Re: Sims 4 Computer Specs *

@monghco  Are we still looking at the same links?

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/asus-rog-strix-gl10cs-gaming-pc-iron-grey-intel-core-i5-9400f-1tb-hdd-256gb-ssd-8gb-ram-gtx-1650/13865184

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=7_1203_121&item_id=156768

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/hp-pavilion-gaming-pc-black-intel-core-i7-9700-1tb-hdd-256gb-ssd-16gb-ram-gtx-1660-english/14417635

The HP is better than the Asus or the MSI because it has a stronger processor and a faster graphics card.  The gap is significant in both cases.  A 500 GB solid state drive is nice, but you can get one later if you need it; it's a lot more expensive to replace the processor or graphics card.

The manufacturer of a desktop computer matters a little bit, but not a lot, certainly not as much as with laptops.  HP, Asus, and MSI all make good quality computers, so you shouldn't run into problems on that account.  Besides, many of the internal components are from third parties and equal (or essentially so) anyway.  The i5-9400F is made by Intel no matter whose computer it's in; the graphics card is going to be a slight variation on the Nvidia reference design in any case.  There are small details around the edges, but the differences will be small too, for example it's unlikely to matter who made the memory in each computer because it will just work.

If you're going to have this computer for a long time, you'll get the most benefit from a stronger processor, rather than any other component.  While all the CPUs mentioned are more than fine now, that might not be true in four or five years when Sims 5 comes out (if it ever does), or you decide you want to play some other new game.  A graphics card can be replaced, as can other components.  If you want another SSD, just order one.  They're not that expensive in the grand scheme of things.  And like I said, one can be installed whenever you want.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07PGC3JKQ

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01K8A29E6

 @puzzlezaddict Which HP are you talking about? The first one you linked is different to the one you linked below. They are slightly different and have a price difference. 

I'll probably have this computer for a very long time. And i'd love to play the Sims 5 (if it does, come out of course) I just don't want to have to change my computer in another 4-6 years (maybe even more than that) 

I think it would probably be more beneficial to buy a better one that costs more now rather than having to go budget and having to buy another one in a couple years.

Thanks in advance!

@monghco  I meant the HP you linked, with the i7-9700 and the 1660.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/hp-pavilion-gaming-pc-black-intel-core-i7-9700-1tb-hdd-256gb-ssd-16gb-ram-gtx-1660-english/14417635

If you'd like to keep this for a while and upgrade one or two components rather than getting an entirely new system, this would give you the most flexibility.  But like I said, they'd all be great for Sims 4, now and for the entire development of the game.

@puzzlezaddict Thanks for all the help! I’ll be ordering it tomorrow, super excited! I decided to get the HP🙂

@puzzlezaddict   

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/acer-nitro-50-gaming-pc-black-red-intel-core-i5-9400f-1tb-hdd-8gb-ram-geforce-gtx-1650/14433028

is this one also good? 

@monghco  Sorry for the late reply.  It's fine, but it's not even as good as the Asus you were originally considering because it only has a single slow mechanical hard drive.  While you could always install a second hard drive later, you'd need to reinstall Windows to get the benefits of running off that drive.

On the other hand, if you wanted to do that right away, you could get yourself a 256 GB SSD for $50, or a 500 GB SSD for $85.  Then you'd have the benefits of dual drives for less than the Asus.  For example:

https://www.amazon.ca/Kingston-Digital-240GB-SA400S37-240G/dp/B01N5IB20Q/

https://www.amazon.ca/Crucial-BX500-480GB-2-5-Inch-Internal/dp/B07G3KGYZQ/

To be clear though, the HP is still a lot better.  This is just if you wanted to save the money and were okay with the merely good and not great hardware.