So I need a new computer! Help Me!

[Levi]

Hey guys I've been looking forward to getting a new computer desk, and computer. My current computer plays ET just fine, but other games not so well. I've looked on these sites to where you build your own computer, and configured my own, but I feel like I'm always missing something. I'm looking to spend around $500-$800 if anybody would like to take the time to configure me a good computer in this price range on a computer building site please due so, and explain why you think it's a good setup. Primarily will be used COD, and ET, and Netflix. I would like the ability to not be so limited on games I can buy due to a lacking computer! Thanks! I only spent $299 on this computer, and lucked out since Wolfenstein plays smooth, but I cant play anything else =F|A= as to offer.

[redy.]

do you just need the PC or also keybaord, mouse, monitor?

 

If you dont, you need:

- Case

- CPU (Best bang for the $, CPU charts)

- Memory

- Graphics Card (Best bang for the $, Graphic performance per $)

- Power Supply

- Main Board

- Disk

- CD / DVD / Bluray

 

Example 1:

- Case - http://www.amazon.com/Sentey-Gs-6008-Stealth-Gaming-Computer/dp/B00MNSFBQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630157&sr=1-1&keywords=computer+case40$

- CPU - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-4670K-Quad-Core-Desktop-Processor/dp/B00CO8TBOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631098&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-4670k240$

- Memory - http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Ballistix-PC3-12800-BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00-BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00/dp/B006WAGGUK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630754&sr=8-2&keywords=DDR3-160050$

- Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-3330-Quad-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B0093H8MTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630399&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-3330150$

- Power Supply - http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Modular-Bronze-ATX12V-EPS12V/dp/B00ALK3KEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631284&sr=8-2&keywords=power+supply80$

- Main Borad - http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-Micro-Motherboards-GA-B75M-D3H/dp/B007R9CRGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630645&sr=8-1&keywords=LGA115572$

- Disk - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E250B-AM/dp/B00OAJ412U/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630841&sr=1-2&keywords=ssd100$

- DVD - http://www.amazon.com/LG-Internal-UH12NS30-Blu-ray-Optical/dp/B00DVTBM2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630922&sr=8-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive40$=

= ~780$

 

if you can invest more get:

Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Super-Clocked-Graphics/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437631497&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx+970(additional ~150$)

[JoNny]

do you just need the PC or also keybaord, mouse, monitor?

 

If you dont, you need:

- Case

- CPU (Best bang for the $, CPU charts)

- Memory

- Graphics Card (Best bang for the $, Graphic performance per $)

- Power Supply

- Main Board

- Disk

- CD / DVD / Bluray

 

Example 1:

- Case - http://www.amazon.com/Sentey-Gs-6008-Stealth-Gaming-Computer/dp/B00MNSFBQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630157&sr=1-1&keywords=computer+case40$

- CPU - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-4670K-Quad-Core-Desktop-Processor/dp/B00CO8TBOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631098&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-4670k240$

- Memory - http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Ballistix-PC3-12800-BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00-BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00/dp/B006WAGGUK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630754&sr=8-2&keywords=DDR3-160050$

- Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-3330-Quad-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B0093H8MTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630399&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-3330150$

- Power Supply - http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Modular-Bronze-ATX12V-EPS12V/dp/B00ALK3KEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631284&sr=8-2&keywords=power+supply80$

- Main Borad - http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-Micro-Motherboards-GA-B75M-D3H/dp/B007R9CRGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630645&sr=8-1&keywords=LGA115572$

- Disk - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E250B-AM/dp/B00OAJ412U/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630841&sr=1-2&keywords=ssd100$

- DVD - http://www.amazon.com/LG-Internal-UH12NS30-Blu-ray-Optical/dp/B00DVTBM2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630922&sr=8-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive40$=

= ~780$

 

if you can invest more get:

Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Super-Clocked-Graphics/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437631497&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx+970(additional ~150$)

 

This way he still needs to build the PC up himself. On a PC building website, you will get everything built in beforehand.

