A Closer Look - Outside

The Lexa S looks refreshingly different than the original Lexa, with a modern and more extravagant design. Those who own the original will still notice a resemblance though, so NZXT has done a good job with the new update of the exterior.


The entire front of the case is made of plastic. NZXT does advertise metal mesh, but that can only be found on the drive bay covers. It would have been great to see some more metal in the design, but considering the detail of it all, there is simply no way NZXT could have added more without raising the price. The plastic makes an average impression when focusing on the quality. There are both worse and better application and structural designs out there. Luckily, the front door opens toward the right, which is perfect, as the window is located on the left side of the chassis. There seems to be nothing out of the ordinary when looking at the rear of the Lexa S. The white blades of the cooling fan can clearly be seen and the power supply bay is located on the bottom of the enclosure.


NZXT has placed an asymmetrical window on the side of the case. This further adds to the overall design and is certainly a nice little touch as well. Turning the case around, there are no further openings on the other side panel.


The external drive bays of the chassis are covered by metal mesh panels. Even though NZXT does not advertise the 3.5 inch bay, I am happy to report that there is one present. Both the power and reset buttons are silver, but NZXT has placed the reset one on the right and has made it smaller, so that you will not hit that button by mistake. There are two plastic dials to control up to for fans. This means that two cooling units may be hooked up to each of these, so that you will adjust the speed of a pair of fans with a single dial. I would suggest plugging the front and side fan into one, while connecting the rear and ceiling units to the other dial.


Turning our focus to the rear of the chassis, starting at the bottom, the power supply bay is nothing out of the ordinary from the outside. Above that are the seven mainboard expansion slots. NZXT has decided to place the two holes for water cooling tubes all the way on the top of the chassis. This will make it nearly impossible to use two separate loops or a combination of radiators with the case, as the dual rad in the ceiling of the chassis will block these.


Both openings for the ceiling fans can hold either 120 or 140 mm units and NZXT has spaced them far enough apart, so that you may install that afore mentioned dual radiator if you wish. The I/O is located on the side and consists of a pair of USB 2.0 along with the audio out- & input. NZXT has also included an eSATA port for good measure. Last but not least, there is a removable, plastic dust guard on the underside of the case, so your PSU is protected from the dirt on the floor or carpet.