Windows 7: OEM or normal?

i still have this RC version of windows 7 ultimate and obviously i have to buy i copy of Windows 7 soon, i have a tight budget so i decided on home prem. but should i get OEM or normal? the reason i ask is cause i probably will be upgrading my rig down the line to i7, and from what i understand OEM copy's don't like it when you change mobo's. but on the other hand OEM is $100 cheaper then normal version,

so what do you think? is it still a lot of trouble trying to update hardware on OEM with Windows 7?

Hello Sabotage.


It is said that MS will re-activate OEM after a HW upgrade, but as you'll be doing "a lot" of HW at the same time you may have problems; maybe it'll be cheaper to get the "Retail" version to start with and save yourself the trouble.

Technically you aren't really allowed to substantially upgrade your hardware with the OEM version. So a new mobo and CPU would qualify as a new machine and would require the purchase of a new license. Now maybe you could sweet talk somebody at MS to activate it again for you...but that would be breaking the spirit of the agreement.

If there is any chance you will be changing computers in the next 2 years, I would buy the retail.

Or, if you are nerdy, look for a discount code online for a 1 year technet subscription. they can often be had for $249..and that gives you handfuls of licenses for Xp, Vista, Windows 7, Server 2003, Server 2008 and the entire Microsoft Office suite. So, it pays for itself almost instantly.

Definiitely go for the retail version, despite what anyone may say about whether they will reactivate or not, because it is not worth putting the matter into their hands. The price difference is not as much as you think, if you go eBaying. I bought my last copy for less than OEM, but of course that situation changes daily. At worst, you might have to pay maybe $20 more, depending on your luck.

EDIT: When I said retail, I'm speaking of the retail upgrade, not the full retail package. The upgrade is all that you need (assuming that you already have either Vista or XP).

everyone refers to "sweet talking" to a MS representative, does that ever work? lol

EDIT: @ seekermeister

all i need is the upgrade? explain, i never entirely understood how that worked.

Have a read:

A "Must Read" for OEM license users

Are you sure a CPU upgrade will invalidate the license. I thought it was only a change of mobo. I am asking because I have a new CPU sitting on my desk ready to be put into my box (same mobo though).

The question is, is it worth the risk, get an Upgrade Retail. TechNet is a sweet deal.


Edit: Looking at his current specs, he'd have to change the mobo for an i7.

Why?

Doesn't an Intel E7200 use a 775 and an i7 use a 1366/1156 depending on which one; if he installs on the current HW then upgrades to an i7 that sounds like a new mobo to me.