NZXT Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower ATX Case | Mid-Tower,ATX,Case,Blackline,NZXT,LEXA,Chassis,Enclosure,NZXT Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower ATX Computer Case Review

NZXT Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower ATX Case

Written by Olin Coles

Sunday, 22 July 2007

Table of Contents: Page Index
NZXT Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower ATX Case
Closer Look: Blackline Exterior
Detailed Exterior Features
Closer Look: Blackline Interior
Detailed Interior Features
Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Page 2 of 6

Closer Look: Blackline Exterior

The Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower ATX case belongs to the Classic Series of computer chassis offered by NZXT. There are other popular cases in this series, such as the Adamas and HUSH which have both been recently reviewed here at Benchmark Reviews.

The underlying theme of the classic series is on black, almost to emphasize the classical black and white film, television, or photo period. Unlike that period, which was void of personal computers, NZXT adds a bit of unique spice to the theme, usually in the design or accents.

NZXT's Classic Series is better known for cases which are modern yet not over-the-top in designed appearance. NZXT can a large selection of cases which cover every personal taste, but for most consumers it will be the mid-level Classic Series that will hold their next system.

Built around a steel SECC chassis, the NZXT Blackline utilizes steel panels, with a clear "stealthed" acrylic (read: cracks very easily) window. Unlike the marketing images, the side window is not red... but it could be with a little effort. The plastic front bezel completes classic look, with a single strip of fiber optic plastic to transmit the light from a hidden red LED.

Changed in the new Blackline release are the color of the cooling fan LED's, and the color of the front bezel LED. There are some functional changes I will mention later in the review, but in regards to the exterior nearly everything remains the same.

NZXT includes a single 80mm cooling fan atop the Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower ATX case, which is strategically located to exhaust the heated air that rises to the top. The high-gloss piano black finish which once covered the aluminum panels on the original Lexa have been replaced with fingerprint-friendly gloss black paint on steel panels.

The underside of the Lexa Blackline sports a single 80mm fan opening, which comes from NZXT with a screen and grill instead of a cooling fan. It has always been my practice to place an 80mm cooling fan in this position for cool-air intake.