Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 for gaming? compatibility issues?

Farfly

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Hi, i already use windows 7 Ultimate 64bits, but im getting a new ssd to put there the OS, and im wondering if its the moment to upgrade to win 8.1

I have read lot of compatibility issues and crashes with it, at least with games, i need a fast OS and 8.1 is faster than win 7 but what about the problems in i 8.1?

They solve the problems? or nowadays win 8.1 have problems with apps and games?

Thanks
 
Solution
For gaming, the best is Windows 7! The reason? Well because Windows 8 has been created too simple for advanced users, adding features you absolutely don't need (metro for example). You'll probably get 1-2 more fps in Windows 8 just because it's a bit more optimized but that won't affect absolutely anything. Trust me, I had the same dilemma but once I tried Windows 8, I just wanted to smash the PC. Also hardware drivers will still be supported for at least another decade, I mean look at Windows XP! Nvidia still makes drivers compatible with Windows XP. Good luck!

ImPrettyIrish

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I have Windows 8.1 and I have experienced crashes. That was solved (I had a virus) and haven't experienced any crashing for a while now. Microsoft seems to be doing really well as far as keeping 8.1 up-to-date with security and bug fixes. It is faster when it comes to games and other applications. Before you do any updating be sure to move all of your games to an external HDD as Windows WILL format them. I have not had any compatibility issues with it. I hope this helped and good luck.
 

Farfly

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My system is
I5 2500k 4.5Ghz
Gtx 760 OC
Asus z68 v pro gen3
2x4Gb Ddr3 1600 Hyperx
Samsung SSD evo 840 120gb
Seagate Barracuda 2tb

Windows 7 is fast but im bored with it i feel i need something new, but if win 8.1 have problems... whats about the normal Win 8?
 

ImPrettyIrish

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Ok. Here is my beef about Windows 8. It doesn't have the start button, it is hard to find files, hard to navigate, ect. ect... I would go with Windows 8.1 I have not had any problems with it and you shouldn't too if you keep it updated and don't download from untrusted websites.
 

jcol87

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Windows 8.1 has problems because it is new, and was originally designed for touch screen and mobile, Windows 7 is tried and tested, I would wait until Windows 8.1 has been worked through or Windows 9 comes out
 

ImPrettyIrish

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I have had no problems recently with Windows 8.1. If you keep it updated you should be good.
 

jcol87

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I meant useability issues, I'm sure after setting it up and putting right programs and shortcuts on the taskbar and on the metro page it's more streamlined, but things are just in strange places, and I believe the aero interface uses much more graphics power than in Windows 7 if you have a slower computer that's definitely an issue, what do you do with your computer? Up and down this forum and other sites are people seeking advice on drivers and other program compatibility issues. Obnoxiously every OS has issues like that, but Windows 7 was and still is well known for being easy to set up with hardware, 8.1 is clearly Microsoft trying to reach out and grab market share in the mobile world while also consolidating its products, before this latest version there was Windows phone and Windows rt which both used the same style I interface. I think it's obvious they modeled it for the personal computer instead of perfecting both, I don't remember ever hearing much praise for Windows phone
 

Samat

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Functionally you don't really gain much going to Windows 8. I upgraded to 8 when it still was 30€ for going to Win 8 PRO just after release (now updated to 8.1). I have Classic Shell installed for start menu and instant desktop. I've had a few more problems then what I had with Windows 7 (especially downloading Windows updates seems to be a problem for my comp, never works without rebooting then computer first).

I've hardly had any compatibility problems with programs or games though. If you decide to upgrade got straight for Windows 8.1, you can't directly install 8.1 with 8 key or vice versa. Might aswell wait for Windows 9 though if they release it 2015/2016, it should have the next DirectX which might not get released for Windows 7.

PS. With SSD as system drive you shouldn't really notice a speed difference.
 

jcol87

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What about hardware? I've seen a lot of instances around here of strange hardware issues, especially with drivers. But I guess it has been a while since it was released, so I guess they worked the bugs out.
 

Samat

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Most hardware manufacturers have had plenty of time to work out any quirks in their drivers. If you don't have any old exotic hardware you should be fine. Always a good idea to check if your hardware has the required drivers if upgrading to a new operating system. OP seems fine though looking at his system:

"My system is
I5 2500k 4.5Ghz
Gtx 760 OC
Asus z68 v pro gen3
2x4Gb Ddr3 1600 Hyperx
Samsung SSD evo 840 120gb
Seagate Barracuda 2tb"

PS. Still, Windows 7 should serve you well for the time being. But if you decide to go for 8 go straight to 8.1, since most people that have problems with 8.1 are due to problems with the update process and you can't use the license key from 8 to directly install 8.1.
 

FivosG

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For gaming, the best is Windows 7! The reason? Well because Windows 8 has been created too simple for advanced users, adding features you absolutely don't need (metro for example). You'll probably get 1-2 more fps in Windows 8 just because it's a bit more optimized but that won't affect absolutely anything. Trust me, I had the same dilemma but once I tried Windows 8, I just wanted to smash the PC. Also hardware drivers will still be supported for at least another decade, I mean look at Windows XP! Nvidia still makes drivers compatible with Windows XP. Good luck!
 
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Itchyglitch

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I use windows 8.1 and am a little sketchy on buying games that don't list windows 8.1 in the specs. It's staying around for a while, til the year 2024 to be exact. Some games look cool but are just trash for the person willing to spend a lot of bucks. I started having gaming issues with my old pentium4 pc playing "Murdered soul suspect". I still have the same exact issues with the game on my new cybertron gaming pc.