Fx-8320E Windows 7 or 8.1?

[r0aringdrag0n]

Hey everyone,
I'm building a system with the AMD FX-8320E. I was wondering whether I should get windows 7 or 8.1?

The reason I ask is because I have heard that Win 7 isn't fully optimized for the 4 module/8 core design of the AMD CPUs. So which is going to give better performance?

Thanks

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Windows 8.1 will also receive Direct X updates.


With windows 7 OEM the license is tied to the first motherboard it's installed on.With Windows 8.1 you can move it to another build when you are done with this one , but only one computer at a time.With Windows 8.1 you can change all the hardware you want including the motherboard.

OEM versions of Windows 7 are identical to Full License Retail versions except for the following:

- OEM versions do not offer any free Microsoft direct support from Microsoft support personnel

- OEM licenses are tied to the very first computer you install and activate it on

- OEM versions allow all hardware upgrades except for an upgrade to a different model motherboard

- OEM versions cannot be used to directly upgrade from an older Windows operating system

Microsoft.com ^


OEM vs. Retail

OEM Windows 7 comes preinstalled on computers. This is the cheapest way to buy windows. Large PC manufacturers like Dell, HP etc. (collectively called royalty OEMs) install windows on millions of such PCs. The main characteristics of such systems are:

The license agreement and support agreement is between you and the PC makes.

Activation by the end user is not required. Windows is preactivated at the factory by the OEM using images and standard SLP keys.

Your copy of windows is locked to that PC. The license is not transferable.

OEM system builder is what you get when you buy from say Newegg or from a local "white box" vendor. It too has the characteristics of Royalty OEM windows. Although it is possible for an individual to buy a System Builder copy, the license requires that the software be installed using the OPK (OEM preinstall kit) and then resold.

Retail version is what you buy from a retailer like Amazon or Bestbuy. Its a full price version that comes packaged in a retail box with a retail product key. It has to be activated online via MS servers using the key on the box, it is not tied to the PC it was first installed on, though it can only be used on a single computer at a time. And, MS directly provides the support for it. It is also more expensive than OEM copies.

As far as functionality is concerned, theres no difference between any of the versions above, given any specific edition (i.e. between OEM pro and retail pro, or between OEM ultimate and retail ultimate).

sevenforums.com

Windows 8 is a whole different ballgame.

License agreement for the transfer of a Windows 8 license
http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx

 

[kapitalistas]

i recommend wait .Windows 10 gonna come out soon.

 

[synphul]

More importantly I think it depends on if all your programs will work on win8. Some people have reported that a few games won't run on win8 but they do on win7. Also take into consideration that win7 has hit it's end of life from microsoft and any updates will only be critical security patches. I'm not sure if win10 will update straight from win7 like it will with win8.

This was about the only article I could find regarding a difference in performance based on os version. Apparently not much to report or there would be a lot more articles on the subject.
http://us.hardware.info/reviews/3549/2/windows-8-vs-windows-7-cpu-performance-results

I prefer win7 to win8 but have a difficult time recommending it for a new purchase/install over win8 since it's reached end of life. I don't think you have anything to worry about and if cpu performance is that big of a concern the solution would be a different cpu over any tiny difference that might be present in an operating system.

 

[synphul]

I'm with kapitalistas, I'm looking forward to win10 and hoping to skip the whole win8 fiasco much like I went straight from winxp to 7 and avoided the vista tragedy. Hoping the same holds true for skipping an os generation this time around as well. (worked skipping from 98se to xp and avoiding win me).

 

[r0aringdrag0n]

i recommend wait .Windows 10 gonna come out soon.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7866679/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-for-windows-7-and-8-1-users
I don't think I'll worry too much.

I don't think you have anything to worry about and if cpu performance is that big of a concern the solution would be a different cpu over any tiny difference that might be present in an operating system.

I read there was a thing with AMD 8 core CPUs where only half the cores were used because of how AMD fabricated the CPU and that there may be a Win 7 Hotfix or something.

and finally @SR-71 Blackbird
Thanks for the info! It seems like Win 8 is preferable in my case, I have a program that is technically not compatible with win 8 but there's a work-around, so I'll do that for it. Then if I want, I'll upgrade to Win10 when it comes out.

 

[SkyBill40]

Seeing as the release of W10 is due shortly, you may as well wait for it. I suppose you could buy 8.1 and just do the free upgrade. If I were building and W10 weren't on the horizon, I would wholeheartedly pick W8.1.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

Windows 8 on all 5 of my computers.
No issues.

 

[SkyBill40]

@ Bird: Seeing as I'm a W8.1 user (who upgraded from OEM W8 disc), it's my understanding that my mobo is locked in, correct? I built it and have no issues or need to MS support, but I may wish to upgrade at some point down the road. I'm also wondering how users like myself would go about getting back to W10 at no cost should I decide to format and reinstall?

Not my wish to thread jack but seeing as the answer has already been chosen and all...

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If it's from an Hp , DELL , etc , your locked in .

If you bought the 8 or 8.1 OEM you can transfer it to a new build.

 

[SkyBill40]

I bought the disc from a retailer, so that gives me a bit of comfort despite the guy selling it to me at the time that it wouldn't be transferable to different gear. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

If you bought an OEM 8 or 8.1 it's transferable.

 

[Will91w]

On my first build i used windows 8.1 and installed on an SSD and it literally boots up in 2 seconds. No issues or problems so far.

Ps. Also using that CPU and MSI 970 Gaming MOBO

 

[LogalusTech]

Windows 8.1 has a 10% gaming performance increase over Windows 7. And it looks a hella ton better. Boots faster, too.

 

[Will91w]

Windows 8.1 has a 10% gaming performance increase over Windows 7. And it looks a hella ton better. Boots faster, too.

Yeah i have noticed a huge increase in performance when using windows 8.1