Build or buy? Office PCs (1-2)

[singingigo]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Immediately

Budget: $750 (may purchase 2 identical systems @750each)

SYSTEM USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: MS Office applications, Internet

PARTS NOT REQUIRED: Speakers, will buy monitor/keyboard/mouse separately if not in package

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg.com, crucial.com, Amazon.com

PARTS PREFERENCES: I like crucial RAM, WD hdd, but not too picky.

OVERCLOCKING: UNDER NO CONDITIONS!

MONITOR RESOLUTION: prefer 20-22" widescreen LCD, so 1680x1050 or 1920x1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: These machines MUST be high reliability. They are for business use, and we have ALWAYS purchased OEM systems. A five to 7 year lifespan is pretty much expected. I'm tossing around the idea of building them myself, but I don't know if it's worth it.

Right now, I can buy:

Dell Vostro 220Slim
E8400 C2D
2 GB DDR2 800MHZ
Intel GMA x4500HD
250GB HD
21.5" E2210H LCD (1080p)
3yr Next business day warranty
Windows 7 Professional

$724+free shipping

I'd like to see 4GB RAM and at least a basic video card, but I can add them later I suppose.

Can I build a similar or better system for less?

 

[dndhatcher]

To me, business systems are best purchased from a major manufacturer that gives you a warranty. If you dont have a full time hardware tech then I dont think its worth the potential headache for the small amount of money you would save.

 

[MadAdmiral]

Agree. With the OS, you're not looking at being able to custom build more than what you would with a prebuilt.

It's also always nice to be able to point at some one else and say it's their fault...

 

[singingigo]

Thanks! I am the hardware tech, and building them would be fun, but if there are issues, it will be more unpaid overtime for me...

 

[singingigo]

Best answer selected by singingigo.