low-end walmart laptop, turns out, is not going to work for gaming.
Due to budget restrictions I'll be building this myself. My main goals are being able to run recent games on low-mid settings without dropping under 25 fps.
I can't even remember when the last time I used a computer that could do that. What do you recommend?

Budget: 500-600 + the cost of the OS. I have a little more wiggle room but that's my goal
More specific use (what games, what programs): the most intensive programs I'll be running are sony movie studio, dota 2 and path of exile.
Planned time until purchase: next 2-3 months
Do you need an Operating System?: Yes, win7
Do you have any specific preferred components?: nope
Do you need a sound or wireless card?: yes
Do you want stock cooling or do you plan on overclocking?: stock
Do you need a monitor? mouse? keyboard?: no
Zip code/location? (Shipping costs): 24179/USA

This post was edited by Worrywart on Mar 2 2015 11:12am

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2kzkyc

Motherboards have built-in sound. If you need a wireless adapter, add about $19 for a cheap internal or an external one.

This post was edited by DeXaFiLaH on Mar 2 2015 11:35am

The notes say the fan doesn't fit in the case. Should I try to modify the case or use different cooling

It just says unable to verify. It will fit.