American Airlines Virtual

So in the next couple of months, I'll probably start to build a new PC. My current rig is pushing 7 and is showing it's age. Has any one tries FS9 or FSX out with windows 8? I'm heavily leaning towards Windows 7, but I was just curious as I'm starting to do research. I've only ever bulit AMD PCs...but may do the switch to Intel based on many of your recommendations from what I can read. I'm gong to be popping a SSD in as well. Any other recommendations?

Also I'm toying with the idea of getting OEM vs a retail version of Windows. The only difference is being tied to the one MOBO model, and no direct support from Microsoft..correct? Not sure I've ever really called Microsoft for OS support. What do you guys think?