Lexmark C524n: wired color simplex with a separate multipurpose feeder review

Color output for a wired setup that can use simplex pages

The Lexmark C524n suits an earlier office workflow that needs color output through USB or 10/100 Ethernet and can use one-sided pages. US part 22B0050 includes a 250-sheet drawer, a 100-sheet multipurpose feeder and a four-line grayscale operator panel. It is a print-only machine, with no scanner, copier or fax.

The deciding limitation is automatic duplex. The exact C524n specification says it is not available. A shared C520/C522/C524 manual discusses duplex functions elsewhere, but that family chapter does not add them to this precise configuration. Choose an explicitly documented duplex model when automatic two-sided output is essential.

Use the separate multipurpose feeder for changes of stock

The included ordinary input total is 350 sheets on a 75-gsm or 20-pound basis. Letter, Legal and A4 are supported in both the drawer and multipurpose feeder. Set the correct size and type for the actual stock and keep each source internally consistent. Do not mix media sizes or types in a single load.

The C524 has a multipurpose feeder rather than the single-sheet manual slot used by some adjacent models. Open it with the latch, extend its support, adjust the guide and stay within its stack-height limiter. Load ordinary paper facedown with the top edge entering first. This is a practical place for a separate supported stock without emptying the main drawer.

Envelopes belong in the multipurpose feeder, not the ordinary drawer. Load them flap up and observe the guide and fill limit. Reject unsuitable stamps, clasps, windows, coated linings and adhesive constructions. An envelope run replaces the feeder's ordinary stack and has its own media setting; it does not inherit a duplex promise.

The output bin holds 250 sheets, so longer work can need collection before the full ordinary input load finishes. The advertised 850-sheet maximum requires the optional 500-sheet drawer. Inspect an offered machine's actual drawers rather than assuming that maximum is included.

Confirm the computer driver before relying on confidential release

The manual documents a custom-driver confidential-print routine. Send the job with a four-digit PIN using digits 0–9, then select the held job and enter the matching PIN at the operator panel. The job stays in printer memory until released or deleted; printed confidential jobs are removed from memory.

The guide specifically ties that routine to the supplied Lexmark custom drivers. The surviving product page also mentions enhanced PIN management, but that broad marketing language should not replace the actual documented release procedure. Check that the software available for the intended computer exposes the required function.

USB Type-B is the direct computer path, while included 10/100BaseTX Ethernet provides the network path. Parallel, serial, gigabit and wireless alternatives require additional hardware. A listed external wireless print server is a separate device, not an internal radio. Current AirPrint or Mopria operation remains unestablished here.

Separate declared speed from recurring workload

Lexmark specifies up to 20 one-sided Letter pages per minute in black or color. Its separate A4 marketing rate is 19 pages per minute. These declarations do not predict completion time for every document, and neither establishes a recommended monthly workload.

The 128-MB standard memory and 640-MB maximum describe installed resources and expansion. They do not create scanning or finishing hardware. A team deciding how much recurring work to assign should verify an appropriate monthly recommendation rather than deriving one from speed or memory.

Check toner, imaging parts and storage history

The original US starter set declares 1,500 pages in black and each CMY. Replacements declare 4,000 or 8,000 black pages and 3,000 or 5,000 CMY pages at approximately 5% coverage per color. That older declaration is not an ISO/IEC 19798 yield claim. C524 high-yield cartridges must be distinguished from supplies intended for adjacent models.

Photoconductors, transfer belt, waste toner box and fuser are separate maintenance items. Match the fuser to the installed voltage; the guide lists different 120-V, 220–240-V and 100-V parts. It also gives a specific long-storage procedure for the fuser. This discontinued 57-pound unit needs a verified electrical label, suitable support, operating access and compatible software before further service.