Question on Installing windows 8 on a new build

[Daenar]

Hi, I just received the parts for my first build, it's currently:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-3220 3.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($119.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($38.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: Kingston HyperX 3K 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($119.00 @ Adorama)
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($17.89 @ Outlet PC)

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-11-29 20:14 EST-0500)

The website doesn't list this motherboard: MSI ZH77A-G43
http://www.msi.com/product/mb/ZH77A-G43.html#/?div=Basic

So I have windows 8, but I want to be really careful about not messing up my computer. So do I need to get windows 7, update BIOS and Drivers, then install windows 8? Or can I just install windows 8 just fine? It seems like this motherboard has been around for at least 9 months, so I'm really worried.

Also, I know my list doesn't include a video card, and since I only have $100 left to spend. I'm thinking about waiting for Christmas sales to get a 7770 card for $60-70ish like it was on Black Friday. Is this okay? I think I can live with the Integrated graphics for a month, if that's alright.

Thanks!

 

[bryonhowley]

You should have no problem installing Windows 8 without any other version being on the system. I installed Windows buy formatting my main SSD drive and then installing Windows 8. It did not ask for a previous version and activated with no problems. I do not like installing over a existing OS.

 

[Daenar]

Best answer selected by Daenar.

 

[Daenar]

thanks. There was a sticker on the box saying windows 8 compatible, so I guess I don't need a BIOS/Driver update first. But I think I'm just going windows 7 to make sure all my games are compatible and can run smoothly