OEM vs. Retail G450 differences?

[BokChoy]

Hi all,

Anyone know what software the OEM package does not include?

Thanks!

[Greebe]

The OEM version normally comes with only the drivers.

[BokChoy]

Do you think it's worth it to get the retail version? what software comes with it?

[Kruzin]

Software Bundle included:
- Simply 3D
- Picture Publisher 8
- The Matrox Software DVD Player


I think buying retail is the way to go. Not just because of the software bundle, but also because warranties are usually better and easier to use on retail products. Also, retail versions often get better component parts. OEM cards often have inferior/slower RAM, and never get the best yield chips...most retail cards will overclock better than most OEM cards because of this.

[LrngToFly]

If you look up the G450 on Pricewatch, you'll find OEM cards with both types of RAM.

Also, don't pay anything extra for the DVD player- it doesn't even work in Win2K!

Go OEM.

[BokChoy]

Thanks guys, the overclocking doesn't really worry me since I don't plan on doing much gaming at all.

The only thing that's bugging me is the warranty, can anybody validate that the OEM warranty is shorter than a Retail box one?

[Haig]

Regardless of whether the card is OEM, bulk, retail, LE, etc, the manufacturer's warranty is 3 years.

Haig

[This message has been edited by Haig (edited 05 January 2001).]

[MiniM3]

LrngToFly,

The DVD Player does work in Win2k, I just bought the G450 Dual Head Matrox, and installed the DVD Player, runs great in my Windows 2000 Pro.

[BokChoy]

I heard that some cables may not come with it, like the adapter cable to connect a TV to the second head. I'm probably going to get the 32mb DDR version, or I may wait for the Radeon VE. THe extra 3D power intrigues me

[Paddy]

LrngToFly, there is a newer version of the DVD player that does work with Win2K

[Novdid]

I think the Radeon VE only has one pipeline( I´m not sure). That would hurt the gaming abilities so much that it would almost make it as slow, if not slower than the G450

[SCompRacer]

Hello Haig, long time!

I have had both retail and OEM cards, no trouble with either. In case of dual head, ask if cable is "included" with card/drivers CD.

[This message has been edited by SCompRacer (edited 14 January 2001).]

[Ashley]

Depending on where in the world you are, you may get something different - best to check the actual package.

The retail Millennium G450 32MB DDR card I just picked up only included a DVD player and the drivers for software - nothing more. And the card is clocked slightly lower than what one may be led to believe, at 157/125MHz...