• How does a boxed processor differ from a regular one? What are “BOX” and “OEM” versions of computer hardware and how do they differ?

    OEM, Box and Kit, in short, are the types of delivery of goods to the consumer.

    To what? Almost all products, but more often to computer units and components, software (most often operating systems) for them.

    Briefly, what is the difference? Complete and guaranteed. BOX and KIT - easily connected and on full power use it right away.

    One of the KIT options is a construction set, which contains everything for self-assembly.

    OEM - Original equipment manufacturer. This is an original equipment manufacturer (such as Windows (Microsoft) on ACER computers) a company that sells its product to other manufacturers as a component for their products or a company that uses third-party components to create a product under its own label.

    The complete set of OEM products is usually the minimum required for use in assembly: without additional materials and accompanying goods, in packaging without decoration, guaranteeing only the safe transportation of the goods.

    On the market in the Russian Federation computer components and software, the abbreviation OEM means a version of a product in which the direct manufacturer does not work with the end user and does not provide support - warranty service sellers of goods are engaged in.

    Due to smaller dimensions and OEM components, OEM products are 10-40% cheaper than products intended for retail sale (the so-called retail).

    The warranty for such a product may differ from the official one. In case software OEM and retail versions may differ significantly in terms of licensing agreements.

    In some countries retail OEM products are prohibited.

    What is Box, Kit?

    Box and Kit is the delivery of a finished and assembled product for direct use, including on non-manufacturer platforms. For example, a processor with a fan and fasteners, with thermal paste already applied. Those. All that remains is to insert it into the socket.

    If we talk about the completeness of delivery of any equipment or software, then the Box (or Kit) version most often means the delivery package, which includes everything necessary for the immediate use of this equipment or software.

    Despite the obvious advantages of this type of supply, they also have disadvantages, the main one of which is the high (compared to the OEM version) price. However, often, much of what is included in the kit Box supplies, may not be needed in your particular case.

    OEM example for WINDOWS:

    What are OEM versions?

    Microsoft software may come pre-installed with your computer. Such versions of products intended for delivery together with hardware are called OEM versions of products (OEM-Original Equipment Manufacturer).

    What are the rules for selling OEM versions.

    Unlike boxed products, which have colorful packaging designed for display, OEM versions have technological packaging made of brown cardboard. Depending on the product and delivery option, the technology package may contain 1 or 3 separate OEM software licenses.

    Can the buyer purchase the OEM version separately from the computer.

    OEM versions of the software are intended for PC and server builders ONLY. They are not intended for distribution to end users separately from computer equipment.

    Features of using the OEM version.

    Basic distinctive feature OEM versions are that they are "locked" to the computer they were originally installed on and cannot be transferred to a replacement computer or any other PC.

    This confirms the legality of the OEM version.

    The required confirmation of the user's license rights is a certificate of authenticity stuck on the PC case. For additional proof of licensing rights and accounting purposes, it is strongly recommended that you retain the packaging information media(discs with a hologram, if they are included in the product) and documents confirming the purchase.

    Please refer to your end user license agreement for information regarding legality of each specific product.

    We have already looked at which version of the operating system is more heavyweight and what this affects. For many users, it still remains a mystery, even if they have decided on the bit rate and the version of Windows that is worth buying. BOX or OEM? How to save money and what is the difference?

    Of course, there is a difference both in price and in properties. At first glance, OEM is more profitable and will cost you about 35% less. But is this money worth saving and are you losing more in the future? Let's look at an example on Windows 7. First, a brief explanation of the differences, because... license agreement During installation, no one in Russia reads and thinks that if they bought a license, they can use it for life, moving it from PC to PC both at work and at home. So:
    OEM versions of programs are 35-50% cheaper and are sold only complete with equipment (system unit, laptop, scanner or DVD-ROM). To OEM Windows versions There is always a certificate sticker with the serial number of the program, which you must stick on the body of your system unit. The kit may also include a book and an installation disk (but they may not be present). On laptops, the program distribution package is embedded in hidden section on the hard drive. That’s why on laptops, if the hard drive dies, it’s better to do backup operating system on external media(flash drive, hard drive, disks). The validity of programs supplied with the equipment ends as soon as the equipment dies, and it is prohibited to move the program to another PC, since this will no longer be considered a license. In addition, the program itself will refuse activation on other equipment, stating that you installed an unlicensed copy. Even if you manage to move the system to another PC, you will not be able to re-stick the sticker confirming your license rights. Moreover, this is not a solution for an enterprise that can be checked for software licensing at any moment. And these are not all restrictions. For a small company with 10 PCs, it makes no difference whether OEM copies of programs or BOX are used. But for a large company there is a limit on the number of OEM versions of programs allowed for use, and this threatens with fines for unlicensed software.
    The BOX version is a boxed version sold separately from the equipment. Serial number with a license certificate stuck on a plastic box, not sticking anywhere. These versions of programs can be moved to other PCs as needed, and they will be considered licensed. Always present in boxed versions installation disk. Some licenses for boxed versions of software allow you to install them on 2 devices at once (1 desktop PC and 1 portable laptop of the same owner). This feature can save you several times the cost compared to OEM.
    And that's not all. The Windows 7 operating system will, according to Microsoft, be supported until 2020. That is, all manufactured equipment will work normally on it and updates will be released. It follows from this that there are 8 years left. In 8 years, even at home, even at a company, a PC or laptop will have time to die, no matter how much you take care of it. And basically no one is accustomed to taking care of equipment at all. And if you had an OEM version, then with the purchase of new equipment you will have to re-purchase a license, and as a result, licensing will be 35% more expensive than if you purchased the BOX version immediately (especially with the ability to install on 2 or 3 devices). The conclusion is obvious. With the BOX version, you can replace your equipment at home or at your company at least every year, without constantly spending money on licensing. And even if you want to upgrade to more modern programs, then you can always absolutely legally resell BOX versions of programs and recoup part of the licensing of new versions (which cannot be done with OEM programs).

