Which version of windows were you planning to do this with?
Windows 7. I've put my Windows 10 efforts on hold for the moment... keen to get back to W10 but also have a cab I just want up and working.
But if you're not using identical hardware you'll have to re-do your controls anyway?
I have IPACs in all my cabs. No problems there as the Ultimarc software lets you save and load profiles.
Controls and GroovyMAME config is fun for me... just not the installing Windows, updating and tweaking. It's time consuming and boring. Plus, I often forget some switches (e.g. Sticky Keys, power management, etc.) between builds. NTLite lets you setup all the Registry values ahead of installation.
The advantage with an integrated image is that you can add drivers for a range of machines (e.g. I have different Lenovo and HP boxes inside my cabs).