Question..

[trenchtoaster]

What is the difference between retail and OEM versions? I ask because

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&description=X800GTO+agp&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

has two of the same (as far as I can tell) video cards, but there is a price difference of over 5 bucks, and the retail version has no reviews. Are retail versions bad or something? Should I just spend the extra 6 bucks for a OEM version? (whatever that is)

Also, would those X800GTO's be a better choice to play Oblivion than a geforce 6800gs? Thanks in advance.

 

[trenchtoaster]

I noticed that BFG Tech BFGR68256GSOC Geforce 6800GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X Video Card is a retail card as well, so I suppose that means there is no real difference between OEM and retail?

I wonder if it would make a huge difference if I bought the 169 dollar X800GTO card or the geforce 6800gs for 219(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814143045). I would rather save the money, but I want to play oblivion at some decent settings. What would you guys do if you were in my situation?

 

[KWH]

Retail usually comes in a cool box, has all the manuals, cables, adapters, etc. Sometimes, even games are bundled with it as well as some apps. Retail units usually carry a much longer warranty. IMO, they are probably picked out of a higher quaity bin.
OEM units usually come in a static bag with the drivers(if that), much lower warranty and not much else. OEM CPU's usually have 30-60-90 day warranty and retail 3 years.

 

[trenchtoaster]

Hmm, then it doesnt really make sense that the retail version of the X800GTO is cheaper does it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&description=X800GTO+agp&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

The only difference I can see is SAPPHIRE 100131L for the retail version ($169), and SAPPHIRE 100131 for the OEM version ($175)

 

[KWH]

Ya gotta keep in mind these aren't cutting edge cards anymore. I ran my GeForce 5950 ultra for several years and only recently updated video card and motherboard. I'm quite happy with that decision.

 

[KWH]

After looking at the contents of the card, the OEM may be a typo. Looks like contents for both cards are the same.

 

[trenchtoaster]

Yeah, but they must be better than the geforce fx 5500 I have now, even thought it plays World of Warcraft great it cant run Oblivion at all. I guess I will buy the retail version of the X800GTO over the geforce 6800gs, unless anyone wants to point something out to me.

As far as I can tell their specs are nearly or exactly the same, which makes me think it would be pointless spending 50 more dollars on the 6800gs.

 

[KWH]

I've not tried either card, so I can't advise. Do a quick google for benchmarks for both cards.

 

[trenchtoaster]

I ended up buying http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130264 (eVGA 256-A8-N397-TX Geforce 6800GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 AGP 4X/8X Video Card - Retail)

I hope I made the right choice, it was 225 dollars /gulp