I use a regular PC - any reason I should consider Win8?

McDougal

Member
Member
Messages
45
Hey all,

I've done a lot of research on Win8 so far. I like what I'm hearing about the performance and security improvements. However, I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade over Win7.

That is, on a standard desktop with a mouse and keyboard. As you can see in my system specs, my box is fully capable of running Win8. I'm just worried about Metro. What are your thoughts about using a keyboard and mouse with the Metro UI? Are all the other improvements worth it if I already have a fast and stable system? Will I still be able to run my games and programs?

Thanks guys for the answers :)!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
There are a lot of nay-sayers about that and all you have to do is search this forum and read the thousand threads and 10,000 posts about it.
I don't have any difficulty using it with mouse and keyboard, however......
I also use Classic Shell and bypass it initially, but I do use the metro screen to access other stuff. And still it is not difficult to use.
Yes it is different, but it is not show stopping by any means.

As another note: I am on Desktop more than on Metro Apps.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Welcome to EightForums, McDougal.

Oh boy! Your going to get as many opinions as there are members. Try it -> Use it -> Only you can decide for yourself.

For me on my older Acer, it rocks. I won't need to buy a new rig or build one. For those with newer, more powerful rigs it's not as noticeable, but rather older machines it is. All I really need is a video card and a HDD and I'll be good to go.

For me it seems to be more secure, but no OS is 100% foolproof. Virus/worm awareness along with good surfing habits are important.

Some like the new Modern UI, some don't. Some like navigating with it, some don't. I happen to like it. It's more fluid to me.

I'm not a big gamer, so I can't comment there. Recent benchmarks are out on that. It will run legacy programs on the desktop as good as 7 did.

What seems to be the big problem with professional power users are no Start Menu with menu nesting , full-screen Modern apps (no paning), and the learning curve to name a few.

Welcome to the big change. May the Force be with you. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
I use the Start Screen as a dashboard, of sorts, and use the Desktop for browsing, MS Office, and virtualization. This is on a non-touch screen laptop. I have no issues using Windows 8 with my keyboard and touchpad.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows Server 2012 Standard w/Hyper-V
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ProBook 4430s
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2310M
    Memory
    16GB DDR3
    Hard Drives
    80GB Intel 320 SSD
    500GB Samsung Momentus
You really just need to try it for yourself, and make your own informed decision.. it's wise thought to question it's value and just not accept that because it is new that you should use it. It really does have some features going in its favor.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Top 5 Reasons
1. Speedy Boot Time
2. Innovative & Dynamic Desktop
3. Improved Search Function
4. Windows To Go
5. Windows Live Syncing
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40GHz
    Memory
    8.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6700 Series
    Sound Card
    AMD High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ViewSonic VX2450 Series
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1.5 TB
    Keyboard
    Razer Lychosa
    Mouse
    Razer DeathAdder
    Internet Speed
    25 Mbits
Like everyone else has said, you need to try it out for yourself to have a valid opinion. This type of thing is subjective.

Speaking of such, I find no issue with it. You can find people who blabble and rant and rave over the changes as something horrid and requires the second coming of Christ to fix, but you might find that to be overly blown over the top. Even the reviews of Windows 8 over at the amazon.com show that. I personally have used Windows 8 for over a year now, on my desktop, with a standard mouse, touchpad, touchscreen, and the Microsoft Touch Mouse. There literally is NO impediment whatsoever. With some arranging of tiles, you might find that things are quicker to get to than before, as it's more visual. It does take a bit of getting used to, but it doesn't take too long, especially when you have us here at Eight Forums to help out! :D

As for performance, WOW! It's so efficient it shames the word efficient! It has a hybrid boot feature that literally cuts boot time in half. Relevant information trickles into the live tiles to show you updates without taking up system resource. The processor usage is streamlined to the point where some people have noticed legitimate temperature drops in their systems using Windows 8 over 7. There is also the greatly improved security in Windows 8 that honestly, I think I might not ever need to deal with malware on other people's PCs in the near future. It's solid, it's stable, it's fast, it's flexible, it's great!

