learn, you’re better off not taking that risk. Just get the full retail version or aftermarket parts instead, it’s only a few bucks more after all.