Hmmm, exactly what games will he be playing? If they are rudimentary, then I will throw out there the possibility of waiting just a bit and picking up a 3550K (graph shows 3770K, but both use the 4000HD intel graphics chip.) It has an onboard HD4000 chip that plays really well. Another option an AMD route, their onboard graphics chips are awesome.
http://www.sharkyforums.com/images/i.../2012/03/1.png
As you can see from the chart, the AMD A8 and HD4000 offer a lot of gaming performance without having to go with a discrete graphics card. If he doesn't need the graphics maxed, then this may be a way to go. If he feels it isn't enough, then it is as easy as adding a graphics card later. It would save you some money upfront, and if it works out it would save a lot over all. Both chips scream in terms of CPU performance too for day-to-day tasks.
Here is a link to AMD's offering on newegg. Only 140 bucks.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819106001
Also for monitors, hit up newegg around 5-7pmCST each day and check their open box deals. I snagged two 23" Asus monitors for only 89 bucks each. I am currently using a 25" Asus LED monitor that retails for 280, I got it for 115. In the mail is a 630 dollar 27" 120HZ 3D monitor that I picked up for 340. I may resell that one and make 200 bucks :)