First time builder SATA cable question

[ashegam]

This is such a simple question but I've never built a computer so I have a good excuse

So I'm using the Thermaltake V41 case and ASRock Fatal1ty Z97 Professional MB for my first build and I had a question about the type and length of the SATA cables I should use.

I will be installing a SSD, HDD and a DVD burner.

The SSD and HDD will be installed in the hidden compartment of the MB, were typically you hide your wires. This will allow me to remove the 2 cages to increase airflow etc.

The DVD burner will be installed on the very top cage.

My first question is given my setup what type of SATA cable would be my best option for the cleanest wire management look

1. straight to straight
2. straight to 90 degree
3. 90 degree to 90 degree

My second question is what is the shortest length cable I can go with that would work for all 3 applications. The most common one seems to be 18" however as I mentioned before I want a clean look and hence the shortest lenght that would work for all 3 since I'll be buying like a multi-pack. They come in 10, 12, 14, 18, 20" etc.

As I said before this is my first build and can't imagine the wire lay out hence the simple stupid question

Thanks!

 

[Burpo]

18" straight to straight..

 

[vailr]

I'd probably recommend "straight to 90 degree", with the 90 degree connector on each drive, and the straight connected to the motherboard. Since SATA cables are cheap, get enough longer lengths to allow using the system for the period of time while obtaining additional "made to measure" lengths of SATA cables.
The most important feature is the metal latch on the SATA data cable. Original design SATA cables didn't include the latch.

 

[ashegam]

get enough longer lengths to allow using the system for the period of time while obtaining additional "made to measure" lengths of SATA cables.

It's funny you say that as I started wondering if my MB comes with any so I checked and sure enough it will have 4. So I plan to measure them and see the fit and then I can decide if I want to buy aftermarket cables.

 

[mfenn]

My second question is what is the shortest length cable I can go with that would work for all 3 applications. The most common one seems to be 18" however as I mentioned before I want a clean look and hence the shortest lenght that would work for all 3 since I'll be buying like a multi-pack. They come in 10, 12, 14, 18, 20" etc.

Buying the shortest cable that will work is typically not the best way to get a clean cabling layout in a case with good cable routing. The shortest run will typically be out in the open, whereas a longer run would be able to be hidden.

Obviously, you don't want an egregiously long cable, but somewhere between 1 1/2 and 2 times the straighline run is typically good.

 

[ashegam]

Buying the shortest cable that will work is typically not the best way to get a clean cabling layout in a case with good cable routing. The shortest run will typically be out in the open, whereas a longer run would be able to be hidden.

Obviously, you don't want an egregiously long cable, but somewhere between 1 1/2 and 2 times the straighline run is typically good.

Argh, why didn't I think of that? I'm getting old

Great point and thanks!

 

[mfenn]

Argh, why didn't I think of that? I'm getting old

Great point and thanks!

No worries! It's one of those things that isn't obvious until you've gotten in there and mucked around a bit.