 

I suggest you to get a PC with a minimum of a 3GHz processor. The graphics card should be a 1GB card, unless you want to play all the new games coming out this year, then I'd suggest you to take a 2GB card. To be able to use these graphics you also need a good internal memory. I'd suggest 4 to 8 GB for a 1GB graphics card and 8 to 16 for a 2GB graphics card. These are the basic things you need in order to play good games, so the rest is not that much important and you can save money on these points. Obviously you still need an HDD, but that's entirely up to you, you may want 500GB only or 1TB or even more. Luckily you can select those things directly on those websites just as you wish.

 

/JoNny

[LA_Kings_Fan]

http://fearless-assassins.com/topic/62525-q-a-can-i-build-a-decent-gaming-rig-for-750-1000-why-yes-you-can/page-1 

 

 

Don't expect a lot for under $800 ... and with that tight a budget, I'd consider going ALL AMD ... they are the most budget friendly option for CPU, MoBo and GPU to be sure. 

 

As for having someplace put it together for you .... WHY ?

 

Are you that afraid to try it yourself ? it's actually really rather easy and painless for the most, I mean sure things CAN go wrong, but if you take a little time to educate yourself prior (youtube is FULL of tutorials) , it really is like putting lego's together and you should be OK.

 

But IF not ... you can buy the parts and take it to a small local PC shop to put together, I know a friend who did this, and they charged him just under $100. So you can either pocket that $100 and try yourself or keep it local ... or IF you must try a place like these ...

 

https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

 

http://www.ibuypower.com/

 

but sites like these charge a $200 to $300 premium just to assemble your build and slap a worthless warranty full of fine print on it ... personally, I'd try to build it yourself, or have a friend help you ! 

Edited July 24, 2015 by LA_Kings_Fan

[Vanaraud]

do you just need the PC or also keybaord, mouse, monitor?

 

If you dont, you need:

- Case

- CPU (Best bang for the $, CPU charts)

- Memory

- Graphics Card (Best bang for the $, Graphic performance per $)

- Power Supply

- Main Board

- Disk

- CD / DVD / Bluray

 

Example 1:

- Case - http://www.amazon.com/Sentey-Gs-6008-Stealth-Gaming-Computer/dp/B00MNSFBQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630157&sr=1-1&keywords=computer+case40$

- CPU - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-4670K-Quad-Core-Desktop-Processor/dp/B00CO8TBOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631098&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-4670k240$

- Memory - http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Ballistix-PC3-12800-BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00-BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00/dp/B006WAGGUK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630754&sr=8-2&keywords=DDR3-160050$

- Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-3330-Quad-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B0093H8MTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630399&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-3330150$ 2 CPUs on one PC is too much;)

- Power Supply - http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Modular-Bronze-ATX12V-EPS12V/dp/B00ALK3KEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631284&sr=8-2&keywords=power+supply80$

- Main Borad - http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-Micro-Motherboards-GA-B75M-D3H/dp/B007R9CRGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630645&sr=8-1&keywords=LGA115572$ Wrong chipset!

- Disk - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E250B-AM/dp/B00OAJ412U/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630841&sr=1-2&keywords=ssd100$

- DVD - http://www.amazon.com/LG-Internal-UH12NS30-Blu-ray-Optical/dp/B00DVTBM2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630922&sr=8-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive40$=

= ~780$

 

if you can invest more get:

Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Super-Clocked-Graphics/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437631497&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx+970(additional ~150$)

 

Last I checked, AMD CPU+mobo combination, which didn´t burn down PC, would cost as much\more than i3\G3258 and intel mobo.

[redy.]

it all depends how much time an effort you want to invest to get a PC.

 

Are you having fun on research, finding the best component, chasing deals.

Are you a fairly handy man, not afraid to tackle a challenge?

Are you on a tight budget and want the best PC that lasts for a couple of years?

If yes = you should get the components by yourself and build the PC (or have a friend build it)

 

You just want results, no time for looking around?

You enjoy service and just want to have things done?

Support is important for you. If something goes wrong you want to be able to get service to fix things?

If yes = You might be better off with one of the build pages,

 

We will be happy to help you either way.

Ps: Dont take 'oh yeah just do that and that' as an answer. There are charts and performance results out there and that what the decision needs to be based on. Otherwise you will have a half baked system and the danger of not being able to enjoy it.

[Levi]

do you just need the PC or also keybaord, mouse, monitor?

