Thinking of buying WD5000AAKS but it looks suspicious

[xboxearth]

I just want to know what you guys think about CanadaComputers WD5000AAKS hard drive, because when I compared this exact model with Best Buys, it was different.
Best buys WD5000AAKS has a plastic box with details of the hdd and with the harddrive inside wrapped in a grey bag. While CCs WD5000AAKS is just wrapped with the grey wrapping but with no box.( all CCs hdd's look to be with no box )

They are both OEM. Bestbuy sells it for $129 while CComputers has it for about $80. (They also have it at PCVillage for about $80 but haven't had the time to go see it yet,so not sure how it is packaged, but it can also be an option)

Out of the 3, where should I buy the HDD?

I would appreciate all the help I can get.
TYVM

[tmpz]

It's all the same.

If you want to pay the extra money for the packaging, then get it at BestBuy.

All other computer stores sell the drive in an antistatic bag.

Just go to the closest CC or PCV.

[Jon Lai]

It's called OEM

[ndrew029]

Check out the warranty details for each. The retail version might have a shorter warranty than the OEM version.

[woof]

The Best Buy version is described as "OEM" although it looks like BB used their buying power to get WD to put it in a box for them, include instructions and screws etc., (but no cable?) which you wouldn't normally get with a true OEM drive. And of course they're selling it at a stiff price.

The WD drives come with 3 year warranties for both OEM and retail versions now. Strangely enough the BB drive is described online on the BB site as only having a 1 year warranty. That may just be an error or it could be that it only has one year so that BB can sell you one of their extended warranty plans ($$$).

Physically there is no difference between the drive BB is selling and what others are selling. Because of the higher price, and questions about warranty I'd avoid BB and buy it elsewhere.

[CalgaryRunner]

For this drive, the warranty is now 3 years regardless of whether it's an OEM or retail version. Prior to August 1, 2007, retail WD Caviar drives only had a 1 year warranty. That's the policy in the USA and I would expect it to be the same in Canada. I see that BB's website says this drive only has a 1 year warranty but that may not be correct.

No reason not to save some $$$ and buy from CC or PCV. It's normal for the OEM versions of hard drives to just be packaged in a gray anti-static bag. You're also guaranteed to get the longer 3 year warranty. :)

[cwb27]

True OEM - HD in a static bag

"Best Buy OEM" (read: Retail packaged) - HD in a box with all the goodies

[xboxearth]

WOW, thankyou all very much for the help. I really appreciate it.
I went to PC Village because they sell it for $80, and they explained everything and they said it came with a 3 year warranty.
So I'm going to buy it at PCVillage.
Thankyou for the quick replies!!:cheesygri :razz: :cheesygri