Just got my m17x today. questions about upgrading to win8

Okay, i want to upgrade my windows 7 to windows 8 pro for $15 that special offer they have. It's a new system.

1st) how do i benchmark my system? get a score for it, see how it is.
2nd) how do i check if i have an msata? my m17x came with 500gb 7200rpm + 64gb MSata, but when i check the my computer, it doesnt show me an MSata.
3rd) If i upgrade to windows 8 pro. there are some things that the upgrade assistant says are not compatible. i'm not sure why Dell would offer win8 pro if this was the case. but i'd really appreciate all help.
a) Secure Boot isn't compatible with your PC
b) Intel(R) USB 3.0 eXtensible Host Controller Driver
c) WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software
d) AlienAutopsy
e) AMD Catalyst Install Manager - says i can reinstall in win8
f) ATI Catalyst Control Center - says i can reinstall in win8
4th) I have installed a bunch of games and stuff, would i lose them all upgrading to windows 8 pro?


I'm not in a hurry for win8, except i have like 9 days to test my system for any flaws so i can replace it if there's a problem cos i'm leaving from Canada to Dubai on the 20th December and i don't wanna find out there's like a missing MSata or something in Dubai when i can't even exchange it.

 

Hi,

for 2, you can check in the intel rapid storage technology software, it's a taskbar item. You do not 'see' it because it is hidden from the OS and the intel firmware redirects calls to the HD as the files are cached .

 

Okay. I updated to win8 pro, but i've lost the AMD catalyst control center, and like 3 of the Dell drivers from the website are unsupported now. Bluetooth, Intel USB 3.0, and the Catalyst control center. Any help please? I'm running dell diagnostics now, then going to restart my computer and try playing hitman absolution to see if it works.

 

1. 3dmark vantage, 3dmark11, pcmark etc.
2. Unless i'm wrong, mSata is being used as a cache disk not as a storage disk. It improves performance tremendously in a transparent manner. That being said, it's not as awesome as a high-capacity fast SSD, but much cheaper and still good.
3.
a. Secure boot is not necessary. Probably depends on the GPU you have, some don't have the required certifications or something. I know if you had GMA only it would work.
b. Probably need to install separat driver. doesn't mean win8 is not supported.
c. same
d. Check dell support site if you have this program version for win8.
e, reinstall in win8
f. same
4th. you would keep all installed programs.

In my personal opinion, Win8 isn't worth the bother.