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Well that explains alot actually. I usually just get the OEM version but after things go too crazy or I get a new HDD I always end up having to buy another OEM disc after 2 installs or I have to call them and beg for a new key. Do you think the retail version is worth it?

The only time OEM isn't worth it is if you know for a fact you're going to be building a new computer soon and want to use the same OS on there. Otherwise, OEM is just fine.

I got the retail version because I wanted to try it out. If I didn't like it, I was going to give it to my g/f. With the OEM, I wouldn't be able to do that.

However, with OEM, you can change just about everything but the motherboard.

If any other forum members see something wrong with my statement, please speak up

I believe you're right on this. Sorry for not being more specific.

ATB,
MC

While you are correct that the EULA on OEM operating systems is worded in the manner that you have described, Microsoft has never limited OEM operating systems in this manner nor do they have steps in place to check your version.

All I've ever used is OEM operating systems. My current system has changed motherboards 4 times over the past 2 years. XP Pro has been re-activated about 100 times since I've bought it (including formats, hard drive replacements, ram replacements, upgrades, etc.), and the same OEM Vista key has been activated now twice. In most instances I have to call Microsoft, and there's no begging involved. All they care about is that the operating system is running on one machine at a time, which is the same as with the retail version.

If you go over 6 months or so, you may not need to call Microsoft and the operating system will activate just fine. I'm not sure exactly what the time frame is for this, as I only know there have been times that it works without a phone call.

Further, when you call to activate an operating system, the Microsoft representative cannot tell whether its a retail or OEM verstion that you're activating.

So the bottom line is that OEM has no more restrictions than retail versions, and cost much less. The only real difference is that a retail version can be sold on its own, where an OEM version is supposed to be sold with other hardware components that vary from country to country (2 other pieces of hardware in AU with no restrictions so you could buy a floppy drive and modem and still qualify, where some countries require a major component such as RAM or CPU or motherboard).

I'm sure Microsoft knows the difference between OEMs and Retail. I'm sure when you call them up and give them your key, their computer recognizes the key as OEM or retail. I mean, if not, than it makes no sense to jack the price on retail. Newegg ~ $119 for Vista Home Premium 32-bit. Retail stores ~ $259. $137 for a ugly looking box?!

If you get the 32-bit OEM, can you still order the 64-bit version for $10?

That's both fascinating and comforting. I have an OEM version of vis64ult, and would really love to upgrade to a new motherboard, and preferably bump 4gb of ram into the mix, rather than the 2gb I currently have.

You said you've activated your Vista key twice, now (or "re-activated ONCE).

If I may ask, was the second "vista" activation after a major/minor system change, or did you just "re-install"? (Reminder I have to do that soon).

I think you're probably right, "Eura". "Microsoft" would keep a log of your activations, but they wouldn't necessarily tell the member of phone staff.

I believe you can get that 10 "dollar" (I'm in UK) upgrade - even on OEM. If you're seriously interested, Microsoft would happily tell you: MS Conact.



One thing, though. I had - sorry have - an old Dell laptop. It had Win XP home on it. I think the hard drive failed on it. One day I needed a copy of XP, so I tried installing XP home from the "XP repair" disk Dell sent along with the Laptop.

It "installed" OK on the computer. However, when I tried to activate it, it wouldn't work over the InterNet. So I called MS's activation line. After about 20 minutes of explaining/haggling/pleading/begging/almost-threatening, I was told
- "This copy of XP [home] is tied to the [Dell] computer you bought. The software license "dies" with the computer."

So, considering darklife41's comments, I wonder if as well as Retail and OEM, there is also a "SROEM" (Super-restrictive OEM) version for companies like Dell/HP/Mesh/AlienWare (etc), that they - perhaps - don't pay so much for.

If anyone has any insight into this, I'd love to know.

I am "encouraged" by darklife41's activation experiences, but I still have questions.

(The posts keep getting longer.)
MC2

Your computer knows the difference. Microsoft does not know.

We're system builders who also do repairs. We use a couple programs that will identify every key/serial number for all software on the system.

On more than one occasion we've had a customer bring in a computer to be formatted that they've lost discs for or never got a disc for, and often there's a key pasted on the side (which system builders are required to do) that doesn't match the key that's actually installed. Retail keys don't work on OEM discs and visa versa, so we've asked on more than one occasion when calling Microsoft to activate if they can tell us if the key is OEM or retail, so we can format using the correct disc. We've also called Microsoft's system builder support to see if they can tell us. In every instance, the Microsoft rep has told us that they have no way of knowing which version it is. Thus, its always trial and error as to which disc we install the OS from. If the OS won't accept the key during installation, its because its an OEM key with a retail disc or visa versa.

