In October 2005 Lexmark introduced worldwide C520 series color printers. Print speeds in both monochrome and color were OEM rated at 20 pages per minute (ppm) for all models, and duty cycles of 35,000 pages per month for the C520, 45,000 pages per month for the C522 and 65,000 pages per month for the C524.

The C520 models were replaced in October 2006 by those of the C530 series. Print speeds were increased to 24 ppm for monochrome and 22 ppm for color. Duty cycles were rated at 65,000 pages per month for the C530, 75,000 pages per month for the C532 and 100,000 pages per month for the C534.

The supplies set for each model is made up of four individual toner cartridges and one drum unit. Cartridge SKUs are color and yield-specific, with all replacement components being interchangeable with the exception of the chip. Only the chip and toner fill weights differ.

Lexmark C524