What’s the best gaming PC for under £1,000?

BML wants to buy her son a gaming PC that will also be good for school work, but doesn't want to pay over the odds

My son has an Xbox but would like a gaming computer. I would like a PC that he can use for his school work. He is starting his GCSEs this year. I don't want to spend more than 1,000. Could you recommend something which will do both jobs? BML

PC manufacturers love the gaming market, which is growing strongly and worth more than $30bn a year. Most PCs outperform their users, and the processor goes to sleep between keystrokes. Gamers, by contrast, never have enough power, and will pay more for better performance. This translates into higher prices and better profit margins. They also like cases that look like props from science-fiction movies.