The front of the Phantom features a door, opening this is easy - upon opening you notice that NZXT have given this feature good quality materials. The hinge reacts well and when the door closes it fits flush to the case. Behind this door there are 5 x 5.25" drive bay covers. Each one has a little slider button used to remove the cover. Again like with the front door, these panels fit perfectly into place - adding and removing is a breeze!
The door open to reveal drive bay covers
Along the top of the Phantom there are two sections of controls. On the left hand side we have controls for power/reset and corresponding LEDs. Nearby there are eSATA and audio ports for headphone and microphone. In the centre of these ports we have 2 x USB2.0 ports. Nice to see NZXT including this in their design considerations. We can easily fly over the front panel controls without looking at the careful contours and cut-outs - if you look at this panel it is embedded within the case, touches like this on the Phantom are very well thought out. NZXT haven't just plonked this front panel on the front of the case, they have been creative with their decisions. I like this.
USB2.0 functionality amongst other controls
Over on the other side of the top of the Phantom are a set of slider buttons. Above these are diagrams. These diagrams are to be associated with specific areas within the Phantom that have fans attached. Moving the notch up for a designated fan will move the RPM up higher. Each of fan also has an LED next to the control notch. This is lit up if the fan is installed and operational. A nice idea, especially if you have forgotten to connect a fan up.
Fan control for all the installed fans - LED indicators for online fans
Along the top of the Phantom we have further distinctive looks, smooth edges shooting off at different angles. If you are looking for a case with lots of character that is unlike anything on the market surely this is a top pick. Towards the back of the case is yet more perforated mesh panelling - underneath this is a 200mm top mounted fan.
More curves than Kelly Brooke
As I mentioned on the previous page, the front and top of the Phantom features a glossy plastic fascia on each face. These can be extracted to reveal the underneath fans, controls and mounting positions. On the top there is another slot for an additional 200mm fan whilst the front contains mounting holes for a 140mm fan to be installed. Its good to see plenty of options here.
Plastic fascias removed to reveal hidden controls and mounting options
