Windows Version Recommendation

[apie172]

I am in the process of building a computer and I was wondering what version of windows I should go with. My system is a i7-950 processor, x58 sabertooth mobo, 12 gb of ram, gtx570 nvidia gpu, 1tb sata HDD. I will mainly be using this for gaming. Any suggestions or recommendations will be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[geofelt]

With 12gb, you will need a 64 bit version.
Windows-7 home premium will do the job.

If you are a student with a .edu e-mail, you can get an academic license for ultimate cheap.

You can get the retail version which Is more expensive, but gives you portability to a new pc later.

The oem version limits you to an install on the original mobo only, and does not give you the MS support of retail. It is cheapest.

Another option is the upgrade version which is considered retail, and costs about the same as oem. You should have a previous OS, but that requirement is flexible.

An interesting last option is the home premium upgrade 3 pack for $125. Your cost per os is the cheapest, and a great deal if you have another pc to upgrade.

 

[w7pro]

Personally, I would recomment Windows 7 Professional. Overall, it has a bit of everything and features like Location Aware Printing and Aero among others. You can check it out here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/business/windows-7-test-drive/

-- Ryan
Windows Outreach Team

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Windows 7 ultimate for sure with those specs you should go for the top version, 64 bit of course so that all the ram is used!

 

[geofelt]

Here is a link to some of the differences; see if any of they apply to you:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/default.aspx

Home premium can address up to 16gb. If you plan on more, then pro would be appropriate.

You do not need to get pro or ultimate now, you can use the anytime inplace upgrade later if necessary.