AVADirect Nano Cube

AVADirect Nano Cube

The AVADirect Nano Cube ($1,999 direct) is a specialist desktop PC among other gaming rigs. This compact gaming desktop provides fast performance, but lacks in some creature comforts. If you absolutely need a small, mid-range gaming rig that travels from bedroom to friend's house to hotel conference room, take a look at the Nano Cube as a serious contender. The Nano Cube is measures about 7 by 9 by 11.5 inches (HWD), but you'll have to allow a few inches' clearance to each side for cooling and access to the back panel. The right side has a cooling fan mounted, with more vent holes drilled into the top of the system. The Nano Cube is smaller than both the mid-tower, Editors' Choice Falcon Northwest Talon (Core i7-875K) ($2,499 direct, ) and compact Polywell MiniBox P5500C ($1,850 direct, ). The system I reviewed had a white paint job over most of its surface area. It looked nice, but it had a couple of scratches on it from trade show use or previous reviewers. The scratches stood out on sharp edges and where the case thumbscrews contacted the paint in the back. It's not something to be concerned about if you're buying new and are meticulous with your possessions, but you may want to invest in a carrying case if you're the type that tosses his PC in his car to go to LAN parties.