Our take
The Lexmark CX517de is a workgroup-oriented color MFP with print, copy, scan and fax, integrated duplex, Gigabit Ethernet and a recommended monthly range up to 7,000 pages. Its feature set fits a wired office that needs more than printing, but Wi-Fi requires an optional adapter and the product is discontinued.
A small workgroup that needs color documents, fax, duplex output and a wired network rather than built-in wireless..
Choose another printer if built-in Wi-Fi, current-production support, a compact personal footprint, or a workload beyond 7,000 recommended pages is essential.
Pros & cons
What could work for you, and what to consider before buying.
What works in its favor
- Lexmark documents color printing, copy, scan and fax with standard duplex.
- Gigabit Ethernet and up to 32 ppm support a wired small-workgroup role.
- A 1,500–7,000 page recommended range helps set workload expectations.
What to weigh up
- Wi-Fi is an optional adapter rather than standard on the CX517de.
- The model is discontinued, so supply and service availability need separate checking.
- Its color MFP hardware and 250-sheet input may be excessive for simple mono printing.
The key details
| Model covered | CX517de |
|---|---|
| Main functions | Color print, copy, scan and fax |
| Print output | Color laser; up to 32 ppm |
| Two-sided printing | Integrated automatic duplex printing |
Performance figures are manufacturer claims. Source checked October 8, 2026. Regional models and included accessories can differ.
What the features mean for you
A complete color MFP for shared documents
Lexmark identifies the CX517de as a color laser multifunction printer with print, copy, scan and fax functions. This breadth can consolidate office documents and communications in a single workgroup device. The exact part number is 28EC500. Confirm both the model suffix and the standard configuration on an offer; optional accessories should not be assumed to be included. The CX517de is a color machine, so it can handle presentations or marked-up files that a monochrome printer cannot. That does not make color necessary for every team, and a mono model may be more appropriate if most pages are plain text.
Duplex and speed support routine office packets
The CX517de includes integrated automatic duplex, which turns pages during two-sided print jobs and can reduce manual paper handling. Lexmark rates output up to 32 pages per minute. That figure is a maker rating and should be used as a comparison point rather than a guarantee for every print or copy task. Two-sided printing is helpful for reports and internal documents, while the machine also supports paper copy and scan workflows. For a desk with only occasional output, this hardware may be larger than needed; for recurring packets, the duplex function is a useful everyday capability.
Gigabit Ethernet is standard; Wi-Fi is optional
Lexmark documents Gigabit Ethernet for the standard CX517de, while wireless networking requires an optional adapter. This distinction matters for offices planning a cable-free placement: Wi-Fi should not be assumed from a listing or product family name. A wired Ethernet connection can support a networked shared workflow when the office has a port and appropriate setup. If Wi-Fi is needed, verify that the correct adapter is present, compatible and functional on the offered device. USB also supports local attachment, but the built-in wired connection is the straightforward way to share it across an Ethernet network.
The workload range favors a small workgroup
Lexmark lists a recommended monthly volume of 1,500 to 7,000 pages for the CX517de. That range gives the model a clearer workload context than speed alone and supports consideration for a shared office queue. The lower and upper figures are recommended use, not maximum duty cycle. Estimate the normal monthly pages from all users and consider whether color jobs add a meaningful share. A much smaller personal workload may not justify an MFP of this class, while a queue consistently above the recommendation should be compared with larger enterprise equipment. The model recommendation cannot tell you the condition of a used unit.
Paper capacity and output are workgroup scale
Lexmark lists a standard 250-sheet input tray and 150-sheet output capacity. This is enough to define a moderate office setup, though teams with larger runs may need to replenish paper and clear output. The machine's fax, scan and copy functions make it more useful than a dedicated print engine, but they also add points to check during setup and maintenance. Confirm tray, ADF, scanner, duplex path and fax function on the individual printer. A product-page specification does not establish whether the original accessories or supplies remain with a secondhand offer.
Discontinued status changes purchase checks
Lexmark marks the CX517de as discontinued. That status does not establish that a particular unit is unreliable, but it makes supply, service, driver and support checks especially important. Verify the model code and any optional Wi-Fi adapter, inspect the Ethernet and USB ports, and confirm the ADF and duplex path operate. Ask what toner and accessories are included and check consumable compatibility in the buyer's region. Current stock, price, seller terms and repair availability are offer-specific facts and are not assumed by this review. A sample color print, scan and fax check can help establish the state of the offered unit.
What else to compare
For color fax MFP functions with built-in wireless and a lower-volume recommendation, compare the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M281fdw; for monochrome duplex fax and duplex scanning, compare Canon MF448dw.
Before you buy
Does the CX517de fax?
Yes. Lexmark lists fax as part of the CX517de's color print, copy, scan and fax multifunction set.
Does it have built-in Wi-Fi?
No. Lexmark lists wireless as an optional adapter for the standard CX517de; Gigabit Ethernet is the documented built-in network connection.
What monthly volume does Lexmark recommend?
Lexmark gives a recommended monthly volume range of 1,500 to 7,000 pages for the CX517de, separate from maximum duty cycle.
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 & review basis
We use the following manufacturer documentation for the product features above. Our suitability notes and buying advice are editorial judgments based on those features, not measured performance results.
- Lexmark U.S. CX517de product specifications ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
- Lexmark U.S. CX517de product page: part, functions, speed, duplex, volume and interfaces ↗ — checked October 8, 2026.
The decision
The CX517de suits a wired workgroup needing color, fax and automatic duplex across a meaningful monthly volume. Its discontinued status and optional Wi-Fi mean the exact unit and accessories deserve careful checking.
Is it the right fit?
Check the exact model and today’s offers on Amazon.