The (almost) age old question...

[JigPu]

Retail or OEM? :D (and you thought this would be an Nvidia vs. ATI thing :) )

I am planning on building my first computer (finaly!) and I need to know if it would be better for me to buy a Retail card instead of OEM. I've only recently installed a video card (PCI ATI Xpert128) and it seemed to be a pain until I read the manual, so I'm leaning to Retail for the manual. But is it really worth the extra money for the manual and drivers? I'm pretty sure I could figure out how to install an AGP card eventually, though if I can't, I'm up a creek without a paddle.

I'm planning on getting other parts that are simple to install (such as CPU, RAM, and Drives). I'm on a budget (rather tight...) so I'd like to save money wherever possible.

Ooo!! Good question just popped up in my mind!!! Does ATI have manuals (namely the 8500 or 8500LE) on their website? I always have this computer to download the manual and use while installing the video card if they actually have it online. It would save me the money, and drivers I can always find online supposedly!

JigPu

[Default]

only difference from oem and retail is software and packaging. I ohnestly think for the price difference it is far more econamical to buy the oem. you can always find drivers and manuals on the net. and if not we are always glad to help :D Also in some cases the difference between oem and retail with regards to ATi is clock speed. (retail 275/275 oem 250/250) this is only the case for some though. Mainly the oems with the lower clock will be marked with the LE lable.

[*JEREMY*]

Well I always lean toward oem because you can always find help and drivers online and save yourself some $! True somtimes oem vid cards are clocked slower but thats why we are overclockers;)
Installing an agp card is no harder that installing a pci card either,Ati has a bunch of tips for you in there customer service section and of course you have over 20 thousand people here to help.

[JigPu]

OK guys, I think I've found a manual for the Radeon online. Guess I'll go OEM cuz it is quite a diffrence between the two. And I was definatly planning on overclocking the thing a little cuz I want the most bang for my buck (equals LE card + retail and beyond OC)

Now to decide on the rest of the myraid of components :rolleyes:

JigPu

[*JEREMY*]

Originally posted by JigPu


Now to decide on the rest of the myraid of components :rolleyes:

JigPu
Thats the fun part JigPu!