What PC parts would you recommend for a fun $700 AUD gaming build?

Older platforms can work if you’re chasing the lowest possible price. A refurbished 8th-generation Core i3 system with 8GB of DDR4, a small SATA SSD, and a basic case can be built very cheaply, then upgraded with a used graphics card. For gaming, I’d generally prefer a Ryzen 5 5500 or a similar newer budget CPU if the prices are close.

For very cheap used parts, cards like the GTX 1070, GTX 1660, RX 470, RX 480, RX 570, or RX 580 can still handle 1080p gaming reasonably well. Older Intel platforms and DDR3 may be inexpensive, but they’re less attractive for a new build because of their age and limited upgrade options. Make sure any used GPU and power supply are tested before buying.

Since this is mainly for the building experience, you could build an inexpensive AM4 system with integrated graphics or a weak temporary GPU and use it as a backup computer or NAS later. That keeps the initial cost down, and you can add a stronger graphics card when you find a good deal. Used Australian-market parts are usually the best value for this kind of project.

For roughly $700 AUD, I’d look at a used GTX 1070 or, if you can find one at a good price, an RTX 2060 Super. Pair it with a Ryzen 5 5500, a B550M motherboard, 16GB of DDR4, a small 256GB SSD, a decent 650W power supply, and an affordable case such as the Montech XR. Used pricing can make this fit the budget much more easily.

Another budget route is starting with an older Dell or similar office prebuilt, then replacing the power supply and adding a graphics card. It can be a cheap way to practice upgrading, although you’ll need to check for proprietary connectors, case space, and whether the replacement PSU fits properly.