SMALL FORM FACTOR PCs are all the rage these days, and for good reason. Running a high-performance system inside a toaster-sized enclosure is a tantalizing prospect for LAN party regulars, users looking for a less obtrusive desktop or home theater system, and PC enthusiasts who are looking to ride the bleeding edge of the latest trend.

Unfortunately, small form factor systems offer a limited number of PCI slots and 3.5" drive bays, relatively weak power supplies, and virtually no motherboard upgrade path. Antec's new Aria cube avoids those pitfalls by supporting standard Micro ATX motherboards, accommodating three internal 3.5" drives, and sporting a 300W power supply, but in avoiding typical small form factor gotchas, Antec has saddled the Aria with some baggage of its own. Join me as I explore the Aria's triumphs and flaws to determine if this unique take on the cube form factor is right for your next PC.