What computer should I buy for SIMS 3?

[Sassha]

Hi, I need a new computer and I want to be able to play Sims 3 smoothly and fast. My budget is $650. I am completely confused by the video card thing. It seems like any computer I find that meets all the requirements doesn't have the graphics card the game says it needs?..
Thank you so much for your help!!! I want to play this game so bad.

Also, What do you think about the computer at this link?

http://www.frys.com/product/6032608

[Joey]

Hi Sasha,

I checked around the net (Dell, HP, Amazon, NewEgg and Buy) and I could not find a better computer under $650. So I would suggest that you purchase the Acer at Fry's. It passes the Sims 3 minimum specs easily.

Here is what I predict how your computer will stand up against The Sims 4 whenever it comes out (note, I have nothing to do with the Sims 4 game, it is only a guesstimate)
- The 8 GB of RAM is a lot. No need to upgrade, even when the Sims 4 comes out
- The CPU is good, it will probably be fast enough for the Sims 4. Still this can be upgrade to something faster in the future
- The video card is a little shakey. It might need to be upgraded for The Sims 4. The good news is that a faster, superior video card will cost you under $90 and it is easy to upgrade

[Sassha]

Awesome!!! What if I said my budget went up to $950? what would you recommend? I want the game to be fast and work good.

[Sassha]

Okay so, that ACER is unavailable. Can you look at this computer...

http://www.frys.com/product/6032608

Is the CPU and Graphic card compatible with Sims 3? and how do the SPECS look? Thanks for your help.

[Joey]

That computer is a refurb. I am not too sure about those. Refurbished computers were initially broken down computers that were sent back to the manufacturer to get fixed and then shipped out again to the stores. So in a way it is like a used car.

With raised budget I was able to find you an excellent Sims 3 gaming desktop for $750.

The CPU is one of the latest and fast (Core i5 750). It has 4 GB of RAM, Sim 3 only needs 1.5 GB. The video card is an nVidia 9500 GT which is above average in speed when I compared it to all of the other video cards that were offered by other desktops (even $900 systems). This PC will run Sims 3 fast at very good graphics and resolution settings.

In the future, it will probably be Sims 4 compatible without any upgrading, it’s that fast. If you ever need to upgrade it you will easily be able to throw in a faster CPU, up to 16 GB of RAM and any PCI Express video card you want (they range from the slow $40 cards to the fastest video cards on the planet that are around $500).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229130