Alienware Aurora (2016) Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

When it comes to desktop gaming PCs, size matters, but bigger isn’t always better. Alienware hopes its new Aurora line isn’t too big or too small, but instead just right.

For PC gamers who want a no-compromise desktop with room for three graphics cards and up to five hard drives, no matter how much floor space it takes up, there’s the massive Area 51. If space is tight, there’s the smaller X51 or Alpha models, which are closer in size to a game console, but offer fewer options and lack the easy access to the system interior for upgrades. With the Aurora, a resurrected name in use on other Alienware products from the mid-2000s until a few years ago, the company now has a mid-tower desktop that fits right in the middle.

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This new Aurora is a relatively svelte 14 inches deep by 18 inches tall by 8 inches wide, and the chassis takes a good deal of its design DNA from the Area 51, with three side lights on the angled case echoing the pyramid-like design on that larger desktop. The company says this is its smallest system yet that can handle dual graphics cards, and it’s the easiest to access the interior of, thanks to a new tool-less design that allows for quick upgrades of the GPU, CPU, storage and practically any other component. Liquid cooling is also an available option.

Processors up to the Intel Core i7-6700K will be offered (some with factory overclocking), along with dual Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 graphics cards, although you can start as low-end as the Nvidia 950 and upgrade later. The most powerful GPU options will allow the system to power three 4K displays at once.

While tightly packed, interior access is simple thanks to a tool-free outer door.

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Alienware says this system is “designed for VR,” although even the smaller X51 desktop can be configured to work with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive headsets.

The new Alienware Aurora should be available by summer, and prices will vary widely by configuration.