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This may not be the right place for the this question, if not please migrate it to the correct Stack Exchange site.

I am looking to make a purchase and I came across a great price but it says it is in a "Plain Box" here is what a plain box is defined as:

OEM, Bulk, Plain Box products have the following features:

!. No fancy packaging (Plain box product comes in a plain box, OEM or Bulk - 
   in an anti-static wrap.)
2. Accessories may differ (Accessories that usually come with the retail
   version may or may not be included.)
3. User's manual may differ (User's manual may be abridged or not included. 
   Please use Manufacturer's web site for complete manuals.)
4. Software bundle may differ (Usually those products include drivers, but not 
   include additional software that comes with the retail version of the 
   product.)
5. Technical support from manufacturer may differ (Usually manufacturers do not 
   offer full technical support to end users on these types of products. 
   The cost of technical support that you pay for when purchasing a retail 
   version is not included when you purchase OEM, Bulk or Plain Box version.)
6. Warranty period may differ (Please check the warranty on the item 
   description. If it differs from "normal" manufacturer's warranty, we specify 
   the warranty in the product description.)

Here is the question, the product is a video card so should I pay the extra cost and get a retail box (from another site for about 30-40 dollars more) and Accessories May Differ is there anything in a Video Card packaging that I need to be concerned about? I can get the Drivers and Manual Guide from the net. Also this seller has a 4.4/5 rating from 5,130 reviews (according to Google) so it is overall positive feedback. Also product is listed as "New"

Thanks for any information

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While I'm not sure if this question is applicable to the scope of Super User (and may be closed), pay special attention to #6 in that list you posted. You may have a far less warranty (if you get one at all) in the "plain box" version, whereas the full retail box will give you full support from the manufacturer. Almost all retailers have DOA protection, so it's up to you if you think the full warranty is worth the extra money. – Breakthrough Nov 19 '11 at 18:35
The warrenty is 180 days and I can purchase (for 9 dollars) A 1 Year Warrenty – Lynda Nov 19 '11 at 18:38
just be aware that any warranty you purchase is not through the graphics card manufacturer, and is instead through the retailer. I'm not making any judgements here, just making sure you understand the difference. – Breakthrough Nov 19 '11 at 19:21
@Breakthrough - I wasn't sure if it would be considered off topic (and you were right => ) but of all places I knew I might get some feedback and I received the feedback I was curious about. Thank you for your input. – Lynda Nov 20 '11 at 0:19
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closed as off topic by Breakthrough, techie007, Linker3000, Nifle, Diogo Nov 19 '11 at 21:41

Questions on Super User are expected to generally relate to computer software or computer hardware, within the scope defined in the faq.

1 Answer

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Well we can't actually completely answer this question since we don't know what accessories do come with boxed version and of them what you'll need and what can be easily obtained in your region.

For example since it's a video card, the boxed version may for example have an audio cable which would connect the card with soundcard digital out for sound in HDMI. Also the card may come with whatEverItUses to HDMI converter while the OEM version won't.

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Thanks for the information. - Those kind of accessories really don't matter to me, long as it works for doing 3D in Photoshop => – Lynda Nov 19 '11 at 18:39
After some searching I came across that the retail box contains the graphic card, install cd, and manual. – Lynda Nov 19 '11 at 18:45
@Lynda Well all those things should be replaceable using Internet connection. I myself never had any problems with products in OEM packaging, but then again that doesn't mean that you won't. – AndrejaKo Nov 19 '11 at 19:25
Right, I found all the documentation and drivers needed from the Manufacturer if needed. Thanks for the information. – Lynda Nov 19 '11 at 20:23
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