Alienware Aurora Extreme

What's Not: High-end gaming machines usually cost an arm and leg. As configured, the FX-51 costs just over $4100. The side panel is easy to remove, but putting it back on takes extra effort, a minor inconvenience. That operation doesn't require any tools, but when you replace the side panel, you must align its curved edges precisely to grooves on the inside of the front panel. We had to try several times before we could finally get the side panel securely back on.

All four USB 2.0 ports on the back of the case are used by pass-through cables that connect to the four USB ports on the front of the case. Of those, we had to use one to connect the optical mouse, leaving only three ports free--far fewer than on other high-end systems. We also took issue with the bare-bones user manual, which has scant information on upgrading and troubleshooting. The manual is not likely to be of much use if you're looking for system specifics or intermediate, do-it-yourself help. Alienware provides manuals for some components, such as the sound card and monitor, but our system lacked one for the motherboard. We consider that vital information for the people this system is aimed at--gamers who upgrade their systems frequently.

What Else: The 19-inch NEC MultiSync FE991SB-SK flat-screen CRT is a fine fit for this system. It handled our tests for color quality better than it did those for small-size text. Colors appeared detailed on a photo and during game play.

Our test system arrived in a glossy black tower, accented with grill-shaped air-flows, a unique feature on Alienware cases. You can opt for bolder, more eye-catching colors (such as green and blue) at no additional charge. Most of the outside chassis is plastic; hence, it doesn't feel as sturdy as the steel cases of gaming systems we've seen from companies such as Falcon Northwest or Voodoo.