Win 7 or Win 8?

[runzwithsizorz]

Building a new desktop GAMING computer, and will buy new OS. I don't use Steam much and will load games from DVD's (already bought games). From what I've read, Win 8 has some great performance benefits (i.e. DX 11.1), but a terrible and complex interface, all kinds of useless apps I will never use, problems with having to reboot computer when a game crashes, and more. Also some hardware compatibility issues. My inclination is to buy Win 7 64 and wait to upgrade to Win 8 if and when some of the Win 8 issues have been corrected. I know there are some workarounds for some of the issues, but none for other problems. I have no plans to integrate Windows with "smart phones" (I have a "dumb" cell phone), tablets or anything else.
Am I correct in these conclusions? And do any gamers actually prefer Win 8, and if so why? My new build will have a 256 SSD as well as hard drives.

 

[Maximilian]

I would go with windows 7, ive tried 8 and cant stand the UI. It offers nothing for gamers anyways, DX11.1 is the same story as DX 10.1, not all that useful. As long as the OS you are on supports DX11 you are good to go :thumbsup:

 

[Rhonda the Sly]

problems with having to reboot computer when a game crashes

Most of those are subjective but I've never seen this myself.

I prefer 8, but it's most based on a lot of the new stuff, which you don't seem to like.

 

[Kyanzes]

Win7 FTW

 

[Mem]

Building a new desktop GAMING computer, and will buy new OS. I don't use Steam much and will load games from DVD's (already bought games). From what I've read, Win 8 has some great performance benefits (i.e. DX 11.1), but a terrible and complex interface, all kinds of useless apps I will never use, problems with having to reboot computer when a game crashes, and more. Also some hardware compatibility issues. My inclination is to buy Win 7 64 and wait to upgrade to Win 8 if and when some of the Win 8 issues have been corrected. I know there are some workarounds for some of the issues, but none for other problems. I have no plans to integrate Windows with "smart phones" (I have a "dumb" cell phone), tablets or anything else.
Am I correct in these conclusions? And do any gamers actually prefer Win 8, and if so why? My new build will have a 256 SSD as well as hard drives.

I use my Win8 Pro x64 for a lot of gaming,thrown Steam/Origin games at it ,old classics like Baldurs Gate,beta games like Firefall etc ..all working fine,its very stable as a gaming platform,personally I would say get Win8 before the low price offer ends,also drivers will just be getting better performance wise now Nvidia and AMD will be concentrating on Win8 being the latest OS.


I do prefer Win8 for gaming and general use now,its speedy for general use and given me no issues.I even made my own Metro columns and tiles for example made one called "My Games" ,I do spend most of my time in desktop mode with browser etc... Win8 is very customizable .

 

[nOOky]

If you have an older OS available now, I'd download WIN 8 for $39.99 and use the upgrade version for a clean install.

 

[dagamer34]

This is a subjective question with a subjective answer. Get Windows 7 if you want.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

I may be in a situation where I have to make this decision. (Work friend is offering me a sweet deal on a power gaming rig I don't think I can refuse and can install either Win 7 or Win 8.)

My concern about Windows 7 is just that it's a little outdated compared to Windows 8 and that Windows 8 might better handle modern programs (games, etc.) and multi-core CPUs and multi-threaded applications. I tend to think that in the long run, for a new rig Windows 8 will have more staying power than Windows 7.

I guess my concern is that the underlying "operating system mechanics" in Windows 8 will prove to be better than those of Windows 7 (once you get past the user interface issues). (I think of it like a new car with a better, more fuel efficient, more reliable engine but a crappier interior vs. a nice interior but without as good of an engine.)

Is that perception correct?

I know that for $5 you can purchase the Stardock Start8 mod that will restore a start menu for you.

 

[lakedude]

8 might be "better" somehow underneath but it is annoying.

All that fancy looking 3d stuff is gone in favor of a really plain 2d interface.

Games like Minesweeper and Solitaire seem to be gone as well but I don't know how to tell for sure because it is so hard to find stuff on the computer.

I'm using a free start menu replacement called Power 8 and that helps a lot.

On W7 ctrl-alt-del brings up a menu and you can run task manager on top of everything else, where it needs to be.

When my game locked up I tried the same thing with W8. The menu pops up and task manager starts but it ended up behind the malfunctioning game. You could see task manager but as soon as you let it go it fell to the back. I tried to cancel the game but nothing worked. Had to do a reboot.

Not impressed with W8 so far!

 

[SilentRunning]

Games like Minesweeper and Solitaire seem to be gone as well but I don't know how to tell for sure because it is so hard to find stuff on the computer.

You need to go to the app store to get them.

You can search the store for

Microsoft Minesweeper
Microsoft Solitaire Collection
Microsoft Mahjong

 

[kleinkinstein]

Let this guide your decision, because it's accurate and honest.

