I am going to be building a gaming computer in the near future and I was wondering which OS I should get. Someone suggested that I use Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit - OEM. I was wondering if this was the way to go? I understand that this OS is good for only 1 system and if the need arises to change the Mobo that I will have to purchase a new OS for it. Any help would be great:)
Most people who choose the OEM version do so because it can be had for a lower price. It is really meant for system builders, and has it's drawbacks, as you mentioned. I think most will recommend getting a full retail version.
I think you need to decide which features are important to you as far as selection a version
Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows
I would recommend the x64 version of whichever flavor you do choose.
A Guy
Yes a 64 bit is better as it can handle larger amount of RAM which is needed for gaming....I would recommend the x64
Buying a retail version has benefits in that it can be transferred to a different computer without a problem providing you have uninstalled it from the old one first.
Of the different versions I think Professional is the best choice unless you want things like Bitlocker drive encryption and the multi-language GUI, which will mean buying Ultimate if you do.
As already mentioned, 64-bit is the way to go if your computer's CPU supports it so on balance it would appear that Windows 7 Professional 64-bit is probably your best bet.
However, if you don't need to be joining a Domain or don't want to use XP Mode you will save money by buying Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.
Whatever you do, don't go for the Starter or Basic versions.
Just to muddy the waters:
Is it OK to use OEM Windows on your own PC? Don't ask Microsoft | ZDNet
Apparently, the "system builder" OEM license is intended only for use on systems for resale. You aren't supposed to use it on a system that you'll keep. I am unaware of any enforcement of this, though.
That said, online retailers like Newegg will cheerfully sell you a system builder copy by itself, not bundled with any hardware.
The Home Premium version is adequate for most people. Professional or above is needed if you need to join a domain (whatever that means), more than 16GB of RAM, or two physical CPU sockets.
I was under the impression that a retail boxed copy includes both bit versions.
Oem copy might only have one bit version dvd to save a few cents.
However the product key is valid for either 32 or 64 bit o/s.
Is it, where did you hear that?Yes a 64 bit is better as it can handle larger amount of RAM which is needed for gaming....
This is the build that I'm going with:
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-Z68XP-UD3P
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 1155 95W Quad-Core
GPU: Sapphire Radeon 7850 2GB
RAM: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB
PSU: Corsair Enthusiast Series TX750 V2 750W
Optical: LG BluRay burner
Hard Drives:
OCZ Agility 3 AGT3-25SAT3-120G SSD for OS and apps
Samsung EcoGreen F4 HD204UI 2TB for Storage
Case: Antec Twelve Hundred V3
Monitor: ASUS VH232H
Would Home Premium be good enough for this, and how do you get SP1?
Home Premium will be fine for you unless you want to join a Domain (a work-based network) and I think you may well find SP1 is included in the DVD.
If it isn't, check this tutorial, which explains how to slipstream SP1 into an installation DVD or bootable USB drive.
Slipstream Windows 7 SP1 into a Installation DVD or ISO File
You can also get SP1 via Windows Updates or as a standalone install.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/976932
From looking at the comparison chart at the link A Guy gave you, Windows Home Premium would meet your needs, IMO. However, I think a lot of gamers use Win7 Professional (or Ultimate).
You forum members who are gamers please correct me if I am wrong. I myself am not a gamer.
As for service packs you receive them via Windows updates.
If you have any old programs or hardware that can only be operated using WinXP I suggest you consider nothing less than Windows Professional.
Here is a link with info concerning Windows XP Mode
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/default.aspx
Very nice.
I think that Home Premium would be fine. As you've specified 8GB of RAM, you need the X64 version.
I neglected to mention XP Mode (a copy of XP running in a virtual machine), and that it's only free with Pro an Ultimate. Thanks to C32C3 for that. I can't answer as to whether you'd want that.
The best way to get SP1 is to obtain a copy of Windows that includes it. Windows 7 appears to not permit a real "slipstream" like XP did: you can integrate SP1 into the installer, but the result can't be used to repair Win7 with SP1.
If you buy a system builder (OEM) copy, you'll only receive the bit depth that you order (32 or 64 bit). Retail copies include both. I have read that the OEM key will activate both bit depth versions, regardless of which one you've purchased. There are non-pirated versions of the .iso files for the DVD online (see mydigitallife for links to Digital River, for example), but you'll want to be careful about that sort of thing.
My original copies of Win7 were upgrades purchased from the Microsoft Store back in the summer of 09 (prerelease deal). MS allows me to download fresh copies, and they include SP1. That's one advantage to dealing with the MS Store.
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