OEM vs Retail processor/heatsink

[Tarmac]

Looking at trying my hand at building a computer.  Have friends who have done it (including people that I regularly explain computer stuff to), and I've pretty much torn my current computer apart (and put it back together) from the ground up while installing upgrades.  So I think I should be able to give it a try.

On the newegg site, I see AMD processors labelled as OEM (orig equip manufacturer) and retail.  Retail are usually about 5 to 10 bucks more.  The only difference I've been able to figure out is that retail chips come with a nice printed box and a stock heatsink/fan.  

-Are there any other differences between retail and OEM?
-Is the stock heatsink/fan worth using, or should I be looking at aftermarket ones?  If so, any recommendations?  Price is a consideration, but I'm willing to pay for good quality and I'm not too picky when it comes to fan noise.  My case is already going to have a bunch of other fans in it.  I plan to upgrade to a 333-bus processor when they're priced a little lower or I have more money (hence pc2700 RAM).  Probably will not ever overclock CPU.  

Proposed System Specs:

AthlonXP 2200+ (retail or oem?) ($112-117)
Asus A7N8X deluxe motherboard ($160)
2x Crucial 256 MB PC2700 RAM sticks ($42 each)
80GB WD Special Edition HD ($102)
Gainward GeForce 4 ti4200 128mb VIVO (already own)
Big Chieftec case + 430W PS (already own)

[SOB]

I've never purchased an AMD chip, but I would guess that the warranty on a retail chip would be longer than an OEM chip - and the warranty is through AMD rather than the retailer.  That's the way it is with Intel anyhow.  The heatsink/fan should be good for the chip as long as you don't plan on overclocking it.  You may or may not need something more substantial if you do.


SOB

[Toad]

This CoolerMaster is pretty highly rated by Tom's Hardware in their latest test and it's $12 at Newegg.

CPU FAN|HAC-V81 BASE

I have a retail AMD right now that I sought some Tech/Warranty help with and I can tell you AMD is not too strong in this area. In fact, they were no help at all.

This time around I'm buying OEM and putting that fan on it. Most places will give you a 30 day warranty on the OEM. It's 3 years from AMD with the retail... if you can get them to do anything.

The diff between OEM and Retail will about pay for the CoolerMaster.

Your choice though. Retail is "safer" with respect to the warranty.

[CavemanJ]

If ya buy the retail kit for the 3yr warranty at least mount the hsf that comes with it to give the appearance it was used.  IIRC that's part of the warranty conditions.

[DRILL]

Im buliding one now and im useing this one ....
http://store.yahoo.com/joyluckshop/copcpucoolfo.html