 

If you dont, you need:

- Case

- CPU (Best bang for the $, CPU charts)

- Memory

- Graphics Card (Best bang for the $, Graphic performance per $)

- Power Supply

- Main Board

- Disk

- CD / DVD / Bluray

 

Example 1:

- Case - http://www.amazon.com/Sentey-Gs-6008-Stealth-Gaming-Computer/dp/B00MNSFBQU/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630157&sr=1-1&keywords=computer+case40$

- CPU - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-4670K-Quad-Core-Desktop-Processor/dp/B00CO8TBOW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631098&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-4670k240$

- Memory - http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Ballistix-PC3-12800-BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00-BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00/dp/B006WAGGUK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630754&sr=8-2&keywords=DDR3-160050$

- Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/Intel-i5-3330-Quad-Core-Processor-Cache/dp/B0093H8MTW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630399&sr=8-1&keywords=i5-3330150$

- Power Supply - http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Modular-Bronze-ATX12V-EPS12V/dp/B00ALK3KEM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1437631284&sr=8-2&keywords=power+supply80$

- Main Borad - http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-Intel-Micro-Motherboards-GA-B75M-D3H/dp/B007R9CRGW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630645&sr=8-1&keywords=LGA115572$

- Disk - http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-2-5-Inch-Internal-MZ-75E250B-AM/dp/B00OAJ412U/ref=sr_1_2?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437630841&sr=1-2&keywords=ssd100$

- DVD - http://www.amazon.com/LG-Internal-UH12NS30-Blu-ray-Optical/dp/B00DVTBM2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1437630922&sr=8-1&keywords=blu+ray+drive40$=

= ~780$

 

if you can invest more get:

Graphic - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Super-Clocked-Graphics/dp/B00NVODXR4/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1437631497&sr=1-1&keywords=gtx+970(additional ~150$)

 

 

This way he still needs to build the PC up himself. On a PC building website, you will get everything built in beforehand.

 

I suggest you to get a PC with a minimum of a 3GHz processor. The graphics card should be a 1GB card, unless you want to play all the new games coming out this year, then I'd suggest you to take a 2GB card. To be able to use these graphics you also need a good internal memory. I'd suggest 4 to 8 GB for a 1GB graphics card and 8 to 16 for a 2GB graphics card. These are the basic things you need in order to play good games, so the rest is not that much important and you can save money on these points. Obviously you still need an HDD, but that's entirely up to you, you may want 500GB only or 1TB or even more. Luckily you can select those things directly on those websites just as you wish.

 

/JoNny

 

 

http://fearless-assassins.com/topic/62525-q-a-can-i-build-a-decent-gaming-rig-for-750-1000-why-yes-you-can/page-1 

 

 

Don't expect a lot for under $800 ... and with that tight a budget, I'd consider going ALL AMD ... they are the most budget friendly option for CPU, MoBo and GPU to be sure. 

 

As for having someplace put it together for you .... WHY ?

 

Are you that afraid to try it yourself ? it's actually really rather easy and painless for the most, I mean sure things CAN go wrong, but if you take a little time to educate yourself prior (youtube is FULL of tutorials) , it really is like putting lego's together and you should be OK.

 

But IF not ... you can buy the parts and take it to a small local PC shop to put together, I know a friend who did this, and they charged him just under $100. So you can either pocket that $100 and try yourself or keep it local ... or IF you must try a place like these ...

 

https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/

 

http://www.ibuypower.com/

 

but sites like these charge a $200 to $300 premium just to assemble your build and slap a worthless warranty full of fine print on it ... personally, I'd try to build it yourself, or have a friend help you ! 

 

 

Last I checked, AMD CPU+mobo combination, which didn´t burn down PC, would cost as much\more than i3\G3258 and intel mobo.

 

 

it all depends how much time an effort you want to invest to get a PC.

 

Are you having fun on research, finding the best component, chasing deals.

Are you a fairly handy man, not afraid to tackle a challenge?

Are you on a tight budget and want the best PC that lasts for a couple of years?

If yes = you should get the components by yourself and build the PC (or have a friend build it)

 

You just want results, no time for looking around?

You enjoy service and just want to have things done?

Support is important for you. If something goes wrong you want to be able to get service to fix things?

