OEM vs. DIY

11-6-03

Essay 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outline

 

Thesis:  The choice to buy a computer as either OEM or DIY depends on the qualities and needs of the user.

 

I.                     Introduction

II.                   Term Definition

A.     OEM:  Original Equipment Manufacturer

B.     DIY:  Do-It-Yourself

III.                  Time and Experience Factors

A.     OEM:  Handles entire process of building

B.     DIY:  Same work as OEM work done by user

IV.               Hardware Choice:  OEMs have limited choice compared to DIY

V.                 Upgradeability

A.     OEM:  Restricted upgrading in some cases

B.     DIY:  Upgrade whenever needed

VI.               Cost

A.     OEM

1.      Value:  Little upgrading and unbalanced performance; low cost

2.      Mainstream:  Balanced performance and decent upgrading

3.      Enthusiast:  Superior performance and upgrading; high cost

B.     DIY

1.      Buy essential now, upgrade later

2.      Buy everything together

VII.              Support

A.     OEM:  Extensive testing and support

B.     DIY:  Per component support

VIII.            Conclusion
            There’s always a choice to make when deciding to buy a new computer.  Most people don’t even realize that there is a choice.  They’ve come to believe that the only way to acquire a computer is from a manufacturer.  But for those who do, it is a tough decision:  OEM or DIY?

            OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer, a term that would seem to make perfect sense but typically baffles all who encounter it.  To better understand OEM, attention should be paid to the “Original Equipment” first.  It is what the “Manufacturers” purchase to build there computer systems.  Unlike retail products, Original Equipment has no accompanying CD, no documentation, no box, and usually the only packaging is an anti-static bag.  It is purchased in bulk, thus the price per unit is lower.  OEMs use this strategy of low price from bulk and removed amenities to make more money on their computer sales.  Essentially, an OEM is named so because of what components it purchases.

            DIY is a little bit more straightforward; it means Do-It-Yourself.  Everyone can relate to this terminology, as it is simply stated that the consumer has to do the work.  All the research, buying, building, troubleshooting, and repairs are done solely by the shopper.  As such, a certain level of technical prowess is required, but when done correctly, it is a quick and painless affair.

            When choosing between DIY and OEM, the buyer has to consider whether or not they have the time and understanding to build the computer themselves.  Most inexperienced buyers immediately choose OEM for its simplicity.  The OEM will handle everything that a new user would typically need, such as installing the hardware components, operating system, and any other software and games that may be included.  They even include installation files of some commonly used Internet Service Providers, to have the buyer connected to the Internet within an hour of purchasing their computer system.  The OEM takes care of so much that all the buyer has to do is unpack the computer and plug up the peripherals, which is made simpler by color-coding the ports and connectors.

            The DIY buyers don’t have that level of simplicity.  They have to do every part of the work that an OEM would: purchasing and installing hardware and software.  Where all this labor comes in handy is the user’s choice of hardware and software components. 

The choice of any hardware configuration that is technically possible is something most OEMs can’t give consumers.  With a plethora of every type of hardware available for purchase over the internet as well as information on how to build computers, most people can build their own computer; however, for those who still find it too daunting, some OEMs do allow the buyer to choose from a short list of preferred parts.

            Another area where DIY excels is in future upgradeability.  Besides the more enthusiast-based ones, most OEMs (Dell, Gateway) use components in their computers that cut corners by providing limited upgrade options.  Typically, either the case or motherboard will have these restrictive factors.  A common cut is to make the case smaller, thus removing the ability to add more drives or expansion cards but also making the case more compact and attractive to buyers.  This strategy decreases price substantially for OEMs’ value class of computer systems, while also requiring the buyer to purchase an entire new system sooner. 

On the other hand, with DIY computer systems, upgrading can be done on a basis of need.  If the user wants more storage capacity, they can add a hard drive; if they want to play newer games, they can replace the video card and so on.  With a computer’s modular component construction, it is a simple and intuitive task to upgrade given that the motherboard supports the newer technology.  The more enthusiast-based OEMs (Falcon Northwest, Alienware) do allow a generous amount of upgrade potential will full-size cases and quality motherboards, but these high grade systems will set the buyer back a few thousand, which leads the consumer to pricing concerns.

            Generally, the cost of OEM versus the cost of DIY is a moot point.  With cheaper, value hardware, OEMs can sell a complete system for a mere six or seven hundred dollars.  These systems usually promote a fast processor as their main selling point, but lack powerful video and audio acceleration; upgradeability; a large, sturdy case; and usually fall behind in performance by forcing the processor to do all of the computation.  These systems appeal primarily to first-time buyers and college students, and after a few years, will be archaic compared to the current computer technology. 

The mainstream OEM computers offer a more balanced approach to computing.  For between one thousand and one thousand five hundred dollars, a buyer can get a beefier system with decent video and audio acceleration, the same fast processor as the value systems, and a better quality motherboard and case that allows for a good level of upgradeability.  These balanced systems are a far superior choice over value ones, but for nearly twice the cost.

The final grade of OEM products is the enthusiast system.  These come decked out with only superior, high-quality components and will function adequately for four or five years with necessary upgrades.  Enthusiast system motherboards also typically feature a full-featured BIOS that allows the user more discretion and tweaking of the hardware.  Many amenities are also available when buying one of these plush systems such as custom paint jobs, huge LCD displays, carrying cases, fancy case designs, games, etc.  Of course, the price for these machines often breaks two thousand dollars, so they are not very cost efficient and will have the buyer paying installments for a few years.

With prices that could eat all of a buyer’s money in one meal, it’s easy to see why many computer enthusiasts choose to build their own system.  Generally, DIYers employ one of two strategies or a mixture of them depending on their available funds.  The first strategy is to buy the best motherboard and case you can afford while still buying the essential CPU, RAM, hard drive, CD-ROM, video card, and essential external peripherals.  This hardware shouldn’t cost more than a value priced OEM system and will be both functional and highly upgradeable as future funding allows.  The second strategy is to purchase all your parts at once, although this is less cost effective and poses greater risk of DOA components.

Dead hardware and other risks and problems are rare in OEM systems as they provide extensive testing and support.  Technicians will burn-in test all systems before they are shipped and provide the buyer with replacement components, in-home service, or system RMA should a hardware problem ever arise for as long as the warranty states.  Online, the OEM provides tech support and driver and software update downloads.  Users can also purchase certified upgrades with some OEMs.

DIY systems do not come with any support, obviously.  Individual components will usually have their own support options depending on the brand and whether or not it is a retail or OEM part. 

The real beauty of doing it yourself is the freedom that is afforded to you by not buying a manufactured system.  There’s no worry about breaking the warranty seal on the bottom of the case, because there is none.  DIYers can engage in enthusiast practices such as extreme cooling with water or phase change, modding, and overclocking.  Like an artist and his masterpiece, DIYers also get a sense of pride and experience from building their own system.

Ultimately, to know whether to choose OEM or DIY, the buyer must analyze themselves and determine from their finances, experience, time, and computer usage needs.  Typically, OEM systems are a good choice.  But for users with a limited budget that still demand the latest technological performance and quality, the only right choice is DIY.  OEMs can cover every part of the process of building a computer at a decent price and with little or no hassle.  Nevertheless, some people prefer building their own computer systems to owning a prefabricated machine.  Doing it yourself is still a popular alternative in an OEM world.