A faceplate of a line card is provided, and in one example embodiment, includes a top panel including a portion angled downward towards a front side of the faceplate, the angled portion having a plurality of holes, and a front panel disposed on the front side of the faceplate, attached to the angled portion of the top panel on its top side and having a beveled edge at its bottom side, the angled portion of the top panel and the beveled edge of the front panel facilitating an intake area for air flow between the line card and other parallel line cards assembled on a chassis. In specific embodiments, the plurality of holes are arranged in a honeycomb pattern with each hole comprising a Reuleaux hexagon having rounded corners.