Computers & Office · PRODUCT REVIEW

Lexmark
Lexmark C510 Color Laser Printer

Legacy color laser with USB and parallel connections. A closer look at the benefits, the limitations, and the alternatives.

Buyer Shortlists editorial·Updated
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THE SHORT ANSWER

Our take

Lexmark identifies part 20K1100 as the C510 color laser printer. The U.S. page rates it at up to 30 pages per minute in monochrome and 8 pages per minute in color, with USB 2.0 and Centronics parallel listed as standard interfaces. Lexmark lists Ethernet and a duplex unit as optional accessories; neither should be assumed present in a standard or secondhand listing. The page gives a 250-sheet input and output capacity but no recommended monthly page range. This is a legacy print-only model, so its role depends on confirming the optional hardware, consumables and driver support needed for the intended workstation.

Consider it for

A legacy workstation needing basic color laser output over USB or parallel, where network and automatic duplex are not assumed..

Look elsewhere if

Avoid it if you need built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi, confirmed automatic duplex, copy/scan/fax functions, or faster color output.

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Pros & cons

What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.

What works in its favor

  • Lexmark identifies the exact C510 part 20K1100 and color laser printer role.
  • The manufacturer separates monochrome and color speeds: 30 ppm and 8 ppm.
  • USB 2.0 and parallel are standard, with a 250-sheet input capacity listed.

What to weigh up

  • Ethernet and duplex are optional rather than standard on the documented base configuration.
  • Color output is rated at 8 ppm, slower than its monochrome rating.
  • A recommended monthly workload and built-in wireless are not listed.
Specifications and exact model details

The key details

Published product specifications
Model coveredC510 (20K1100)
Main functionsColor laser printing only
Print outputUp to 30 ppm monochrome and 8 ppm color
Two-sided printingUSB 2.0 and parallel standard; optional Ethernet and duplex accessories

Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 15, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.

Full review: how the features affect your choice

What the features mean for you

Match the base C510 to its exact part

Lexmark's U.S. page identifies C510 part 20K1100 as a color laser printer. This is distinct from the C510n, which adds standard Ethernet and uses another part number. Keeping the two records separate prevents a network feature from being carried over to the base model. The source lists the C510 as print-only, so copy and scan require separate equipment. A used listing should show the label or part number and the actual ports, rather than relying on a seller's shortened C510 family description ([Lexmark C510](https://www.lexmark.com/en_us/printers/printer/1963/Lexmark-C510)).

Color and monochrome have different rated speeds

Lexmark gives separate maximum ratings of 30 pages per minute in monochrome and 8 pages per minute in color. That gap matters if color is used for every job: the printer's color rating is far below the headline black speed. These are manufacturer ratings, not a test of an individual printer or a guarantee across document types. A team that prints occasional marked-up sheets may value the color option, while frequent color output should be compared with a faster model. Neither speed rating describes the recommended monthly workload, which Lexmark does not state on the reviewed page.

Standard connections are local workstation ports

The standard C510 configuration lists USB 2.0 and Centronics parallel. Lexmark offers Ethernet as optional hardware, which means the buyer needs to verify that an exact network accessory is installed before planning a shared wired queue. Wireless is not listed as a standard feature. For a single workstation, USB is the simpler documented route; older operating systems and current host interfaces may still need a suitable driver or adapter. Inspect the exact offered unit and do not treat a C510n image as proof that base C510 networking is included.

Duplex depends on an optional unit

Lexmark lists a duplex unit as optional for the C510. That means automatic two-sided printing is not a standard assumption for the base model, even though an accessory can add that capability. Check the unit's exact hardware and accessory compatibility if duplex is important; a listing that says “duplex capable” may refer to a separate option. The profile does not promote that option to a standard automatic feature. A workflow comfortable with one-sided printing can avoid the extra configuration question, while regular two-sided jobs should favor a model with duplex explicitly standard.

Paper capacity and serviceability need a used-unit check

Lexmark lists 250-sheet input and output capacity for the C510 and describes optional expansion. The documented capacity is useful when comparing reload frequency, but it is not a workload recommendation. The page does not state a recommended monthly range, and this discontinued model may require careful checking of consumables, replacement parts and driver support. Confirm that the cassette and output tray are present, inspect wear, and print a sample in both mono and color before putting it into a shared role. Those checks concern the specific machine, not a manufacturer promise.

Compare for your needs

For a standard network port compare the C510n; for built-in automatic duplex, choose a color model whose exact manufacturer page lists it as standard.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

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Before you buy

Is the C510 a color printer?

Yes. Lexmark identifies the C510 as a color laser printer and gives separate mono and color speeds.

What is the color speed rating?

Lexmark rates color output at up to 8 pages per minute; monochrome is rated up to 30 ppm.

Does the base C510 include Ethernet?

No. Lexmark lists USB 2.0 and parallel as standard; Ethernet is an optional accessory.

Is automatic duplex standard?

Lexmark lists a duplex unit as optional, so confirm that accessory on the exact printer.

Does Lexmark provide a monthly recommendation?

The reviewed C510 page does not state a recommended monthly page range.

Where can I check the current price?

Use the Amazon link for current offers. Check the exact model, seller, product condition, delivery, and return terms. This page does not display a live price or confirm stock.

Sources and review basis

Sources & review basis

We use the linked product documentation for the features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.

Read our research and update process →

The decision

The base C510 offers legacy color output and clear wired workstation ports, but optional networking and duplex sharply limit what can be assumed from the model name.

Is it the right fit?

Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.

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