HL2 has a clean engine, you dont need an uber computer. Anyone that starts barking about value and computer parts and all that jazz is simply too invested in computers.
MOST people just want a rig that runs a few games, sends e-mails, browses the web, and plays mp3s. All of which can be done on the affordable factory builds that dont have on-board intel video chips.
Absolutely, but if you can get a better CPU for a price difference of ~$100, why not get it? Dual core is definitely worth the very little extra money.
Yes, if it's more CONVENIENT for him, I totally agree, but ibuypower is one click away.
And believe me, I love gimped CPU's. I've been using this 2400+ for a long time now. It still delivers. Not for games, but I rarely if ever play PC games anyway (UT2004 and WoW are the only ones I have played over the years). However, if I were to build myself a new rig today (or order one), I'd make sure it had a dual-core CPU.