Alienware has introduced the next level of gaming systems. Starting at around five grand, the Aurora ALX SLI series of PCs are not for the faint of wallet, but they offer some of the best gaming performance that a desktop computer has ever been capable of.

Packaged inside the black or silver ALX tower, the Aurora ALX SLI simply looks cooler than almost any other system out there. Then there's the video cooling system that lights up the lower vents on the tower in either blue, green, or red--whatever matches your color scheme at home the best. But it more than looks good, the system maximizes the airflow through the chassis to keep the state-of-the-art components running smoothly.

The ALX systems also utilize a cooling method that overclockers are fans of as well--liquid cooling. By pumping water through the internal components, heat is absorbed more quickly and quietly than a completely air-cooled system.

So, what are those components that need such advanced overheating protections? For starters, there's an AMD Athlon 64 FX-55+ processor running at 2.6GHz and 1GB of Corsair XMS Dual Channel DDR memory. But if that's not enough to put a smile on your face, wait till you hear about the graphics inside.

The SLI in the system's name refers to NVIDIA's new Scalable Link Interface technology that lets two GPUs take advantage of the faster PCI Express throughput. That's right, you're getting twin GeForce 6800 GT video cards, each with 256MB of DDR graphics memory. These cards work in tandem, scaling the graphics processing and essentially giving you 60 times the bandwidth of a traditional PCI architecture. Put in layman's terms, it'll let you run Doom 3 or Half-Life 2 in all their graphical glory.

If for some reason you need even more graphics power, you can make those twin video cards GeForce 6800 Ultras instead of GTs at an extra cost of around $300--a drop in the bucket at this price point.

But video cards aren't the only twins you'll find inside the system. For storage, the Aurora ALX starts with 73.4GB of Serial ATA RAID hard drive space on twin Western Digital Raptor drives that spin at 10,000 rpm and feature a 16MB cache. If you need more room, you can jump it up to a half a terabyte with twin 250GB drives. Since it's a move to slower 7,200 rpm drives, the upgrade will only cost you $59. For the ultimate in game-installation room, you can opt for twin 400GB drives, although that'll run you an additional $506.

The optical drive is a respectable combination DVD-ROM and top-of-the-line 52X/32X/52X CD-RW drive that will playback DVD movies and burn audio and data CDs at the fastest speeds currently available. If you want to be able to burn your own DVDs, you can upgrade to a 16X dual layer DVD+/-RW drive for only $34 or put it in the second drive bay for $94.

There's no monitor included at that exorbitant price, although Alienware offers up some truly excellent displays to pair with your Aurora ALX. The 20.1-inch LCD will set you back an extra $772, but this large, flat panel display will get almost as much attention from your friends as the Alienware chassis. CRT fans will appreciate the 22-inch NEC monitor for $555, while frugal gamers may opt for the respectable 17-inch BenQ LCD for $282 (although there probably won't be too many budget-conscious users sniffing around the Aurora ALX system).

You can opt for any of these as a second display, taking advantage of those twin video cards and setting up a dual-display desktop. It's an additional cost, but the extra display literally adds another level of depth to your gaming.

Sound is handled via a 7.1-channel Creative Labs SoundBlaster Audigy 2 ZS sound card complete with a Firewire port and digital output. Unfortunately, speakers will cost you extra. You can get a decent set of Logitech Z-5300e 5.1s for $149 or go all out and opt for the 7.1-speaker Creative GigaWorks S750 for $436.

There's no modem by default (installing one will run you $67), but the integrated gigabit Ethernet network interface means you won't be facing any local area network or broadband modem slowdowns on the system end of your connection.

One of the biggest draws for an Aurora ALX system isn't anything inside the chassis, but the personal touches that Alienware gives their ALX customers. You'll get one-on-one attention from a salesperson from the moment you first call in to well beyond when your system arrives at your home. If there are any specific customizations you're looking for, just tell Alienware, and they'll do it for you.

For example, you can send in three of your favorite games (Alienware pays for the shipping), and they'll install, update, and optimize them for your ALX system. You also get an ALX password that grants you access to Alienware's private game servers, so you know you'll only be playing against other ALX owners.

Plus, when your system arrives, it comes with an aluminum briefcase full of ALX tchotchkes such as a key chain, a notepad, and a personal ID card. Alienware knows how to make their best customers feel special, and ALX purchasers are their best customers.

If you have the desire for one of the best gaming systems on the market and the bank to back it up, the Alienware ALX SLI system will not disappoint.

Pros: Fabulous performance, great personal touches
Cons: Monitor not included at baseline

Warranty
1-year limited