Best used desktop to run Sims 3?

@MAWriterGirl What model computer did you get? If by "Amazon machine" you meant the "Dell Gaming 7020 SFF", then you got scammed by a third party vendor at Amazon that is taking an old business model called the Optiplex 7020 (released in 2013) and converting them into a fake gaming computer. Apparently, it was a fad on YouTube to take this old business computer and turn into a "monster rig" with spare parts. Some of the builders took things to the next level and apparently convinced Amazon to sell these Frankenbuilds as "refurbished."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f25UJrfjAi0&t=43s

@MAWriterGirl  If you post a dxdiag, I'll be able to see most of the comptuer's internal components.  The power supply won't be listed, but you can find its specs by looking at the unit itself.  Rather than get into speculation about what might or might not be inside the system, I figured it was easier to just ask.

If you do decide to return this system, for whatever reason, and want to computer-shop in the future, feel free to reach out.  It's also worth considering whether you'd be willing to buy a used computer from someone local, either from a friend or on Craigslist.  It's certainly a risk buying from someone you don't know, but there are also tests you can run, in-person, that give you a good idea of whether the computer is currently in decent shape.

One other approach would be to build your own computer.  Used components in the "runs Sims 3 on ultra settings" range are relatively cheap, well within your budget if you're patient.  And while building a computer can be intimidating, it's also a fun process that can teach you a lot about hardware.

Whatever you decide to do, feel free to ask whatever questions you have, and I'll be around.

@puzzlezaddictThe dxdiag for the new computer is attached.  The sticker on the top of the tower says it's a Dell Optiplex 9020 SF; it runs fine as long as I'm not trying to play the game, but of course that was what I wanted it for.  When it's running, it makes an endless rapid clacking sound (I think it's the exhaust fan), which I'm sure isn't supposed to be the case.  When I first attempted to run the game, I had installed the same two EPs and SPs I'm currently playing with on my other computer.  At this time I don't use mods in my game (mostly because I'm not sure my computer will deal well with them), and I hadn't yet installed any CC.  After I found that the game crashed instantly, I uninstalled everything but the base game and tried running it like that, with the same result.  As to other options ... I'm not sure I have the mechanical aptitude to build my own computer, and I don't have a computer-geek friend, but I'll keep looking around to see what I can find and will certainly vet my next "discovery" with you, thank you so much.

@thesims1depotAt the moment I don't have a credit card (though I'm about to get one, especially now); if I'd had one earlier, I wouldn't have had quite such a strict budget limit.  Once I get a card, though, I'll have some more leeway with pricing, since I'll be able to make payments on a purchase price and not have to cough up the whole thing at once.  I'll keep a sharp eye on the manufacturer websites; thanks very much for that.

I have another thought.  I'm tentatively playing with some of the graphics settings in the game on my current PC.  If I play with fewer EPs and SPs installed, does that give me any room to make further adjustments to the settings so I can maximize the draw distance and the mirror/water-reflection settings?  Everything else is at the minimum setting and I don't mind leaving them that way, but I did want to play with the draw distance in particular.  I adjusted the reflector setting to apply just to mirrors and that seems to work, even though my game likes to freeze up at 11;59 PM every Sim night, then go forward till 12:59 AM, freeze, and make several additional short freezes for the next 15-20 Sim minutes before running more smoothly again.  I figured it had to do with installing the second stuff pack.  For all that my current PC and the game tend to argue with each other every so often, at least it's willing to run the game, which is more than I can say for the new one. 🙂  Anyway, many thanks to both of you for all your generous help!

@puzzlezaddict  It took me a week to follow all the advice you gave me in the last post, primarily because of work; but after several hours of following your instructions, installing games and EPs, transferring my saved games and CC, and then starting up the game ... it works!  Everything is in terrific working order and I was even able to download and install the last patch, not to mention being able to install and use some CC that my older computer refused to have anything to do with.  I've been slack-jawed over the graphics and the goodies that have come with the patch, and I can hardly wait to install more EPs and SPs.  Thank you SO much for all your help; it's been invaluable, and I never would have been able to complete the whole setup alone.  You've been a truly amazing help and I'm really grateful.

My new computer has gotten past the clacking from the exhaust fan as well; I tinkered with it a bit and now it runs nice and quiet.  The sound, though, comes through the tower speaker, which renders it very tinny; I couldn't get either headphones or speakers to work with it.  I figure I can live with that for now, at least till I get used to all the amazing new changes in my game; I may be back later to ask if there's any possibility of improving the sound quality.

Also: my next goal is to download Aurora Skies from the Sims 3 store; but whenever I click on the Buy SimPoints button, it kicks me to the home screen for EA.  I tried it on both computers and it's the same problem on both.  Is there a way around this?  Thanks again!

@MAWriterGirl  I'm so glad to hear everything, or at least almost everything, is working correctly.  For the sound devices, you might need to plug one in and restart to give Windows a chance to install and initialize the correct device driver.  It should just be plug-n-play, but sometimes things don't work correctly.  You might also ask your friends to loan you different devices so you can try them out; when you find one that works, consider buying something similar.

For the SimPoints issue, you'll need to install the EA App.  You can download it from here:

https://www.ea.com/ea-app

Sign in using the same email address and password you use on the Store site.  Open your game library, click Sims 3, click the DLC button at the top of the page, and "The Sims 3 Currency" should be the first entry.  If you don't see it, search for the same name, and it should show up in the App's store.  Buying from here will add the points directly to the account that you're signed into at the moment.  You can uninstall the App when you're done.

If you have a disc install, make sure the App doesn't detect it and try to patch your game.  You'd see the progress bar in the lower-left corner.  (The App won't touch a Steam install.)  Or you could install the App on a separate computer if you prefer.  Sims 3 doesn't need to be installed in order for the App to allow purchases.

Unfortunately, there hasn't been a way to buy without the App since EA took down the old Origin website in December.