Heya! ^_^ 🐱
⤷ The Sims 4's PC requirements are as following: https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/the-sims/the-sims-4/the-sims-4-system-requirements/#pc
I've compared your options to the Recommended ones because technology advances pretty fast and it'll be inconvenient to pay for a laptop that might be outdated sometimes in the near future, rather than paying a bit more money to have it for a longer time. Even if it's only for Sims.
⤷ I wouldn't recommend something with Intel I3 (the first two links you've included), even if they're from the latest batch (the 8000/9000 something) due to the low core numbers. If the CPU (Processor) has more cores, that means the PC can split tasks between them. Having one/two cores will overwork them and you might find gaming a bit unpleasant. I3 is pretty old as well, we're currently at Intel I10 I believe, I9 was released in October 2018.
⤷ I find the nVidia GPU (Graphics Card) quite user-friendly, as the nVidia icon from the Notification bar (near the date/clock) always displays an exclamation mark whenever you have updates, meanwhile on AMD you need to open their software and check for updates which are extra steps and it's easy to forget. I've had both AMD and nVidia and had issues when updating the AMD drivers, however I might've been unlucky.
Some details, from my point of view, to help you if you want to find a PC on your own:
⤷⤷ CPU: I would say an i5 - 9nnn (9th generation, or even more if you find a good price) should be fine for running Sims decently for a longer while than the i3.
⤷⤷ GPU: If you like nVidia or AMD more, you can search for a laptop that has the one you like
⤷ [nVidia GPUs benchmark scores - GTX 650 is the recommended one, but if you find better - that's great!]
⤷ [AMD GPUs benchmark scores - sadly there is no recommended one, however something from the top ones should do well]
⤷⤷ SSD is always faster than HDD
⤷⤷ RAM memory: Recommended is 4GB, which should work pretty fine. Though if you find a laptop with 8GB and other good specs, it'll be a nice to have
My recommendation would be something close to this: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/acer-nitro-5-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-nvidia-geforce-gtx-1650-256gb-ssd-obsidian-black/6413247.p?skuId=6413247
to keep you gaming longer without getting old too fast. I know it's a big amount from your $500 budget, however it's a bit better than the Recommended specs.
Also, do try to listen to many people's opinions and see which specs would you find more suitable for you at the moment and further xD.
I'm also looking forward to see other recommendations in here and hopefully we can find you something great at a nice price ❤️
I do not work for EA. I just like helping other players get back into the game with no further tech issues ^_^
Community Manager
