Need help finding new PC and monitor to play Sims 4
@keaddy117 I'm sorry about your damaged computer and anything else you lost in the flood. I hope you're doing okay now.
I'm not sure whether sales tax comes into play here, but even with a relatively high rate, you could certainly stay under $1,000. I've listed options that would put you over budget with tax included and a few that definitely wouldn't, so choose accordingly.
For the computer itself, if you're willing to wait a few weeks, this is the best deal I found by far, for $700:
https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/victus-by-hp-15l-gaming-desktop-tg02-0325m-59a32av-1
Its hardware is a bit of overkill for Sims 4, as in, it should run all packs together on ultra graphics settings by a sizable margin. Personally, I'd consider upgrading the SSD to 512 GB for an extra $70, but that's not strictly necessary if Sims 4 is going to be the only major storage need. Besides, it's not difficult to add a second drive later.
If you'd prefer to order now, this is the cheapest good option I found, for $714:
https://www.amazon.com/HP-i5-11400F-Processor-Bluetooth-TG01-2040/dp/B09BQCHFP7
Its graphics card is one step down from the one above but should still handle ultra settings without any trouble. The build quality isn't the best, but it should be fine if you're not planning to upgrade it other than maybe adding more RAM at some point.
These two are the same computer in different cases; it would make no difference which one you picked between them. They have good build quality—both in terms of performance and for support for future upgrades—and the same graphics card; their processor is somewhat weaker than the one in the computer above, but it should still run Sims 4 just fine. These are priced at $850, but it looks like you can add a coupon for $100 off.
https://www.amazon.com/SkyTech-Blaze-Gaming-Computer-Desktop/dp/B08VYDFMS8
https://www.amazon.com/SkyTech-Chronos-Gaming-Computer-Desktop/dp/B096YXZCXS
This one ($830) is an alternative to the second HP, mostly the same build but with a graphics card that's a little faster and better build quality overall (still not as good as the Skytech options, but more than good enough). It might be convenient if you'd prefer to buy from a physical store for one reason or another.
Finally, this one has the same graphics card as the first HP and is $980 but also offers a coupon for $100 off. Its build quality is the same as the other Skytech options.
https://www.amazon.com/Skytech-Archangel-Gaming-Computer-Desktop/dp/B07WCLNZWR
For monitors, if you just want something that looks good and works, this one ($120) would do well. It's high quality in general, has the best-looking panel type (IPS), and 75 Hz is a little smoother to look at than the standard 60.
https://www.amazon.com/ASUS-VL249HE-Adaptive-Sync-Frameless-Mountable/dp/B08LCPNPNG
This is another option that's about as good as the one above and $10 more:
I'm not really seeing any equivalent options for under $140, so unless you don't like either of these for a specific reason, they're your best bet for its size and resolution.
27" monitors are a little more expensive but still well within budget. For example, any of these would be fine, and they all have IPS panels:
https://www.amazon.com/MSI-Non-Glare-Resolution-Pro-MP242C/dp/B09XN2ZN9P
https://www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-27-inch-Border-Less-FreeSync-LF27T350FHNXZA/dp/B08FF3JQ28
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1646599-REG/msi_promp271_27_pro_mp271_16_9.html
I personally think that a 1920x1080 resolution looks somewhat grainy at 27", so I wouldn't go over 24" for a 1080p monitor for myself. But you may feel differently; the best way to find out is to physically look at different monitors, for example at a Best Buy. You could also get a sense of what different products look like in person; generally speaking, all monitors from a given manufacturer that have the same screen size, resolution, and panel type look pretty much the same.
If you're looking for a higher-resolution monitor, they're significantly more expensive: the cheapest decent one I'm seeing is almost $200.
https://www.amazon.com/LG-24QP500-B-FreeSync-Virtually-Borderless/dp/B08YJWYMD5
However, you could instead look for new or slightly used options on Craigslist. Since you could arrange to see the monitor in person before paying, you might get a good deal on a perfectly good monitor that someone doesn't need anymore... or that someone had to buy as part of a bundle to get the graphics card they wanted. There is of course a risk, but if you do want a higher-resolution monitor, you might save a lot of money.
If you have more questions about any of this, please feel free to ask.
