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7 or 8 for a new gaming PC?

P

pmv

Lifer
Am still on XP (PC is 7 years old, not upgradable any further, and I only went from 98se to XP a month before Vista came out! I'm not what you'd call an early adopter!).

Have a big backlog of games from Steam sales that my current PC can't do justice to (got carried away with steam sale fever).

Very vaguely thinking of getting new PC (might not actually happen, funds are short) but now can't decide whether to go to win 7 or win 8.

Worry if I go for latter I'll end up finding compatibility issues mean some games can't run on either XP or win 8. But if I go for former I'll regret it as it later becomes apparent that Win 8 is better (for some reason currently non-obvious).

For a new, mainly gaming, desktop PC, do people reckon win 7 or win 8 is a safer bet?

I am awesomely out-of-date, obviously. Never even used Vista.

(I'd probably keep existing XP PC as well)
 
I suggest you go try out a windows 8 machine and see how you feel about it, the new UI elements are seemingly a love/hate thing. I like it myself even on a desktop, and it does have improvements over 7 in performance and utility as well. I haven't experienced any difficulties in gaming compatibility.

I wouldn't base my decision on compatibility, those growing pains were made with Vista. Going forward it may become important for you to have access to the new metro games and apps, it isn't important now, but it might be especially if you take a long time between upgrades. If you hate the windows 8 ui, then just go with 7.
 
Windows 8 is great, especially on UEFI and process handling.

I was a bit jaded by the new interface at first, but come to love it. Much more efficient than the old once you play around with it, and most of the old is there anyway. Also, You end up using the new interface so very little, it doesn't feel any different either way.
 
Beavermatic said:
I was a bit jaded by the new interface at first, but come to love it. Much more efficient than the old once you play around with it, and most of the old is there anyway. Also, You end up using the new interface so very little, it doesn't feel any different either way.
Click to expand...

This.

And Windows 8 really is noticeably faster than Windows 7 in day to day operations, at least on my computer. I think that after the drivers have matured, Windows 8 will be the better OS to game on for certain.

Even right now it's pulling even with Windows 7, and is quicker in a few titles... That's a good indication as far as I'm concerned.
 
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Well, the biggest thing is you can get Windows 8 Pro for $40 at some stores (microcenter being one).

Now, if you buy into all the Metro-fear, your going to miss out on one awesome operating system for a steal of a price. Granted, most of the Metro UI fear is based purely off group panic and change-hysteria, speculation, or those who just like to troll... (Not everyone, I'd say 95% of the Metro fear is unfounded, but 5% of people really have an honest "ive tried it" approach and it didnt work out for them or they didn't bother to invest time to work/customize it before they switched back to 7).

Like I said, I was horrified of it at first. I cried, kicked, and moaned.

and then I spent a few days with it... and can't live without it. My work laptop is Windows 7... When I have to use that, it feels lacking and old, and I've become so use to Windows 8 that 7 now feels ancient and less efficient, and slower (and thats a tough thing to swallow, because Windows 7 was very very speedy).

No joke.

Do yourself a favor. Go buy Windows 8. and if you don't like it after 2 weeks, PM me, and I'll buy your copy off of you. course Im certain that wont happen because you wont want to give it up 🙂
 
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I would probably stick with 7 until 8 matures a little bit more.

Also if you get a new PC with windows 8, you should have downgrade rights to windows 7.
 
I actually like Windows 8. I have used Windows 7 since it was released a few years ago and Windows 8 does seem to be snappier. I bought two copies, one for me and one for my wife, and we both love it. I'm not a big Metro fan so I bought Start8 to get the start button again, but wife loves Metro so I left hers alone. Metro is not that bad since it reminds me of a glorified version of Objectdock. It is perfect for people like my wife because all she has to do is click a tile and it opens whatever she wants. There are several improvements under the hood that makes it more stable and better for suited for wireless networking. Ars Technica posed a great article about some of the improvements. Here is a link.

http://arstechnica.com/information-...er-on-the-inside-under-the-hood-of-windows-8/
 
I'm using Win8 for gaming ie Steam/Origin launcher plus GW2 ,Diablo 3 and other games,not had any problems,back to your question I would say go with Win8,reason being its cheaper to buy then Win7,longer life span and you seem to be a guy that keeps an OS for long time,also faster bootup shutdown,better security and developers etc will be concentrating now on Win8 being the new kid on the block.

