Alienware, well known for its line of high end gaming laptop and desktop systems, recently announced the Alienware x51 desktop. Alienware desktops are recognizable by their large and distinctive cases, so this slim tower model is a departure from their typical offerings. 

The small form factor makes it much easier to fit the system in to small and cramped spaces. It's only three inches wide and a foot tall, so the tower's footprint is lower than most laptop computers. Both horizontal and vertical orientations are supported with this tower, proving the user with even more placement options. 

Alienware is not pulling any punches when it comes to the hardware that is included in the system. Like most Alienware models, the x51 is fully customizable with many different options when it comes to the processor, graphics card and other pieces of hardware. The base configuration begins at $699, with price changes depending on whether the computer has an i3, i5 or i7 processor. The graphic card options are either the 1GB NVIDIA Geforce GT 545 or an upgrade to the 1GB NVIDIA Geforce GTX 555. Up to 8 GB of RAM can be included in the system. Other hardware highlights include 7.1 digital audio, a 1 TB 7,200 RPM hard drive, an upgrade to a Blu-ray player, and USB 3.0. 

The Alienware x51 is designed to provide an efficient gaming experience for a wide audience. According to Dell's John Blain and Alienware's Frank Azor, they wanted to create a gaming system that fills a needed niche along with providing a very flexible form factor for many situations. 

Like other Alienware systems, the x51 comes preloaded with the Alienware Command Center software package. Users can control the unique aspects of the Alienware computer from this software. For example, lighting effects can be altered and controlled through the panel. It also has a feature for optimizing gaming performance in several different ways. 

While the Alienware x51 might not be pushing the limits as far as gaming hardware goes, it is forging new ground in accessible gaming. The low cost and small form factor presents a unique combination to get a solid gaming machine in to the hands of people who may not have ever had the opportunity before. It's powerful enough to provide enough high speed internet power to play the latest games, and it can fit almost anywhere in a house, office or dorm.

The Alienware x51 is already available for purchase through Dell's site. In addition to the configuration options that are available to buyers when they purchase the system, the x51 is also designed to be completely user upgradable without any hassles or issues.