If yes = You might be better off with one of the build pages,

 

We will be happy to help you either way.

Ps: Dont take 'oh yeah just do that and that' as an answer. There are charts and performance results out there and that what the decision needs to be based on. Otherwise you will have a half baked system and the danger of not being able to enjoy it.

 

This is what I have so far: https://www.cyberpowerpc.com/cart/showcart.aspx?url=%2fsystem%2fINTEL_i3_SFF_Configurator&ref=add

 

Hope the link works. Now this is my base. If the link works let me know what I should change, or upgrade. etc. that's at $950 

[SiD]

it just links to an empty shopping cart. Try copy and paste the text here, or take a screenshot of everything together. 

[Levi]

it just links to an empty shopping cart. Try copy and paste the text here, or take a screenshot of everything together. 

 

$954

• BLUETOOTH: None
• CABLE: None
• CAS: Raidmax Hybodus mATX Gaming Case
• CC: None
• CD: None
• CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-4690 3.50 GHz 6MB Intel Smart Cache LGA1150 [+114]
• DOCKINGSTATION: None
• ENGRAVING: None
• FAN: Corsair Hydro Series H60 120mm Liquid CPU Cooling System w/ Copper Cold Plate [+56] (Single Standard 120MM Fan)
• FREEBIE_CU: None
• HDD: 128GB SanDisk SSD + 1TB SATA III Hard Drive Combo [+68] (Combo Drive)
• HDD2: None
• HEADSET: None
• HS_HANGER: None
• KEYBOARD: AZZA Multimedia USB Gaming Keyboard
• MEMORY: 16GB (8GBx2) DDR3/2133MHz Dual Channel Memory [+74] (G.SKILL Ripjaws X)
• MONITOR: None
• MOPAD: None
• MOTHERBOARD: ASRock B85M-ITX mITX w/ Display Port, HDMI, GbLAN, 1 Gen3 PCIe x16
• MOUSE: AZZA Optical 1600dpi Gaming Mouse with Weight Adjustable Cartridge
• NETWORK: Onboard Gigabit LAN Network
• NFC: None
• OS: Windows 8.1 (Free upgrade to Windows 10 when it is released) [+104]
• OVERCLOCK: No Overclocking
• POWERSUPPLY: 550 Watts - Enermax Revolution87+ ERV550AWT-G 80 plus Gold Certified Power Supply [+28]
• RUSH: Standard Process Time: Ship within 8 Business Day
• SERVICE: STANDARD WARRANTY: 3-YEAR [3 Year Labor, 1 Year Parts] LIMITED WARRANTY PLUS LIFE-TIME TECHNICAL SUPPORT
• SLI_BRIDGE: None
• SOUND: HIGH DEFINITION ON-BOARD 7.1 AUDIO

[LA_Kings_Fan]

Well ... unless I just don't see it ... you have NO VIDEO CARD listed in that build ???  At about $1000 you should have SOME sort of Graphics card ? 

 

Also I'm personally NOT a fan of the Windows 8 OS ... I know Win 10 is right around the corner, BUT IMO in a desktop environment I'd suggest and I use WIN 7 Pro 64 bit, and Win 7 will get you the FREE upgrade copy of Win 10 also ...

 

the funny tag line about Win 10 going around the internet ... " Thank You windows 8 ... if you didn't SUCK SO BAD ... Windows 10 wouldn't BE SO GOOD ! " 

 

 

Here's a couple decent Rigs through NewEgg 

 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2349540 = $1000 with discounts and rebates.

 

 

 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2253467 = $1000 with discounts and rebates.

 

Edited July 27, 2015 by LA_Kings_Fan

[JoNny]

Indeed, only on-board graphics will suck completely. I accidentally played with on-board graphics almost 1.5-2 years until I noticed I forgot to install the drivers. (silly me)

 

The gameplay became so fast and smooth, that I can only advise you to add an external graphics card to your pc.

 

I also agree with LA_Kings_Fan on the OS. I got 8.1 on my laptop and I don't like it. It's okay if it's not for gaming but you should def. use Win7 64 if you want to play games on your pc, unless you got 8.1 already installed and only know this operating system but I doubt that.

