New rig. Windows 7 or 8?

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

You may notice on win 8 that when you close an app it keeps running in task manager. There is all kinds of shit eating cpu cycles.

[W8taminute]

We had Win7 on my work computers and I loved it.  Win7 is a huge improvement over Vista and XP IMHO.  I don't have any experience with Win8 so I'll just offer my emotional opinion of it based on stuff I've read online.  Win8 is a piece of spyware you don't want in your house unless you're comfortable with microsoft selling all your personal info to the highest bidder.

Those more in the know correct me if I'm wrong.

[MetalDog]

I was pretty sure that 7 was the preferred OS on these boards.  It's why I asked.  While I have all your attention, what are some acceptable specs for a new computer?  RAM?  HD?  Video card?  What else?

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

I activated Win 8 on my regular PC today after technical issues on the upgrade. My network card was not recognized, the drivers with windows went to BSOD. So I got the win 7 64x drivers off the manufacturer's website today. Ok, network card works.

Win 8 had 92 updates which it is still installing.

That is before I get to the win 8.1 upgrade which has not even shown up yet.

92!

>:(

[MetalDog]

I don't know my ass from a hole in the ground when it comes to computers.  So, anything that is that fidgety needs to go.

[MIGMaster]

Operating systems are like girlfriends - you need to know what you prefer. I use Win 8 at home and it has been stable as a rock for gaming. I use Win 7 at work - which tome is what a fixed version of Vista should look like. All of my hardware is recent and drivers have not been an issue. If you are using an older pc than I'd go with Win 7. Best thing to do is head to a big box store (if you have one near) and get on a PC with Win 8 or Win 7 and try them both out - you can use this strategy with women, but I take no responsibility for any harm that may come to you  ;)

[undercovergeek]

I was pretty sure that 7 was the preferred OS on these boards.  It's why I asked.  While I have all your attention, what are some acceptable specs for a new computer?  RAM?  HD?  Video card?  What else?

2gb graphics card

16gb memory

should be juicy enough

[GDS_Starfury]

2 gig ddr5 video card
32 gigs of low latency ram 4 x 8 gig modules
a super solid 4 core cpu with heatsink
a solid state hard drive
750 watt psu

[undercovergeek]

2 gig ddr5 video card
32 gigs of low latency ram 4 x 8 gig modules
a super solid 4 core cpu with heatsink
a solid state hard drive
750 watt psu

or this, i havent seen much use for 32gb of ram though

[steve58]

If you're looking to cut some $$s, you can pick up a low power 2GB video card that will run off smaller power supplies.

I just ordered a nVidia GTX 750 Ti from Amazon.  I'm hoping it will help extend the life of my old PC.  It'll be replacing a 1GB GTS450 and will run off my 460W power supply.

[MetalDog]

Thank you gentlemen for your info so far.  I guess I should have probably mentioned, I gotta try to fit all this new stuff in for around $650 US American Dollars.

@MIGMaster:  That's some laugh out loud sh*t!  I got away with that in my younger days, and could get away with it now with the current gf, but, I am not pretty enough to just grab some chick off the street nowadays.  At least, not fast enough to run away if she starts chasing me down ;)

[Bison]

Thank you gentlemen for your info so far.  I guess I should have probably mentioned, I gotta try to fit all this new stuff in for around $650 US American Dollars.

You've got some options at that price range.  I'd consider one of these:

http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/AMD-FX-4-Core-Configurator
http://www.ibuypower.com/Store/Intel-B85-Core-i5-Configurator

There are a couple of small upgrades to consider namely the graphics card, but they are in your price range and are not bad lower cost gaming rigs.  You should also be able to find similar computers at newegg.com where you might also be able to swing some free shipping.

[GDS_Starfury]

there are also ways to cut costs while getting more for you money.
reuse the case, psu, dvd drives and whatnot from the old pc and just spend the money on the core guts.
I know that on the next build doing this will save at least $300 for me.

[MetalDog]

Ok.  So I went to Staples last night and picked up a Dell i3 with 8 gigs of RAM a Terabyte of space and Windows 7 for $450.  I paid $140 for MS Office Home & Student Edition.  Installs on only one PC, but, I don't have to pay for it year after year.  So, how did I do?

[eyebiter]

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