I'm sure any game issues if any will be simple fixes ie driver or patch updates,however I've not encountered any issues so far.

I do like Win8 as well,was using Win7 before.
I forgot to say have a look in Store on Win8,loads of free software including games ,another bonus.
 
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Beavermatic said:
Windows 8 is great, especially on UEFI and process handling.

I was a bit jaded by the new interface at first, but come to love it. Much more efficient than the old once you play around with it, and most of the old is there anyway. Also, You end up using the new interface so very little, it doesn't feel any different either way.
Click to expand...

Please give an example of how the new interface (Metro) is "much more efficient" I can think of 10 examples of how it isn't. But I will be switching to a start menu replacement anyways.
 
Running XP myself. Was thinking about nabbing 7. 40 bucks makes for a compelling argument though!

My system was built in 09. Should I worry much about driver compatability you think?
 
Dannar26 said:
Running XP myself. Was thinking about nabbing 7. 40 bucks makes for a compelling argument though!

My system was built in 09. Should I worry much about driver compatability you think?
Click to expand...

Should be fine ,I've Win8 Pro on old 2006 PC,2011 PC and 2012 laptop.
 
KeypoX said:
Please give an example of how the new interface (Metro) is "much more efficient" I can think of 10 examples of how it isn't. But I will be switching to a start menu replacement anyways.
Click to expand...

It's effiency is by cleaning up and organizing stuff in a far more logical, visual approach than text. I've started using things that have been there for years, but never really used, for example, I use to move my mouse to the start button and click it.
Now, I just slap the Windows key with my pinky to get to my Start Screen (and slap it again to go back to desktop), and select a tile for something I quickly want to launch (which ive organized to a much more detalied extent than the prior start button could have provided, even letting me "group" my most commonly used apps, and fit as many as I want with the fractal zoom into as many groupsd as one can fit on their screen. Generally, however, i only use just the initial space.

And it seems the App's boot faster, but not only that.. I can notice them in order "quicker". The Metro design was to exploit our natural reaction to visual signals, such as signs and colors, which our brain processes association far faster than numerous lines of text. such as street signs or speed limits, or poster and billboards.

First I thought that was gimmicky marketing crap... but in all seriousness since using it from consumer preview, it really seems that it wasnt a gimmick, but it's actually working. I dont' spend so much time looking for crap on the start menu.


Alternatively, for anything I dont want to quick launch, I can goto CHARMS -> SEARCH and it brings up my start/all programs/folder/subfolder/file hierarchy list, just as the "all programs" list did on Win7/Vista/XP. However, the list are expanded per group, and I can see whats in each folder for anything I've installed immediately, instead of having to dig through or scroll down a list of folders with names that hide subfolders and files within them (as is the old "all programs") list. And you can search from the apps screen just as you could from Windows 7... if thats not good enough, you can always add a search/address bar to your taskbar on the desktop and use that.

CHARMS also houses the shutdown/restart feature, more appropriately placed. Also, settings per interface (desktop or metro ui) are seperated as they should be via the charms bar.

And if that fails, you can always "right-click" your start button on the Win8 desktop, and voila, theres you old start menu list (run/search/file explorer/control panel/command prompt/etc). Elimintates the need for Start8 or any of that other old shell nonsense.

Not to mention the UEFI. From the moment I turn on my machine, it goes from BIOS/UEFI screen directly to windows 8 start screen, it has to be under 5 seconds, because I can blink and its already asking for my login password. It's the first time I can honestly say I can get to my desktop before I can turn on my tv and get to a channel.
 
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Beavermatic said:
It's effiency is by cleaning up and organizing stuff in a far more logical, visual approach than text. I've started using things that have been there for years, but never really used, for example, I use to move my mouse to the start button and click it.
Now, I just slap the Windows key with my pinky to get to my Start Screen (and slap it again to go back to desktop), and select a tile for something I quickly want to launch (which ive organized to a much more detalied extent than the prior start button could have provided, even letting me "group" my most commonly used apps, and fit as many as I want with the fractal zoom into as many groupsd as one can fit on their screen. Generally, however, i only use just the initial space.

