The left and right side panels look alike and have large mesh grill parts. However, the mesh part is larger on the left side panel, which will also take two 12cm fans. CM Storm uses special long screws for mounting fans and the company ships eight with the Trooper.

The fans that cool the 3.5’’ drives draw air through inlets on the left side panel while hot air exists freely through the grill on the right side panel.

Two layers of mesh grill on the side panels acts as a filter. The left side panel weighs about 1.6kg while the right is about 60g heavier due to less mesh and more metal. Both panels are very tough and, more importantly, can be removed and mounted easily.