before i get too involved do you need a complete system (obviously not a monitor) do you have anything at all case? cd/dvd drive?
if he's a graqphic designer then yes 2 gig is a must but as for graphics card unfortunately the ones designed specifically for graphic design , graphic rendering etc are way outta your price range but its still do able.
I design and build high end gaming machines so this will be a struggle for me (my ram alone cost ?300)
but i think i can meet your budget , however it wont play the latest games and im assuming thats not what its for.
if you want the whole thing monitor etc then your better off at pc world with that budget , but if your just after a pc in a box i can point you in the right direction , incidently why do want dual core , i mean its good , i have it but will he really need it? theres no graphic design programs out there that'll benifit from it so most ;likely one core will idle 99% of the time. Im trying to keep costs down thats all
i know you see pc world offering "dual core" pc's cheap but they really are garbage , why have a 2 gig dual core celoron when you can have a nice 2.4 gig A64.
but its up to you , you'll be paying for it..and assembling it