Are those cheaper Lenovo and Dell i7's with older generation CPUs worth it for $400?

I have a basic i5-2320 desktop from Lenvovo that I paid $300 for about 3 years ago. I want more speed, and this computer is slowly failing on me. Are those $400 i7 desktops with the slightly older CPU specs worth it? I thought about going for a $1000 i7 barebone deal but the cheaper OEMs seem nice. I don't game but do basic CAD/CAM but want more speed and a new PC since mine is slowly dying.

Or are those cheaper discount desktops POS? What's the consensus on them?

Guest

I recommended you to go with newer generation i5 instead. But check for 3d benchmark score of your processor before going for it. This will help you to avoid failure models from newer generation CPUs. For example, an 4th gen i3 4150 simply out performs 2nd gen i5! Hope this helps.

AADITYA