    | chapter:

    Many users, when choosing new hardware to upgrade their PC, often see two names of one product in the price list at once, but with one minor difference: one says BOX, and the other OEM, while the first option is quite noticeably different in cost from second.
    Why is there such a difference? Let's find out...
    The abbreviations BOX and OEM most often accompany computer processors and indicate product configuration options. In addition, they are distinguished warranty period, quality of packaging, set of documentation and service software, and in the case of processor models - also the presence of an installed fan.
    The warranty period for OEM versions of products usually does not exceed 1 year, while for more expensive BOXes it ranges from three years or more.
    At the same time, OEM deliveries rarely boast decent packaging, while BOX is a real cardboard box with additional equipment inside.
    When choosing processors, it often makes sense to choose the OEM option, especially since your old radiator with a fan can also fit it and you won’t have to pay extra for an expensive branded one. In addition, fans on BOX processors are often mounted in such a way that they are almost impossible to remove at home, and therefore, if such a fan breaks, you will have to tinker a lot to replace it.
    On the other hand, the manufacturers themselves install high-quality coolers suitable for BOX versions of their processors at the factory. extreme overclocking, while self installation The heatsink for the processor may be far from perfect.
    Other components with the abbreviation OEM, drives, video cards, motherboards and so on also comply with the above conditions. Therefore, if you do not need an extended warranty, documentation and additional accessories, you can save a little on their total cost.
    By the way, the abbreviation OEM even accompanies software products, in particular - operating system Windows from Microsoft and means that this version can only be used for pre-sale installation on finished PCs and cannot be transferred to another computer. “Boxed” (BOX) versions are much more expensive, are sold separately from the computer and allow license transfer, i.e. the ability to reinstall the OS on another PC under the license agreement.

    Ivan Kovalev

    Noticed a mistake? Select it with the mouse and press Ctrl+Enter!

    Good afternoon, dear readers of our tech blog. We have a highly discussed topic on the agenda: how the OEM processor differs from the BOX version. Let's look into this issue; fortunately, nothing critical is provided here.

    Manufacturers such as Intel and AMD, by and large, do not produce processors themselves, entrusting the process to third-party factories that have the appropriate capacity. They only develop and promote the technology, providing OEM enterprises with the necessary license and patents.

    The very concept of OEM (Tray), in relation to companies, indicates that they have all the necessary production lines, however, they fulfill partner orders rather than set up their own production. Everyone wins:

    • The OEM organization receives a large order and profit;
    • the customer does not need to build his own plant and hire a staff of professionals;
    • the price of the final product is quite low, which suits the consumer.

    We are a little distracted from the topic, and therefore we continue to study what the type of CPU delivery means, guided by the following parameters:

    • equipment;
    • cooling;
    • marking;
    • price;
    • guarantee.

    Let's start with the kit. When purchasing the BOX (Retail) option, the user receives a CPU in a box, which also contains a box cooler, a warranty card, instructions and sometimes a sticker. The OEM version does not have any of the above. Often it is supplied in a ZIP bag, and foam rubber is used for protection.
    Cooling in Tray processors is completely absent. On the one hand, this is even a plus, since top CPU models with overclocking potential require serious CBOs or tower coolers, and the useless supplied fan also costs money.

    Now to the notation. They are different for BOX and OEM versions. For example, when AMD released the FX, it wrote a long alphanumeric code on the designation that ended with the phrase “BOX.” Tray variants had the characters "MHK".

    The price from the OEM will always be lower, since you will not have to buy additional boxes and cooling systems. But the warranty for such chips is 3 times lower - only 1 year, and it is provided by the manufacturer. It doesn’t matter which processor you are going to choose - the conditions are always the same.

    Results

    We hope you understand what OEM is and what is its difference compared to BOX. Everyone determines the value for themselves, because the boxed type is easier to sell, and it comes with a guarantee from the manufacturer, not the store. But the Tray package will be of interest either to guys who are trying to save money, or who simply don’t see any reason for the stock cooling and are aiming to buy a more powerful one.

    Read more: