Which small form-factor PC is best?

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Lifehacker rounds up five models of varying sizes and performance profiles, including beefier gaming models such as the Alienware Alpha and Gigabyte Brix. Pictured here, though, is HPs adorably teeny Stream Mini.

I've been thinking about getting a new gaming PC for a while, but I'd like something that won't need upgrading too soon, yet be upgradeable in the long run. So I don't think one of these is for me.

In the past I've gone for Shuttle PCs, but I've come to the conclusion that their "puppy coffin" form factor is hard to work with and designed to look small and sleek from precisely one viewing angle.

Instead, this time I've got my eye on the NCase M1, which is a little more traditional, but strikingly well-designed and greeble-free, and about half the size you think it is from looking at a product shot.

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I'd have to build it out myself, but it looks so nicely put together that the experience of doing so might be slightly less harrowing than usual.