Need to do a clean install. Keep Windows 7 or buy 8.1?

[billin30]

I am upgrading my motherboard, CPU and RAM. Going with a 4770k, undecided on the board and 8 GB of memory.

I didnt really think about having to reinstall windows due to this upgrade, but it looks like that is best course of action.

I have Windows 7 Pro currently and am wondering if I should just upgrade to 8.1 since I have wipe and install a new OS anyway.

I am worried about compatibility with some of my program as I dont just game on this machine. I use AutoCAD Civil3D and Microstation as well and it doesnt look like either of those officialy support windows 8.1, though they seem to be able to run.

Is it worth the extra 100 bucks for the standard edition or 140 for the pro? Any reason to go with Pro? Doesnt seem like people are using that in their builds.

Lets just assume I dont care about the whole Metro/aesthetics thing.

Thanks

 

[aldan]

i would not bother to upgrade to win 8.1.with windows 9 on its way i gotta feeling that win8 is going to get dumped faster than you can say vista.

 

[billin30]

Stuck with windows 7 and did a full reinstall

 

[aldan]

good choice considering extended support for win7 ends in 2020.

 

[someone755]

I for one upgraded just because of the Metro UI (W8.1).
I now regret it, as I'm getting crashes and BSODs everywhere (I also can't forget the random reboots and crashes, followed by bootloops!).

I say, if you can try W8.1 somewhere, go and do that. If you think you won't survive living without the Metro UI, go for it. Otherwise, stay as far back as possible.