When I think about boutique gaming PC maker Digital Storm, the first image that pops into my head is large stacks of money. Having reported on machines that can run upwards of $8,000, I never thought I'd see the day when a Digital Storm machine was priced at under $1,000.

Enter the Marauder line, the least expensive gaming rigs Digital Storm has ever produced. Set to ship in mid-May, the Marauder line starts at just $799 and tops off at $1,299. In the world of boutique gaming PCs, that's ridiculously inexpensive.

They're also kinda sexy, in a utilitarian sort of way. The Marauder line is the first built around Corsair's Vengeance C70 chassis, a rugged all-steel enclosure fitted with built-in handles for easy transport to LAN parties. It reminds me of a military Jeep, only much smaller and without wheels and it's not a Jeep at all.

What kind of power does $799 buy? Well, it's not going to be top-of-the-line obviously, but these configurations should get the job done.

"With this new line, we've set a new standard for the price versus performance ratio. Our engineers have always wanted to create a line of powerful gaming PCs that are within reach of every gamer," said Rajeev Kuruppu, Digital Storm's director of product development via press release. "With complete systems starting at $799, this is the very first time Digital Storm has offered such an affordable gaming PC."

It's also the very first time I've looked at a Digital Storm price without wincing. There's something to be said for that.

I'm currently in the market for a new gaming rig myself, but will probably go with something a little more powerful. I might hold out until June, when the Vengeance C70 case hits retail.

Digital Storm Marauder [Official Website]