@symwilder For $500 U.S., you could just barely get an entry-level gaming PC, one that would handle ultra graphics, or maybe a mix of high and ultra, depending on which packs you install (now and later). At that price point, the options for new systems transition between high-end integrated graphics chips (medium settings, maybe high if you get one specific chip) and entry-level dedicated graphics cards (high/ultra or ultra settings).
Aside from making a significant difference in performance, the models with a dedicated card are much easier to upgrade later, if you want: their other hardware will usually support newer graphics cards too, plus their cases tend to have more space to work with. In a few years, you could swap out the card and possibly the power supply without having to upgrade anything else, getting most of a new computer for a lower price. But even if you don't decide to do that, the performance now will be significantly better with a dedicated card.
Of the scattered options, this is the best one I saw below $500. Its graphics card will definitely handle high/ultra settings, maybe ultra depending on the packs and how high you want your framerates to be. It's on sale for $480 ($50 cheaper than I saw it on two other sites) and doesn't have anything extra, just the minimum for a decent gaming desktop. Its solid state drive is quite small though—256 GB is enough for Sims 4 and Sims 2 but no other large games or large apps. Lots of small apps like browsers would be fine.
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/cyberpowerpc-gaming-desktop-amd-ryzen-5-1400-8gb-memory-amd-radeon-rx-560-256gb-solid-state-drive-black/6377561.p?skuId=6377561
This one is $530, but the site says something about not paying sales tax if you sign up for its card. (Who wants to do that, but for $45 or whatever your local tax is, you might consider it.) It has a better processor and graphics card than the other; the card is capable of running the entire game on ultra settings now. The 1 TB mechanical drive is slower than a solid state drive, but Sims 4 would run just fine anyway. It's temporarily sold out but should be back in a week or two, and it looks like you could buy it now if you were ready.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1410974-REG/acer_dg_e0haa_004_nitro_50_n50_600_ur11_i97980xe.html
This one is the same price from the same website, also out of stock. (Nice going by the supplier.) It's even better than the other: it has all the same specs except for an even faster graphics card, one that will probably run Sims 4, all packs included, on ultra settings for the entire development of the game. If you choose between these last two, this one is better, but I linked the other one in case there's an issue with supply or something.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1548254-REG/acer_dg_e0haa_008_nitro_50_n50_600_ur15_i5_8400.html
With any of these computers, you could easily add another hard drive later (SSD or mechanical) if you decided you wanted one. Even though you're not into building, it's simple and straightforward, and you wouldn't have to mess with the setup of the other components.
If you have more questions, please feel free to ask.
