Upgrading/Building a Computer

Hi I am planning to build a computer from scratch. I have an old Windows 95 computer and was wondering weither there were any parts from that that I could use? I would like it to cost less than $800, but it has to be quite powerful. What parts do you think I need and can you reccomend a shop to buy some things from. ~Matt :-)

If your Win95 machine was a "branded" machine, like HP, Compaq, Dell, etc., you may have some restrictions regarding the components that you can pull and use in your new build, but not much really. Most likely, to upgrade, you'll actually want a new MotherBoard/CPU/power suppply/RAM chips. Most peripherals will work on your new machine, like Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, CD-ROM, Many of the Sound PCI cards, Modem, Network Interface Card, printer, scanner, router, DSL modem, speakers, etc. Taken alone, any one of these items may not amount to much "savings" since they are all relatively inexpensive, but taken together they do amount to a large portion of the cost. Often, you will not be able to use the same Case, especially if it was "store bought or brand name", because even standard ATX form factor MotherBoards may have a unique pattern of mounting screws/spacers/etc. There are Case/PowerSupply/MotherBoard-CPU combination components available as a coordinated grouping. These combo units will get you started with the basics that are likely to be a great foundation and avoid the possible conficts that can occur when attempting to match up CPU pin configuration/Motherboard sockets, Cache components, etc., that would require much more coordination and research on your part if you wanted to buy each of these separately and match them up. Often with Case combo's you'll actually want to trade out the Power Supply because you may be adding Video Card, and additional Hard Drive, CD/DVD-RW components that have demands beyond standard Power Supplies. Don't "scrimp" on Power Supply. To start, Check out NewEgg.com and TigerDirect.com to see what is offered, and "google" for sites on building your own machine, where you can see what others are building and the components they are chosing and finding compatible. With an $800 budget, you are likely to be able to build a very nice machine and have a great deal of satifaction for having done it yourself. Knowing what you are starting with gives you the added benefit of better knowledge about maintenance, and a firmer knowledge of later expansions that you may wish to add. Best Regards