I'd go for it and test it out with the 90 day Windows 8 Enterprise Trial to see if it's worthwhile to you. I should also mention, you might want to consider getting a touch gesture mouse as it makes navigating that much better.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
My own experience is that outside of bootup and shutdown it does not have much to offer in terms of performance gains.
Works fine and seems stable, just doesn't add up to something I would toss w7 to use.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W7
Sure, go ahead and use it. As soon as you install it, download classic shell to bring back start menu and start button, and to bypass the metro nonsense all together. Easy peasy.
Welcome to Classic Shell

The bottom line is simple, you do have a choice, you do not have to put up with the metro nonsense.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Although the Metro Interface may be a little cumbersome to use it with a mouse and keyboard at the beginning but you'll soon get use to it. Despite this however, if you really is upgrading to Win8, you may want to consider buying one of the newest touch mouse or something from Microsoft.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
My own experience is that outside of bootup and shutdown it does not have much to offer in terms of performance gains.
Works fine and seems stable, just doesn't add up to something I would toss w7 to use.

Agreed. I think with a benchmark you could prove additional efficiences but in real world day to day usage, I think the difference is somewhat unnoticeable. But our opinions on this seem to be less the norm as many rave about the performance gains. I just haven't been able to prove or quantify it with a stopwatch using the hardware that I use.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Thanks everyone for the replies :)!

Good to hear that it should work with older programs/games.

I downloaded the RTM trial and I will find a time to try a dual-boot. Either way though, I won't be upgrading anytime soon, I'm just curious :).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
A wise decision I feel. It's highly recommended to dual boot as secondary OS to try it out. No sense in throwing good money at something you may not like. Good luck.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
No, I haven't been to tell much difference, either.

I think those who think they do are comparing a fresh clean install of win8 against their existing installed os. No surprise a clean install seems snappier.

My own experience is that outside of bootup and shutdown it does not have much to offer in terms of performance gains.
Works fine and seems stable, just doesn't add up to something I would toss w7 to use.

Agreed. I think with a benchmark you could prove additional efficiences but in real world day to day usage, I think the difference is somewhat unnoticeable. But our opinions on this seem to be less the norm as many rave about the performance gains. I just haven't been able to prove or quantify it with a stopwatch using the hardware that I use.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
You can boot from a vhd with Windows 7 pro.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
Okay, thanks for the info. I've never dealt with VHDs before, so I'm new to the subject.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    I7-3770K
    Motherboard
    ASUS SABERTOOTH Z77
    Memory
    CORSAIR 8GB 2X4 D3 1866
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GTX680 4GB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24" LED VG248QE
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG E 256GB SSD 840 PRO -
    SAMSUNG E 120GB SSD840 -
    SEAGATE 1TB PIPELINE
    PSU
    CORSAIR GS800
    Case
    CORSAIR 600T
    Cooling
    CORSAIR HYDRO H100I LIQUID COOLER
    Keyboard
    THERMALTA CHALLENGER ULT GAME-KYBRD
    Mouse
    RAZER DEATHADDER GAME MS BLK-ED
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    APC 1000VA -
    LGELECOEM LG 14X SATA BD BURNER -
    CORSAIR SP120 Fans x 3 -
    NZXT 5.25 USB3 BAY CARD READER -
    HAUPPAUGE COLOSSUS
Sadly it doesn't look like I'll have time to do this during the week :(. Oh well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64 ; Ubuntu 13.10 x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    custom built ; ASUS UL20A-A1 laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2120 @ 3.3GHz ; Intel Core2Duo @ 1.3GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z68-M PRO ; ASUS stock mobo
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 ; 4GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    ZOTAC GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1GB ; Intel integrated
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 21.5" 1080p HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    SanDisk 120GB SSD; WD 500GB 7200RPM ; 250GB HDD (laptop)
    PSU
    500W 80Plus Bronze Certified
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Illusion
    Cooling
    4 case fans
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 2000 v1.0
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mouse 3000
    Internet Speed
    26/22Mbps Verizon FiOS
    Other Info
    first PC build
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