NZXT Lexa Case Review

     NZXT is back with the latest case from their Classic Series; The Lexa.  With a combination of great cooling and an emphasis on symmetry, the Lexa clearly stands out from the crowd.  With NZXT designs like this double curve, the days of a beige square are becoming a distant memory.  We put their design to the test right here at the club.

     I find more and more, the quality and attention to packaging gives a pretty good idea of what is inside when it comes to cases.  The Lexa arrived with the kinds of damage to the box we all fear but thanks to superior packaging the case was never in danger.  Even with the travel wear this packaging shows us the Lexa is not your normal case.  The "Maximum Cooling, Perfect Symmetry" tagline and the attractive look at the unit make it immediately apparent what to expect.

     The rest of the box follows through by providing a detailed look at the features and specifications.  As before with our NZXT cases, the carry strap just didn't survive long enough to be useful.  Our unit shipped with the optional 500 Watt power supply included.

     Once out of the box, the Lexa does not disappoint.  The case looks nothing like the cases we have reviewed before.  The case is also very light weight weighing in at a slim 5.8 KGS.

     The front of the Lexa is a polished painted surface that look like stainless steel or chrome.  The mirror like surface is broken by a blue drive activity LED and for power a longer blue lighted line that seem to form an exclamation point. 

     The top section contains the power supply and the power switch.  The monitor provides temperature leads for the CPU, hard drive and system.  These readings are displayed only in Celsius.  This panel is also backlit and visually stunning with the lights out.

     From the side the opposing curves frame the window nicely.   The window features a 120 mm blue LED lit fan and a locking release lever with the NZXT logo prominently displayed.  The curved feet provide extra clearance for cooling through a 80 mm bottom vent.  Someday I will convince NZXT to paint the inside black to match.

The back of the case is a traditional layout placed behind the curved facade.

     Removing the back facade is required to open the case.  Because of this design, the Lexa does not support thumb screws for the outside panels.  Another drawback is the windowed side access handle and lock are ineffectual with the back in place due to the screws.

     The back side is bare with only the front corner reserved for multimedia access.  Like all NZXT cases the high quality black finish is clean and attractive with no flaws to distract from the overall design.  At this time the Lexa only comes in this color scheme, though the packaging hints a silver model is in the works.

     A closer look at the ports shows the fire wire, USB, and audio ports.  The venting provides air to the front 120 mm cooling the drive bays.

     Opening the case reveals a traditional layout that is designed to provide maximum cooling.  The cooling duties are shared by three 120 mm fans in the door, back and front.  An 80 mm blowhole fan in the top and an 80 mm filtered vent in the bottom help direct the flow of air as well. 

     One thing that caught my eye is the window mounting.  It looks like NZXT has used an epoxy covered with tape to hold them in place.  It looks pretty bad but these surfaces are nicely hidden from view.  I wonder if this is a symptom of our review sample or all production units.