Well, I wish I could say that my fresh install of Windows 8.1 went seamlessly, but as with all technology nothing ever goes perfectly! It was all going so well until I installed some drivers and utilities from my motherboard disc, then upon restarting I got a guaranteed lock up within 20 seconds of logging back on. So I restarted the installation process and haven't installed any of the drivers or utilities from that motherboard disc now, and things seem to be going well.
I've downloaded Steam and Origin (but yet to play any games as I have to re-download and install them onto my SSD of course), but I can't seem to download Uplay from the official website - I click on the Download Uplay box in the top right but it just takes me to halfway down the webpage instead...