Sadly, my old editing PC finally bit the bullet with either a bad Asus mobo or processor. This was a custom PC that was built for me and over the years I upgraded with standard components. So I'm considering the custom route and reusing my 4 hard drives, optical drive, and case, and going with Win 7. I run Vegas 8 and edit HDV directly. I would probably use the I7 processor.

I need to get a machine up and running asap, so I'm also thinking about major brand PCs. Is there any major PC manufacturer that's better than another in using standard components? At the moment I think HP would be my first choice if I go that route. I must be able to integrate my old drives, which are both PATA and SATA so I can get at the data and reuse the drives of course.

As for the custom route, any recommendations for a quality builder? Has anyone tried The Geek Squad? Will Videoguys custom build a PC using my old parts?

Thanks for your suggestions.

Videoguys doesn't build PC's, but they do make some recommendations.

I have used CyberPower Inc. - UNLEASH THE POWER - Create the Custom Gaming PC and Laptop Computer of your dreams (http://www.cyberpowerpc.com) with great results, they've got a configurator you can build a pc based on the i7 chip.

i use an ADK9000 laptop that works great (so far 0 crashes in 6 months): cost $4k... u pick the hardware, they build, install the software you want, test and burn a backup, then ship it.

ADK Video Editing (http://www.adkvideoediting.com/)

a number of companies offer stuff like this: XoticPC on the west coast, EU and Asia companies i've seen too.