Making A New Gaming PC

[Your Computer]

If the only thing that bothers you about Windows 8 is the lack of a start menu button, then wait for Windows 8.1 update (although, you could still use the Windows key). That update will bring back the button. If you just want a different start menu all together, there are awesome alternatives, like Pokki and StartMenu Reviver (i use Pokki on Windows 7, but i plan on making my own anyway). I like the style of Windows 8, but i like the organization of Windows 7.

@Windows XP vs Windows 7

Windows XP is actually slower on newer systems, and Windows 7 has better APIs and features than XP and performs really well on modern systems.