Hardware Review
NZXT Lexa Blackline Case
It's not very often we here at Unique Rigs get blown away by a computer case when we get to review them. But NZXT has always given us something to marvel at every time we review their cases. With a very wide selection of designs, NZXT has become a gamer's choice for PC cases. Tonight we'll take a look at NZXT's Lexa Blackline. We would like to thank the NZXT team for making this review possible.
You might remember the NZXT Lexa we have reviewed a couple of years back. The Lexa Blackline is the second incarnation of the NZXT Lexa. NZXT has revived the old designs of the Lexa and added several new features to the Blackline model. Listed below are some of the specifications of the Blackline.
Below is a more detailed specs sheet for the Lexa Blackline:
| MODEL | LEXA Blackline SERIES |
| CASE TYPE | Mid Tower Steel |
| FRONT PANEL MATERIAL | Plastic |
| DIMENSIONS (W x H x D) | 220 X 522 X 569 mm |
| Power Supply | 500 WATT PS2 ATX 12V 2.0 ( OPTIONAL ) |
| COOLING SYSTEM | FRONT, 1 X 120 mm (optional) REAR, 1 X 120 mm Red LED Fan(included) SIDE PANEL, 1 X 120mm Red LED Fan (included) TOP 1 X 80mm Fan (included) |
| DRIVE BAYS |
4 EXTERNAL 5.25" DRIVE BAYS 2 EXTERNAL 3.5 " DRIVE BAYS 5 INTERNAL 3.5" DRIVE BAYS |
| MATERIAL(S) | Steel Construction |
| EXPANSION SLOTS | 7 |
| I/O Interface | USB x2, Fire wire, Audio input & output |
| WEIGHT | 11.5 KGS (W/O Power) |
| MOTHERBOARD SUPPORT | MOTHERBOARDS: ATX, MICRO-ATX |
Click the image to see it full view...
The original Lexa and the Blackline are very similar; the most noticeable difference is the front panel of the Blackline constitutes an all black motif. Where as the original Lexa had a mixture of black with brushed aluminum accents, prominently shown on the front panel. The exterior of the Blackline remains similar as the original Lexa design. First you will notice is the piano black finish on the front panel. The paint finish on the aluminum panels are also different. The surface has a textured finish to them compared to the smooth black finish on the first Lexa. The Blackline still sports a temperature display panel, just located on top of the front panel door. You also still have the front panel ports just located to the right of the case. Looking at the back of the case, you'll notice two holes just to the left side of the PCI slots. These holes are pre-drilled for water cooling units you may want to install.
Click the image to see it full view...
Let's take a look the inside of the Blackline. The mid-tower interiors remain relatively the same compared to the original Lexa. We were hoping to see a removable motherboard tray for this new and improved Lexa, but the Blackline doesn't have it. The case still supports a total of eleven drive bays, while still incorporating the screw less rail design. The Blackline comes with two 120mm fans and one 80mm fan to keep the interiors nice and cool. In keeping to the black motif, we would've liked to have seen the interiors in black finish as well. NZXT also placed two red LED case fans inside the case, adding a nice lighting within the interior of the case.
Click the image to see it full view...
Click the image to see it full view...
Overall, the Blackline is a very good update to the original Lexa case. While tweaking and adding some new features, the Blackline is a nice addition to the Classic Series. NZXT has again brought us another fine tuned case with the Blackline. We give the Lexa Blackline a score of 9 out of 10 and our Unique Rigs recommendation.
Pros:
Nice glossy piano black finish on front panel door
Textured black paint finish on the aluminum panels
Screwless locking system for the drive bays
Pre drilled holes for water cooling solutions
Great design, nice improvements from the original Lexa
Cons:
No removable motherboard tray
Inside could've been painted black as well
Manufacturer Link:
