Advice needed for new PC (Self Build or not?)

[Scorpio1000]

Hi and Happy New Year!

I have a slight dilemma with my next PC and require your advice please. I need to update my self built Pentium 4 3.2ghz system office PC which was built a few years ago and has reached the end of its service! Even though it is still working, I hate using it as my other PC’s are of a higher spec and much nicer to use. Its main use is office applications, Internet, email also a bit of video and audio editing.
So, I decided to replace that system by ordering a Dell Vostro Core i5 system (costing £470) even though I have had a bad experience in the past with Dell. Prior to purchase I was told that I would receive my new PC within 7-10 days. However, when I checked the order status a few days later to my surprise estimated delivery date shown was mid February I cancelled the order straight away!
I’ve been looking around in the high street stores for a PC that I could buy there and then but failed to find anything that I liked in terms of look and spec. I did a self build last year which was a Core i7 system which was built for my studio (Audio/Video editing, Audio production etc). So I am now thinking to do another self build. I could use the old case and hard drive from my P4 system which means I am looking at £350-£400 for the upgrade components (Right??)

Questions are:
1. I am better off with a self build or off the shelf?
2. Is the Core i5 system too high spec for the use? (I am thinking futureproof as I intend to keep this for some time. I found that I still do the odd intensive task on the office PC despite have a specific PC built for that.)
3. Or do I just work with the P4 system by overclocking it, install Windows 7 on it and carry out all intensive work on the i7 system? (try not to recommend this one hahahaha!)

Thanks for your help on this..

[Fortune117]

Personal choice, but I prefer to build my own systems because I know exactly what im getting out of it than one off the shelf. And I think you will get better spec for your money if you build it yourself.

[Indieboi918]

I agree with fortune, i have found that a lot of off the shelf systems tend to be underpowered in some places and overpowered in others with a self-build you can plan the PC to your requirements

[Scorpio1000]

Cool, but do you think an i5 system will be overkill for its intended use?
I have been told an AMD would be sufficient??

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

With your budget it is also worth looking at an AMD based system.

For instance you could get the following:

AMD Phenom II X4 925 ~ £103

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190362

OR

AMD Athlon II X4 630 ~ £86

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176579

ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO ~ £70

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/170277

4GB DDR3 ~ £82

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/179278

Antec Mini P180 ~ £60 to £62

http://www.ebuyer.com/search?q=mini+p180&x=18&y=9

OCZ 400W StealthXStream PSU ~ £40

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152505

Samsung SpinPoint F3 500GB ~ £37

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/146252

SATA DVD rewriter ~ £17

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/164449

[Indieboi918]

Wow, CAT how do you come up with custom builds so quick?

[Scorpio1000]

With your budget it is also worth looking at an AMD based system.

For instance you could get the following:

AMD Phenom II X4 925 ~ £103

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/190362

OR

AMD Athlon II X4 630 ~ £86

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/176579

ASUS M4A785TD-M EVO ~ £70

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/170277

4GB DDR3 ~ £82

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/179278

Antec Mini P180 ~ £60 to £62

http://www.ebuyer.com/search?q=mini+p180&x=18&y=9

OCZ 400W StealthXStream PSU ~ £40

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/152505

Samsung SpinPoint F3 500GB ~ £37

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/146252

SATA DVD rewriter ~ £17

http://www.ebuyer.com/product/164449

Very interesting, I will look into this option.
Thanks very much!

[Fortune117]

Wow, CAT how do you come up with custom builds so quick?

I bet he has them all pre-saved for different situations

[Great Eastern]

Personal choice, but I prefer to build my own systems because I know exactly what im getting out of it than one off the shelf.

I always self build for not only that reason, but also should it go wrong - I'm happier just swapping out standard parts than having to mess around with returning an entire system etc.

Also I've worked building PCs, ok I didn't work for a super large company like Dell, but seeing exactly how this process happens put me off pre built systems for life.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Wow, CAT how do you come up with custom builds so quick?

I just have a good idea of what is available on the market.

I bet he has them all pre-saved for different situations

Actually....no! That would involve planning and effort!!