 

/JoNny

[LA_Kings_Fan]

Also ... a note about those LIFETIME Tech Support and " WARRANTY " options.

 

Of course they SOUND GOOD on paper, and give you that all warm and fuzzy feeling of being protected don't they   ...

 

I suggest you READ up on the customer satisfaction reviews from people who bought these "pre-built" systems from companies like cyberpowerpc & ibuypower , etc.  through a distributor like NewEgg you can read reviews (hint, not many are favorable), you may get the idea why many of us say TRY BUILDING IT YOURSELF ....  and ,  WHEN was the last time YOU actually CALLED  Tech Support ?  No One does that anymore do they ? we all go online and search for an answer or get Tech support via help forums and such.  Just trying to show you and say ... while they look good on paper, usually those warranties and tech support options are crap and rarely if ever used, and these companies know it.  

Edited July 27, 2015 by LA_Kings_Fan

[Levi]

 

Well ... unless I just don't see it ... you have NO VIDEO CARD listed in that build ???  At about $1000 you should have SOME sort of Graphics card ? 

 

Also I'm personally NOT a fan of the Windows 8 OS ... I know Win 10 is right around the corner, BUT IMO in a desktop environment I'd suggest and I use WIN 7 Pro 64 bit, and Win 7 will get you the FREE upgrade copy of Win 10 also ...

 

the funny tag line about Win 10 going around the internet ... " Thank You windows 8 ... if you didn't SUCK SO BAD ... Windows 10 wouldn't BE SO GOOD ! " 

 

 

Here's a couple decent Rigs through NewEgg 

 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2349540 = $1000 with discounts and rebates.

 

 

 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.2253467 = $1000 with discounts and rebates.

 

 

 

I really like what I'm seeing here, I would get 2 more cores of processing power, and 2gb more on my graphics around the same price with that second link. Probably more I'm not seeing but I really only understand graphics card, ram, and processing power.

 

Indeed, only on-board graphics will suck completely. I accidentally played with on-board graphics almost 1.5-2 years until I noticed I forgot to install the drivers.  (silly me)

 

The gameplay became so fast and smooth, that I can only advise you to add an external graphics card to your pc.

 

I also agree with LA_Kings_Fan on the OS. I got 8.1 on my laptop and I don't like it. It's okay if it's not for gaming but you should def. use Win7 64 if you want to play games on your pc, unless you got 8.1 already installed and only know this operating system but I doubt that.

 

/JoNny

 

It didn't list it, but I had a Nvidia 750 2gb something another.

 

Also ... a note about those LIFETIME Tech Support and " WARRANTY " options.

 

Of course they SOUND GOOD on paper, and give you that all warm and fuzzy feeling of being protected don't they   ...

 

I suggest you READ up on the customer satisfaction reviews from people who bought these "pre-built" systems from companies like cyberpowerpc & ibuypower , etc.  through a distributor like NewEgg you can read reviews (hint, not many are favorable), you may get the idea why many of us say TRY BUILDING IT YOURSELF ....  and ,  WHEN was the last time YOU actually CALLED  Tech Support ?  No One does that anymore do they ? we all go online and search for an answer or get Tech support via help forums and such.  Just trying to show you and say ... while they look good on paper, usually those warranties and tech support options are crap and rarely if ever used, and these companies know it.  

 

Not really worried about warranty, etc. I can repair it myself, but the option to have one sounds nice.

[Bon Scott]

I recommend an equal to my PC
 

Processor:Intel Core i5-4460 LGA 1150 $200
 
Memory:Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHz  $45
 
Supply Power:EVGA 600 B1 80+ BRONZE, 600W $60
 
GPU:Sapphire Radeon R9 280X 3GB GDDR5  $240
 
MotherBoard:Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI LGA 1150 $120
 
Case:Corsair Carbide Series $120
 
HardDisk:Western Digital Blue 1TB 7200RPM  $50
 
TOTAL $810
 
IT'S GOOD AND CHEAP!

Edited July 27, 2015 by Bon Scott

[Vanaraud]

Would like to add, that with UEFI BIOS and SSD-s being main features today, Win8.1 has better support for them, also Win8.1 has better multi-thread optimisation etc. So throwing aside the whole desktop\design fuss, Win8.1 is a bit more updated for todays builds.