It sounds like you've been sold an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturor) version, which is what the
computer builders get (in your case, Evesham, which is an OEM, and who
http://www.lowestonweb.com
really are).
There are two types of OEM package - those that are the actually the same as boxed cards but without
the box, and those that not only have no box, but also have serial numbers that mark them as OEM
cards so the manufacturor could tell it was an OEM if you ever sent it back on warranty.
You usually buy an OEM because it is cheaper than the boxed version, especially if you are not
interested in the gimmicks (flashy box, crap games bundle, etc) but in your case, you dont seem to
have got it any cheaper (see for example
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/X800_XT.html). That
would suggest to me that it actually is a full retail card, just without the packaging, but even
then, you havent got a particulalry good deal. If all you're losing is a box and a useless CD, then
Id take it on the chin, but YMMV
If the card also has *an OEM serial*, then its a different matter. Cards actually marked as OEMs are
usually not supplied with the normal level of support because they are usually covered as part of
the system the OEM put it in (typically a complete PC), which means your card may be unsupported by
ATI. If you have a card *with an OEM serial*, Id send it back if the card was not advertised as an
OEM on the basis that it isnt the product you asked for (full retail, with full warranty), and that
you have actually paid a full retail price.
HTH
S
Remo-Shiva wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> After months of waiting I finally got my X800 XT PE through this
> morning and was quite surprised to find that it was not in an
> official box, didn't come with a manual or a driver cd, it did come
> with all the cabling though. I was wondering if this could mean I
> might not have got the card I paid for, like it could be the X800 pro
> or something, it is an ATI built card and the sticker on it says its
> a X800 XT PE, maybe I'm woried over nothing. I sent the people I
> bought if from an e-mail to see whether it will affect my warantee if
> something goes wrong, like they could turn round and say it wasn't
> boxed and stuff so no replacement, I'm still waiting for a reply.
>
> BTW, I live in UK and got the card from www.lowestonweb.co.uk for
> £320, their site says they are getting another 35 on the 31st.
>
> RespeK
> Shiva