What’s the best beginner setup for gaming and schoolwork on an $800–$1,000 budget?

A 24- or 27-inch 1080p monitor should be a good fit. 60 Hz is usable, but 120 or 144 Hz will make games feel smoother if you can fit it into the budget. Look at established brands and check reviews for color quality, response time, and adjustable stands. If the monitor is also for schoolwork, a comfortable screen with good text clarity may be more useful than chasing an extremely high refresh rate.

You’ll need a keyboard, mouse, headset or speakers, and possibly a webcam for school. A wrist rest and a comfortable ergonomic chair can make long sessions easier, but avoid overspending on flashy gaming furniture. Plan for extra storage later if your game library grows, and consider adding more memory or upgrading the graphics card only when you actually need the extra performance.

For a desktop, use a parts-listing site to compare prices and make sure the total stays within budget. You can often put together a capable system for roughly $600–$800 before the monitor and accessories, especially because these games don’t require high-end components. Don’t spend the entire budget on the graphics card while neglecting the power supply, storage, memory, or case. A reputable prebuilt can also be a reasonable choice if you don’t want to assemble it yourself.

Since you don’t need portability, a desktop PC—either self-built or a good prebuilt—will usually give you the best performance for the money. The games you listed aren’t especially demanding, so you don’t need current top-end hardware. A laptop is still worth considering if you’ll be taking it to school or want one device that does everything, but part of the budget goes toward portability. A PS5 would handle the games well, but it’s less convenient for schoolwork.