And it seems the App's boot faster, but not only that.. I can notice them in order "quicker". The Metro design was to exploit our natural reaction to visual signals, such as signs and colors, which our brain processes association far faster than numerous lines of text. such as street signs or speed limits, or poster and billboards.

First I thought that was gimmicky marketing crap... but in all seriousness since using it from consumer preview, it really seems that it wasnt a gimmick, but it's actually working. I dont' spend so much time looking for crap on the start menu.


Alternatively, for anything I dont want to quick launch, I can goto CHARMS -> SEARCH and it brings up my start/all programs/folder/subfolder/file hierarchy list, just as the "all programs" list did on Win7/Vista/XP. However, the list are expanded per group, and I can see whats in each folder for anything I've installed immediately, instead of having to dig through or scroll down a list of folders with names that hide subfolders and files within them (as is the old "all programs") list. And you can search from the apps screen just as you could from Windows 7... if thats not good enough, you can always add a search/address bar to your taskbar on the desktop and use that.

CHARMS also houses the shutdown/restart feature, more appropriately placed. Also, settings per interface (desktop or metro ui) are seperated as they should be via the charms bar.

And if that fails, you can always "right-click" your start button on the Win8 desktop, and voila, theres you old start menu list (run/search/file explorer/control panel/command prompt/etc). Elimintates the need for Start8 or any of that other old shell nonsense.

Not to mention the UEFI. From the moment I turn on my machine, it goes from BIOS/UEFI screen directly to windows 8 start screen, it has to be under 5 seconds, because I can blink and its already asking for my login password. It's the first time I can honestly say I can get to my desktop before I can turn on my tv and get to a channel.
Click to expand...

all sounds great and I have played with it since developer preview.

But you could click the start menu and search in vista/7. And not have to scroll too apps or files like in 8 or have a full screen visual change.

I'm installing tonight and will try a couple free startmenu replacements.
 
KeypoX said:
all sounds great and I have played with it since developer preview.

But you could click the start menu and search in vista/7. And not have to scroll too apps or files like in 8 or have a full screen visual change.

I'm installing tonight and will try a couple free startmenu replacements.
Click to expand...

My best suggesting if your going to try it tonight... give a few days with the new Metro UI screens. Configure them, customize them, and try to get a feel for them again. I know you messed around with the developer preview, but there have been some changes, especially at the speed between menus and control optimzations.

If then it doesn't work out, and you cant just seem to get comfortable with the interface at all, mod the hell out of start button 🙂
 
Hmmm, I was leaning to 7, now these replies have left me leaning towards 8.

Think I'm going have to find a win 8 machine and play about with it first.

(I used to be a constant upgrader and frequent gamer but for years now haven't had time for it. Been more of a game buyer than a game player [damn you Steam sales!]. But now the sheer visible age of this PC is starting to irritate me.)

I do feel, weirdly. that I've missed out on something by not experiencing 7 if I go straight from XP to 8.
 
Windows 8 licenses are cheaper than Windows 7 licenses, so, while the UI is "different", 8 does have under the hood improvements, and at this point, I'd probably go with 8, especially with a tight budget.
 
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Simple answer is that unless you plan on never installing Windows 8, Windows 7 isn't that great of an option because you'll end up paying for a Windows 8 upgrade anyway. Might as well get it now.

I like it because of the Start Screen organization. Very easy to stick apps into different categories. I personally have Internet, Apps, Entertainment, and Games as sections. Very clean, and no clutter on the desktop. Taskbar is only for running apps.
 
buy the Win 8 upgrade for $40... but DO NOT install it
use the license code from that win 8 upgrade you just purchased as the activation code for a win 7 pro install on your new gaming rig.

That's WIN WIN.

or you can listen to all the absurd claims of improved efficiency from the Metro Sheeple.
 
Windows 8, I've ran Windows 7 since release day, and it was great, no issues, however for $40 I thought I'd try Windows 8. I haven't had a single issue, all drives installed and work, computer feels faster, boot time is very fast, and day to day tasks are actually faster\easier now. Just give it a few days and you'll get the hang of the OS.
 
