I'm going to be using this computer almost exclusively for gaming so what os is better.
BTW: in the uk 8.1 is more expensive so if its not much better I'll use 7.
If you can go through the tedious fixes on windows 8.1 such as buying Start is Back, get Windows 8.1. I say that because its the latest is from Microsoft and has DirectX 11.1
whichever one looks cooler to you, really haha
Yeah if you're gonna have to pay for either anyway I'd lean towards biting down on Windows 8.1 because sooner or later there should be a game out that needs it to be at its best. I'm hoping that's still a good while away though. ;)
i'd go with 7 if i were given the choice. I have bought a gaming laptop which comes with 8 (difficult) and upgraded to a slightly better 8.1. Previously working Logitech F710 game pad has trouble working on random occasions. The trouble seems apparent when playing games with Xinput enabled (Google Xinput windows 8 probs, you will get the picture). Logan pointed out the mouse lag and found the fix (video section), but i have yet to experience the similar lag in games i played (Mouse: CM Sentinel Advance 2, could be mouse issue?).
Have you thought about waiting for SteamOS to get released?
I have windows 8.1 and I advise you to go with Windows 7........8.1 is buggy as hell, and making my week an bit of a nightmare.
You can go download an evaluation version of 8.1 enterprise edtion right now and use it for 90 days. I'm running it right now and haven't found any reason not to use it. Some of the games on the store are fun and you can all but completely remove the stupid start screen with settings + some third party addons. You can get it here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/hh699156.aspx
Also, if you're going to play battlefield 4, you'll almost need it because it supports directx 11.2. This may be a moot point once the mantle update is released if you have AMD video card(s).
Get with the times and go with 8. It's not as bad as everyone says. I think it's better and prefer it over 7 for many reasons.
New games and apps are going to be more optimized for it here on out (like BF4), so it just makes more sense to go with the latest, IMO.
go with 8, upgrade to 8.1 when it's more mature