Gaming Rig Budget of $650 or less..

If you had to pick between these rigs, which would it be, and why?

Option 1:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/VGB7cc

Option 2:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/K6nMJV

or do you have something better in mind in the same price bracket?

So basically your question is if 16GB with 1050Ti vs 8GB with 1060? Always go with a better GPU when you can. You can always add for ram at any time.

However, Ryzen really strives on ram and ram speed so if you could afford a 2x8GB as well as 3200 then I would go with that.

System with 1060

1060

Its significantly better than even the 1050ti. I actually like the first system better, but not the 1050.

Here are a couple videos comparing the two GPUs and as you can see the 1060 is far superior with many games getting 20-40fps more than the 1050ti, im actually shocked its that much of a difference, the measure of difference here would be like comparing a PS3 to a Xbox1X (in theory if the 1x did what it was supposed to and instead of focusing on 4k, actually focused on improved gameplay).

Here is a very good FPS and graphical quality comparison video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RwTsR3Nmjg

Here is a pure spec comparison video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcL_sc1wD5A

And here is an extra (if needed) benchmark video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZcBtuHyKBU

Also as someone else mentioned above, i'd figure out a way to get 16gb of ram. Maybe go with a cheaper option if at all possible. Or at least 12. From what i understand with Ryzen systems, that extra 4 would do wonders. Here are a couple videos on RAM issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G80uG3acg44

Pauls Hardware, Linus Tech, JaysTwoCents, GamersNexus are all very reliable and honest channels and they all have videos on this subject.

The RAM and GPU are the two biggest issues, the rest is really the same and the only extra thing id suggest is an SSD (or hybrid). You wouldnt need anything serious, 120 is fine and you can get those new for like 20 bucks now. They dont make a big difference with gaming, but with everything else including background processes while gaming.

1060 build, but spend the extra $40 and get the 16GB RAM instead of 8GB.

I'd go with the first but with the 1060.

Definitely the 1060

@paradocs: Moved to Hardware forum

I swapped out the case and PSU in order to fit in a Ryzen 5 1400... Its $10 more than the second build but the extra CPU threads will make a big difference, PSU is also superb and the case is pretty good for the price.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/pYChnn

Pretty much. lol

Sad time for budget builds with current ram prices