KeypoX said:
Please give an example of how the new interface (Metro) is "much more efficient" I can think of 10 examples of how it isn't. But I will be switching to a start menu replacement anyways.
Click to expand...

Use people app to connect to all your contacts in one place. Facebook, Google+, Gmail, all there. You can then interact with them directly by clicking their picture. No need to log in to facebook to message, the messaging app will do it for you.

The tiles are live so I get real time news updates on the tile and if something catches my eye, click...same for weather and stocks.

I can pin apps to tiles same as the start menu and only have to click the mouse one time on that tile to open it. With the start menu it's 2 clicks. Not much but 1 click is more efficient than two clicks.

Learn your keyboard shortcuts. Win+X, Win+c, Win+i. seriously guys, try it. You might never hover the mouse again.

colonelciller said:
buy the Win 8 upgrade for $40... but DO NOT install it
use the license code from that win 8 upgrade you just purchased as the activation code for a win 7 pro install on your new gaming rig.

That's WIN WIN.

or you can listen to all the absurd claims of improved efficiency from the Metro Sheeple.
Click to expand...

As opposed to someone who creates a new account to thread crap Windows 8 topics? Besides that, what you just said is defrauding Microsoft. Windows 7 license is not $40.




Windows 8 starts up faster, allows you to transfer your settings and contacts between PCs with your live ID, offers you free streaming music via Xbox music, consolidates your contacts into a single People app listed alphabetically, is smarter when you are in the desktop and want to merge file folders, the task manager is much more powerful with everything from app startup impact to CPU time and shows who was using which apps. You can disable startup items right from the task manager. SO I will say that while the Metro UI seemingly takes away control and info, the OS underneath when you get into things you used all the time on Windows 7, gives you more information and control up front.


40967289.jpg


88457786.jpg


10268559.jpg
 
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So far, I have been actually loving Windows 8. I have been making use of the new UI and apps, but what's great is everything is exactly where it was in Windows 7 if you prefer the old way (save for that little start button thing). And personally, I always liked the Ribbon, or at least got really used to it since the first release with it in Office. So finding it in Explorer is just awesome.

I've been basically splitting my time between desktop and WinRT apps. Still haven't determined if I prefer the Mail app for my gmail accounts, or would rather keep using Outlook 2010. I'll probably keep using both, depending on what I need to do.

What makes it much easier to love the new UI is this new Logitech T650 touchpad. So far the software sucks, and I can't always get all the SetPoint features and gestures, but I can force it if I run the apps in Admin mode (I'll have to see if I fixed it permanently, tried something different). Having both a mouse and a touchpad makes it really easy to make use of everything fluidly - but that's not something everybody will want, I imagine.


As for gaming performance (I upgraded from Windows 7 to 8 Pro, straight upgrade with all my apps and drivers), the only game I've tested is BF3.
Granted, I'm running a triple-monitor resolution, using SLI... so my experience may not be similar to others, but I think I've lost framerate (10fps?). Which seems VERY odd, considering that flies in the face of all the benchmarks I've seen. At most, it seems like maybe a frame or two - the differences also seem to shrink as the resolution steps up.

I think some performance settings might have gotten tweaked/disabled somewhere along the way, and I've got to track that down and see what's eating my performance. Otherwise, resource allocation (in Surround mode) seems the same if not slightly better, and overall the OS is definitely snappier (reminder: this was a straight upgrade, I didn't format or anything).

One ugly bit: Netflix (and I've heard other Windows 8 apps too) won't play video unless you are on WHQL drivers. That is beyond retarded. I'm on the latest Nvidia beta release.

Speaking of Netflix: anyone have the app, or care to give it a try? Do you get 5.1 surround sound? I know I can get 5.1 for the Walking Dead when on PS3, but Netflix does not give surround sound on the PC (in the browser at least, this is true - I can't test the app). If it does have surround sound, I might drop down to the WHQL release. (Nvidia can be slow bringing out a WHQL driver after a recent beta, and there'll probably be at least one or two more I reckon).
 
judging from this tread,looks like we'll gradually see more trends in recommending and likes of W8 as time goes on. Naturally the kickers and screamers will bias against it for the sake of doing so, at least for a year or so more.
 
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