System Builder Version vs Regular Regtail Version?

[Fadingz]

Does anyone know what is the difference between the system builder edition of Vista Ultimate 64 in Newegg and the regular retail in Microsoft website?

Newegg.com - Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Ultimate for System Builders Single Pack DVD - Operating Systems <-This one

Since it costs almost half the price, but I can't seem to find the direct differences between the two.

I'm going to install it on a fresh built PC.

Thank you very much for any input in advance~ ^^

[John Aiton]

it's an oem version/liscence, you may not get a manual

the software itself will be the same

[Fadingz]

So the disk themselves are the same right? just with some less support.
I think I'll grab the OEM version.
Thanx~

Is there any other significant difference? Since some explanations about how to use Vista shouldn't cost $150 :/

[John Aiton]

read this first Fadingz


What's missing from the OEM version?

When you buy OEM, you need to understand what you're getting.

OEM editions of Windows don't come in pretty boxes, nor do they include manuals.
Of course, a real "manual" has never shipped with Windows, and chances are,
if you're interested in OEM software, you don't need what passes for a manual these days, anyway.
And the pretty box... well, that's not really worth much anyway, is it?
Rest assured, though: the software on the disc is the same as that found in any retail edition.

There are some gotchas, though. OEM software cannot be returned once opened.
There are no exceptions. You open it, you've bought it.

OEM software is also tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
Unlike the retail versions of Windows which can be transferred to a new computer, OEM versions are not transferable.
What about upgrading hardware? Microsoft says that anything is fair game, except the motherboard.
Replacing the motherboard in a computer results in a "new personal computer,"
which the company considers to be synonymous with a transfer.
It's not permitted with an OEM edition of Windows.

Nevertheless, I've known users who got around this limitation by calling Microsoft
and reporting that their motherboards died when they wanted to build a new computer.
It is Microsoft's policy to allow motherboard swaps in instances where a system is defective or has suffered a hardware failure.
But you shouldn't bank on this approach; there's no guarantee it will work and, well, liars don't get ice cream.
Also, while retail versions of Vista include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, OEM versions are specific.
You get one or the other. This follows from the per device restriction.
The end result is that OEM versions may not be that attractive to users who frequently build new computers from the ground up.

Then there's support. Technically, OEM versions of Windows get first-tier support from
the system builders who put the OEM software on your machine.
In the case of Mom & Pop Computers, that means M&P is your first support hit.
In the case of you buying OEM software for yourself, technically this means that you're your own support.
What does this really mean? Retail Vista comes with 90 days of free support. OEM edition users don't get that,
but paid support is still an option, should you need it.

[Fadingz]

Originally Posted by John Aiton

read this first Fadingz


What's missing from the OEM version?

When you buy OEM, you need to understand what you're getting.

OEM editions of Windows don't come in pretty boxes, nor do they include manuals.
Of course, a real "manual" has never shipped with Windows, and chances are,
if you're interested in OEM software, you don't need what passes for a manual these days, anyway.
And the pretty box... well, that's not really worth much anyway, is it?
Rest assured, though: the software on the disc is the same as that found in any retail edition.

There are some gotchas, though. OEM software cannot be returned once opened.
There are no exceptions. You open it, you've bought it.

OEM software is also tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
Unlike the retail versions of Windows which can be transferred to a new computer, OEM versions are not transferable.
What about upgrading hardware? Microsoft says that anything is fair game, except the motherboard.
Replacing the motherboard in a computer results in a "new personal computer,"
which the company considers to be synonymous with a transfer.
It's not permitted with an OEM edition of Windows.

Nevertheless, I've known users who got around this limitation by calling Microsoft
and reporting that their motherboards died when they wanted to build a new computer.
It is Microsoft's policy to allow motherboard swaps in instances where a system is defective or has suffered a hardware failure.
But you shouldn't bank on this approach; there's no guarantee it will work and, well, liars don't get ice cream.
Also, while retail versions of Vista include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, OEM versions are specific.
You get one or the other. This follows from the per device restriction.
The end result is that OEM versions may not be that attractive to users who frequently build new computers from the ground up.

Then there's support. Technically, OEM versions of Windows get first-tier support from
the system builders who put the OEM software on your machine.
In the case of Mom & Pop Computers, that means M&P is your first support hit.
In the case of you buying OEM software for yourself, technically this means that you're your own support.
What does this really mean? Retail Vista comes with 90 days of free support. OEM edition users don't get that,
but paid support is still an option, should you need it.

Thank you so much for the input, I'll come up with a plan then ><
I'm going to have everything else I'm missing purchased and shipped by the Wednesday after the up coming one.
I hope I can gather up with enough money for a retail (since I'm not sure how my fresh build comp will work out... hope the mobo isn't defected @@"), or I might have to stick with the OEM ><

[refraction]

Originally Posted by John Aiton

OEM software is also tied to the motherboard it is first installed on.
Unlike the retail versions of Windows which can be transferred to a new computer, OEM versions are not transferable.
What about upgrading hardware? Microsoft says that anything is fair game, except the motherboard.
Replacing the motherboard in a computer results in a "new personal computer,"
which the company considers to be synonymous with a transfer.
It's not permitted with an OEM edition of Windows.

Nevertheless, I've known users who got around this limitation by calling Microsoft
and reporting that their motherboards died when they wanted to build a new computer.
It is Microsoft's policy to allow motherboard swaps in instances where a system is defective or has suffered a hardware failure.
But you shouldn't bank on this approach; there's no guarantee it will work and, well, liars don't get ice cream.
Also, while retail versions of Vista include both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, OEM versions are specific.
You get one or the other. This follows from the per device restriction.
The end result is that OEM versions may not be that attractive to users who frequently build new computers from the ground up.

nothing a format and reinstall wont cure.

unless you are telling me it burns an id to the cd! which i doubt.. as far as im aware (as this has happened in work) its only the install that notices, it doesnt poll microsoft.

[Fadingz]

Originally Posted by refraction

nothing a format and reinstall wont cure.

unless you are telling me it burns an id to the cd! which i doubt.. as far as im aware (as this has happened in work) its only the install that notices, it doesnt poll microsoft.

Hmmm, true :/
Does Microsoft record the Serial code with your system mobo though?
I wonder if you need to enter your mobo serial code if you register with MS using the OEM version.

[BigIg]

Originally Posted by Fadingz

Does Microsoft record the Serial code with your system mobo though?

I believe it does something like that, but if you do an upgrade, you can call microsoft, and they'll move the license to the new computer... or something like that.