Alienware makes this amazing VR-ready machine, called Aurora, whose last iteration from 2011 became known for its active venting technologies, a.k.a. the “ALX fins”, which flipped open if the computer were to get overheated. Protected inside was an Intel six-core, Core i7 CPU, an X79 Express chipset, quad-channel DDR3 memory, 3D configurations, and GDDR5 graphics (Engadget). For its brand new Aurora gaming desktop, Alienware may have left its venting option astray, but not its minimalist build, nor its powerful hardware. Plus, it added VR capabilities.

In fact, what we have here is the nearly perfect-sized gaming PC, resurrected into a 14 x 18 x 8-inch build, quite a bit smaller than before. Its pyramid style chassis displays a light on all three angled sides, and within it holds a plethora of high-end components. Alienware claims it to be the “smallest system yet to handle dual graphics cards”. Plus, it’s tool-less, meaning you can expect the quickest access to the interior, and easiest upgrades to all its components.

Speaking of its components, MS Power User listed options for Alienware’s Aurora, including Intel Core i3, all the way up to i7 Extreme Edition for CPUs, graphics either in single or dual cards featuring NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950, AMD Radeon R9 370, and topping out at GeForce GTX 1080. Memory and storage include 8GB to 32GB DDR4, and 1TB (at 6Gb/s) of storage, respectively. There are also 5 additional storage bays available for added TBs, if needed (if you’re crazy). Finally, there’s Killer e2400 Gigabit Ethernet, Intel Wireless, Bluetooth, and the system is VR Ready, with both Oculus Ready and HTC Vive Optimized certifications.

If you’re going for something powerful, something that can rage games and VR, of course you’d want to go for the GTX 1080 configuration, which can give you the best display experience, considering you could hook up three 4K monitors to it. This model would cost you a whopping $1,723, although you could start with something as low-end as the NVIDIA 950 and go crazy later. Starting at the base level, by the way, makes the Alienware Aurora desktop just $799. There are numerous configurations, and that’s what makes choosing a gaming machine (versus building your own) still fun and exciting.