Yes, when I installed Vista it was actually an OEM version taken from one PC and put on another one. Its the same phone number to activate as XP, and the questions are identical. All they really care about is that its only on 1 PC at a time.

I can't help much here and it is possible that something identifies a Dell or HP key as theirs. Bigger companies like Dell tend to buy licenses in bulk, either in image form or for a single disc that they then make slipstream discs for different models. Some of these companies provide a recovery disc which will only install to the correct chipset since all drivers are included, but very few supply a Windows Operating system disc separately. That's the difference between a custom shop like us and the Dells of the world. We supply separate discs for all software and OS. Bigger companies that buy in bulk definitely get a price drop, but its not all that substantial in my opinion, which is why we have stuck to the advantages of buying discs separately.

The trick when activating is to say that you're installing to the same computer, not that I'm advocating lying and we won't lie for customers as we prefer to stay legal. Also don't volunteer any info that the rep doesn't ask for. When they ask why I'm installing the OS again, I just say I had to reformat, which is true if you change motherboards.

In my 5 years of experience with activating XP, they ask 3 questions. 1) Is this the first time you're activating this software? (My answer is no) 2) Why are you installing the software again? (My answer is because I had to reformat the hard drive) 3) Is this software on any other computers? (My answer is no)

I can't say for sure if I've used a Dell key on another system or not though.

Question:

Now i was planning on building a C2D Computer for college this fall, i was gonna use the E6600 and GIGABYTE GA-965P-DS3

but now you guys say to wait for the Q6600 and P35

but what is the difference between the E6600 and the Q6600, and is the Q6600 even out yet?

so all and all, im clueless as to what to do

The Q6600 is out see link
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819115017

The Q6600 is 4 CPUs on one chip the E6600 is two CPUs on one chip
and as for waiting till July 22 the Q6600 will be 266 USD

hope this helps

With intel's Quad, they essentially stick two Dual Cores together, with a few enhancements - of course.

AMD's 4x4 solution is to have two (dual core) processor sockets on one mobo - similar to a typical server arrangement - I think they have a one-chip strategy as well, though.

I'm not at all sure if I'd want to go for (either) quad core, due to the energy increase. Essentially the more cores you have, the more power you need.

I've heard cores can be dynamically turned off, but haven't really heard any evidence from Tom's/AnandTech to say how effective this is.

[

Had to edit this. The mean reason I started this post was to thank darklife for his futher post. In particular this:

Thanks again.

]

You're very welcome.


If a person wants the latest and greatest technology, they could wait their entire lives. AMD introduces their 65nm quads and Intel will also be introducing Penryn and the 45 nm quads in the last quarter of this year. Intel already has announced their plans to release Nehalem, and AMD has their answer almost ready for production.

Point is that there's always something bigger and better just around the corner. I think most people would be very happy with the performance of a E6600 and GA-965P-DS3.

thanks buddy

I'm between 1 day and 6 months before I replace my hard drive, so when I do that I'll probably move over to Vista and possibly one of the P35 chipsets. I'd still like to see what NVidia's next chipsets will be like though.

well new egg has got the P35 up for sale this morning

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] P35+series

just saw that, club IT has em officially now too... hopefully we can get some more reviews so i can decide between p35 ds3 and 965

I think I just skeeted in my pants. Get the p35 dude.

Right on 8)

is the one to get the p35c because it has ddr2 and dd3 support (if i don't need sli?)

For 1 you mean Crossfire, and 2 I'm kinda thinking the same thing about getting the one that's more future ready. I'm guessing DDR3 isn't going to be a big deal for a year and half at least so that makes me wonder if I really need it to have that ability, but at the same time .... ya know.

Is it just me or does the Foxconn one not seem too bad, that's weird? Besides the scrawny NB heatsink, it has all solid caps, and a mosfest heatsink....meh not bad.

I'm sure not going to be one of the first people to buy one of these though. I wanna see what's good and what's bad 1st.

SoooOOOOoo what do you guys think would be the best price/performance board so far. I know it's all guess work, but I'd like your opinions.

My guess:
GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R

probably the p35c cause it has both ddr2 and 3... my question is do you think the future abilities of the p35c outweigh the immaturity of the board/bios? what happens if the first revision of the board has problems?