NZXT Lexa Blackline Mid-Tower Computer Case
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Internals
Most of the inside of the case, from the hard drive cage to the motherboard mountings, remains the same. I have no complaints here; I chose the original Lexa to house my testing computer precisely because it’s so large inside. However, NZXT did make two changes, one cosmetic, one functional, worthy of note.

First, they added tags to the wires that connect to the temperature sensor mounted to the top of the case, so it’s now possible to know what sensor attaches to what part without a lot of annoying guesswork. However, the sensors still lack the connecting tape the instructional manual assures me should be included inside the case, so there’s still some room for improvement.

The Lexa Blackline�s motherboard bed has labeled holes to help you install offset screws for a variety of motherboard sizes.


Second, the Lexa Blackline is the first case in the NZXT lineup to feature red LEDs instead of blue ones in its internal and external lighting. NZXT calls the combination of red lights and black paint “menacing” and it’s not hard to see why: while every other NZXT case I’ve tested has a cool, ghostly vibe, the Lexa Blackline looks demonic, like a computer out of a club in a vampire movie.

Room for Improvement
As you can see, NZXT has made some big changes to the Lexa series with the Lexa Blackline and they’ve removed any problems I had with the Blackline’s interior, which is the focal point of anyone building a system. However, there’s room for improvement: the design of the external plastic frame on the back of the Lexa Blackline still needs adjustment so that it doesn’t make getting inside the case any harder than it needs to be.

There’s also one addition I’d like to see to the Lexa line in future revisions: adding a multi-color option that allows the user to cycle through colors depending on mood, much like Alienware has done with their P2 chassis. The Lexa line already has a lot of strong features that make it an interesting choice for gamers looking for a good case, but adding a standout option like an internal lighting switch could make the Lexa series go from interesting to enticing.

The Lexa Blackline�s drive system is completely screwless, allowing you to mount optical drives, floppy drives and hard drives with relative ease.



Highs
Durable steel construction; Fierce combination of black finish and red lighting; Pre-drilled holes for water cooler systems; Improvements made over the original Lexa design.

Lows
External design flaws still exist from the original Lexa design that NZXT needs to correct.

Final verdict
The Lexa Blackline improves on a strong NZXT design and makes a strong case to house your gaming PC.

92%

Aug 17, 2007

Review by Eric Hanson.

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