 

[Jetster...]

Your link is broken

 

[smakme7757]

I'm gaming on Windows 8. I had some problems with BF3, but they seem to have gone away when i updated my Nvidia drivers.

Even old games like theme hospital and Doom work fine on Windows 8. So far no problems for me.

 

[lakedude]

Widgets don't seem to work as well...

I'm going to try and copy the microsoft games folder from a w7 install...

 

[runzwithsizorz]

Thanks for the feedback. Still considering. However, I did mention the game crash have to reboot problem ala Lakedude...this, however, may be a somewhat minor problem though annoying!

 

[Griffinhart]

Avoiding the whole Metro UI, START8 minefield.....

Windows 8 does still suffer from the generic New OS problems. It works fine for most things, but there are a few places that I have found issues with.

I can't use Win8 to connect to my companies VPN. That's a problem for me when I am on support.

Planetside 2 won't even run if you are on windows 8 and have a joystick plugged in. I like to use my CH Combat stick for air combat in that game.

There are a few other quirks I have run into as well, but they weren't show stoppers.

Just check online for issues with Win8 for the software/games you run. If you don't see anything earth shattering give it a try. It's cheap enough to try. If you Don't like it, you're only out about $40 and you can probably tweak it with START8 and a few registry hacks to make it more to your liking.

 

[ericlp]

I'd say go with Windows 8. Soon probably in a few years maybe even sooner MS will stop supporting 7 just like XP.

When that happens all the hackers will be ready to crack into the vulnerabilities for 7.

The 40 dollar upgrade window won't be around long and if your stuck in 7 land your gonna have to pony up sooner than later ... It might as well be sooner!

One thing I hate is having to upgrade an OS that has already been on a Hard Drive for a year or so. If that was the case I'd wipe the drive clean and do a new install of 7 to upgrade to 8, unless they just check the win 7 key to get to 8 these days? But, whatever the case, I hate upgrades unless it's from a clean install. Upgrades might half ass work now but they probably won't be working that well a few years from now! So whatever you do don't install 7 and put the 8 upgrade in the closet for a later time. Just do it now and get it over with. You'll thank me later.

Good Luck!

 

[runzwithsizorz]

Since this is a new build, I had planned on getting the oem version of either win 7 or 8. I have other computers/laptops with win 7.

 

[postmortemIA]

I'd say go with Windows 8. Soon probably in a few years maybe even sooner MS will stop supporting 7 just like XP.


Good Luck!

Windows 7 will be supported until 2020, long after existing PCs that we have today are gone.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/products/lifecycle

My concern about Windows 7 is just that it's a little outdated compared to Windows 8 and that Windows 8 might better handle modern programs (games, etc.) and multi-core CPUs and multi-threaded applications. I tend to think that in the long run, for a new rig Windows 8 will have more staying power than Windows 7.

How is windows 8 going to do better multi-threaded apps? First, multi-core support has been there since Windows NT4. If anything, they had a lot of time to get this right, and I doubt that found some miraculous speed improvement just for Windows 8. Even HT processors were supported since XP.
Second, it is up to application developers to optimize application for the multi-core CPU. No OS is going to make your app multi-threaded.

 

[ericlp]

Windows 7 will be supported until 2020, long after existing PCs that we have today are gone.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/products/lifecycle


How is windows 8 going to do better multi-threaded apps? First, multi-core support has been there since Windows NT4. If anything, they had a lot of time to get this right, and I doubt that found some miraculous speed improvement just for Windows 8. Even HT processors were supported since XP.
Second, it is up to application developers to optimize application for the multi-core CPU. No OS is going to make your app multi-threaded.

Micro$oft can say what they want. Hey I hope they will support win7 till 2020! Windows 10 will probably be out by then...

I think win7 will go on life support in a few years. M$ is in it for the money... They want everyone to adapt to new OS's. Let's face it. Every piece of software that is written is going to be for windows 8. I bet you 50 bucks that DirectX 12 might be shared with windows 7, but the next major service pack will be focused on windows 8. And the next directx drivers there after will only be supported for 8. M$ wants 7 to die and you may see limited support up to 2020 but by that time no one will even remember what windows 7 was. It's been what 4 years since XP was put to rest? Can you imagine putting a copy of XP on your main rig right now? Well, just think what's gonna happen 4 years from now? When 2016 rolls around... More than likely the same thing.

I like windows 7. I think it's a cool OS and I hope you're right! I hope M$ supports it till 2022! But ya know what? I know it's not gonna happen. But on the other hand I don't have a crystal ball. I'm just looking at what happened to XP and I can tell you M$ is going to be shifting support away from 7 as fast as they can. I'm building a new PC. I have a nice copy of windows 7 but I know that if I don't spend the 40 bucks now I'm gonna have to pony up 100 bucks later and I'd rather get it over with. Even tho, I really hope Linux or some other OS maybe Google OS any open source OS leads the way one day.

