I'm in the market for a new machine.  My 5-year-old core 2 duo just isn't cutting it anymore.  So I have dutifully been scouring the usual suspects to see how they measure up with custom workstations.   I have attached my results just in case anyone else is in a similar boat.  I didn't include Charles' custom build since our IT guy has an aversion to custom street rods in the office.