Neoraf... ATI made the wonderful GPU in your favourite games machine, surely that would make them > Nvidia?

About that Acer computer, it won't last long will it? It is about low range as of right now. If I want this computer to serve me well for a few years, won't this be a bad thing to start off? Plus, if I won't be able to play Sims 3 on high settings, then what's the point of gaming on this thing? :P

The fact is, you won't find a pre-built computer for $500 that will last for more than a few years. Get one built; it'll be MUCH better.

I'd go with TechReport's recent system guide, and exchange the dual-core for a much faster and future-proof quad-core for $50 more once you factor in the cheaper motherboard because it's AMD:

You won't regret doing that. Order the parts from Newegg and get a local computer place or a friend to build it.

System requirements for the sims:

FOR WINDOWS VISTA
* Windows Vista (Service Pack 1)
* 2.4 GHz P4 processor or equivalent
* 1.5 GB RAM
* At least 6.5 GB of hard drive space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content
* 128 MB Video Card with support for Pixel Shader 2.0

So yes, more than enough.

The other option is to build yourself.

Oh, if you only want to play Sims 3 on good settings then get the Acer. If there's any chance of you playing much more graphically-intensive games then get mine.

AMD is nice-...
dont' get vista. is slow.

Well, it's not only Sims :D I usually game on consoles or handhelds but if there is a really good game for PC (World of Goo, Call of Duty 4, Portal, etc..) I wanna know that my PC can handle it without crasing, medium/low-settings is fine but i would prefer at least medium :P

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229090&cm_sp=MyNewegg-_-TopSel-_-Pst03Descrip

This is a good one, you'll have to upgrade the GPU sometime next year but it has a much faster CPU and its quad core which should be pretty future proofed for the next 3-4 years or so.

Edit: Well I forgot which PC was in your OP, how foolish. But yeah its about the same cost, the one I suggested has much better 3d performance now whilst the one you posted had much better CPU performance. Since you're not too fussed playing on medium perhaps your original choice is best?

Ok, if I buy said PC in my original post...What would be a graphics card that would be decent for a couple years? Sorry for all the questions :P

Don't rush out and buy a graphics card until you know that the one included is insufficient for your needs. It'll definately run COD on medium and when you find you need a new card you can get the latest technology. Theres something to be said for being a PC gaming luddite, everything is cheaper.