Not so long ago, PC cases were all boring, utilitarian, beige-colored affairs. It seems that ever since Alienware released the Area 51 case, though - the one reminiscent of H.R. Giger's alien style - beige just doesn't cut it any more. Custom cases in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes, quality levels, styles and colors have since exploded onto the PC scene. And they're here to stay.

After a while, even the newer, wilder variations on the PC case theme become old hat. But once in a while you come across a case that's special enough to stand out from the pack. And one such PC chassis is the Gigabyte Aurora.

The Aurora is extremely quiet and has very good airflow. It is constructed solidly and elegantly, and has beautiful aluminum componentry. PC card or drive installation is tool-free of course, with lots of space to work with. There are lots of other special features: the prepared ducts for water cooling options, for example; the bright blue LED lights in the front and back; and even the custom logo light which projects an image of your choice onto the surface of the desk upon which the Aurora resides.

What makes the Aurora stand out even more is that absolutely everything is well thought out and elegant. From form to function, the Aurora is graceful, and it definitely belongs on the ubergeek wish list.