[SOLVED] Windows 7 Purchase at Newegg

Whew! First post in a while! I'm back!

Anyway, for my build this December, I'm buying it off Newegg and I was wondering one thing: What is the difference between http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116986 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116716?

I got kinda confused when making my cart.

Thanks.

The "Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 64-bit - OEM" is a system builder license and is not supported by Microsoft. The system builder assumes responsibility for all OS problems. The license can not be transfered to another computer either, once activated the license is locked to the hardware of which it was installed.

The "Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Retail" is fully support by Microsoft for any and all problems. The licenses can be transfered to a different computer, activation does not lock license to a specific hardware.

Other than those differences they are pretty much the same. All though the retail version you linked to does not appear to be SP1.

Do you recommend going the extra $$$ for the non-OEM version?

That depends on if you think you will ever upgrade your computers motherboard and if you think you will ever call Microsoft for OS issues you may have encountered.

If you can solve all OS issues on your own and will never transfer the Windows license to another computer then the System Builder OEM license would be fine for you.

Thanks for the reply, Clifford. Why can't Microsoft just make it easy!?!? lol

I would recommend getting the OEM version. You'll save money and regarding motherboard replacement issues, MS will work with the end-user in those situations.

Save yourself some money and enjoy Windows 7.

What do you mean motherboard replacement issues?

If your mobo ever burns or crashes, same for cpu and you have to replace it. A phone call to MS and an explaination as to what happened then MS grants you a knew Product Key or renews the old one.

That being for the OEM or the more expesive one?

For the OEM...with the retail version it's transferable, so no need for a call. If your cpu or mobo crashes just buy a new piece and reinstall with the retail version. Now this is where you have to decide which way to go. If you build new systems every year, as some do then I recomend the retail version. If you just build a system every five years or more then opt for the OEM version, like Nibiru2012 suggested.