It all boils down to this...

Are you going to stick with a PC and a Windows OS? Yes or No?

Are you rich enough to Afford 40 bucks? Yes or No?

Do you have an upgradable legit Windows 7 License? Yes or No?


If your answers are mostly yes, than you should bite the bullet.

If your want to hedge your bets that M$ will continue to FULLY support a dying OS for the next 8 years then go for it! Good Luck...

 

[Zaap]

8 years? Seriously, who builds a 'gaming system' that they think will remain unchanged for 8 years? That's laughable.

Like someone else said, it's a subjective choice. Get what suits you best. Either Win 7 or 8 could work fine for you (My personal choice is still 7). Support FUD nonsense is just that.

 

[gizbug]

Building a new desktop GAMING computer, and will buy new OS. I don't use Steam much and will load games from DVD's (already bought games). From what I've read, Win 8 has some great performance benefits (i.e. DX 11.1), but a terrible and complex interface, all kinds of useless apps I will never use, problems with having to reboot computer when a game crashes, and more. Also some hardware compatibility issues. My inclination is to buy Win 7 64 and wait to upgrade to Win 8 if and when some of the Win 8 issues have been corrected. I know there are some workarounds for some of the issues, but none for other problems. I have no plans to integrate Windows with "smart phones" (I have a "dumb" cell phone), tablets or anything else.
Am I correct in these conclusions? And do any gamers actually prefer Win 8, and if so why? My new build will have a 256 SSD as well as hard drives.

This topic has been beaten to death on this forum along with others. Search function is your friend. But the quick answer, Windows 8 x64. Runs all my games fine, no reason not to use it.

 

[Mem]

8 years? Seriously, who builds a 'gaming system' that they think will remain unchanged for 8 years? That's laughable.

Like someone else said, it's a subjective choice. Get what suits you best. Either Win 7 or 8 could work fine for you (My personal choice is still 7). Support FUD nonsense is just that.

With respect there are still a lot of gamers that still use XP,so its not laughable really is it?..you know I'm on Win8 and will be upgrading to Win9,10 etc..like to have the latest and try out new things, besides I already stated in this thread Win8 has been great gaming and software/driver wise for me.


As a gamer it makes sense to get Win8 cheap while you can,money you save over getting the more expensive Win7 can go towards new games,since that whats gamers do .

 

[palladium]

Micro$oft can say what they want. Hey I hope they will support win7 till 2020! Windows 10 will probably be out by then...

I think win7 will go on life support in a few years. M$ is in it for the money... They want everyone to adapt to new OS's. Let's face it. Every piece of software that is written is going to be for windows 8. I bet you 50 bucks that DirectX 12 might be shared with windows 7, but the next major service pack will be focused on windows 8. And the next directx drivers there after will only be supported for 8. M$ wants 7 to die and you may see limited support up to 2020 but by that time no one will even remember what windows 7 was. It's been what 4 years since XP was put to rest? Can you imagine putting a copy of XP on your main rig right now? Well, just think what's gonna happen 4 years from now? When 2016 rolls around... More than likely the same thing.

I like windows 7. I think it's a cool OS and I hope you're right! I hope M$ supports it till 2022! But ya know what? I know it's not gonna happen. But on the other hand I don't have a crystal ball. I'm just looking at what happened to XP and I can tell you M$ is going to be shifting support away from 7 as fast as they can. I'm building a new PC. I have a nice copy of windows 7 but I know that if I don't spend the 40 bucks now I'm gonna have to pony up 100 bucks later and I'd rather get it over with. Even tho, I really hope Linux or some other OS maybe Google OS any open source OS leads the way one day.

It all boils down to this...

Are you going to stick with a PC and a Windows OS? Yes or No?

Are you rich enough to Afford 40 bucks? Yes or No?

Do you have an upgradable legit Windows 7 License? Yes or No?


If your answers are mostly yes, than you should bite the bullet.

If your want to hedge your bets that M$ will continue to FULLY support a dying OS for the next 8 years then go for it! Good Luck...

MS will support 7 until 2020 (at the very least) as advertised, if they don't you can bet lawsuits to start flying around. Heck, if they pull support for Vista before 2017 you can bet lawsuits to start flying around, too.

Having said that, mainstream support ends at 2015. This means that users can expect no new features added to the OS beyond that date. Security patches will still be provided until 2020. I'm not sure if that meets your definition of "full support". FYI, XP is still supported until 2014 (that's 12 years of support from date of GA).

Back to topic, I would get whatever OS you feel comfy with, but IMO $40 for a win8 licence is much more favourable than a >$100 Win7 licence.

 

[runzwithsizorz]

I'll go with Win 8 for new build. However, it will cost 100.00 because the other computer is using the licensed full retail version of Win 7.