How to cable management? Tips? I got BitFenix Prodigy

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Chiuy

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Sep 7, 2012
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Hi,

I was hoping to look for some tips on how to cable management my new case, BitFenix Prodigy (Not M version). I have glass panel on each side, so I really want to clean up the wires. But for some reason, I just can't ever get it to be clean and nice as a professional builder. I have a module PSU too. Should I sleeve it? I just feel like there are wires running in every direction.
An example of a super clean build: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ls364OqUNb4&feature=c4-overview&list=UUqChlb8y4cQ0jAFaNFPQLqA
 
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NGXII

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For a super-clean build, my best advice is to take advantage of Zip-ties and tie-wraps as much as possible, securing them to places within the case, and keeping as many of the cables at right angles as possible. Also, go around the motherboard as much as possible, and across it as little as possible. You may need longer cables to get the look you need, and the ones that come stock tend to be the bare minimum length.

~NGXII
 
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Rammy

Rammy

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Your biggest problem in a Prodigy is if you use the optical drive. With it removed, everything sits (more or less) on the bottom of the case, so it's fairly easy to tidy things up, just by tucking things in. With an optical drive installed, there isn't really a way to route cables which doesn't involve them coming straight down the middle of the case.

Also, a lot of it depends on what you have installed. The front panel audio cable is particularly problematic, as it's short and will reach awkwardly across a lot of motherboards. Having a lot of HDDs will also make things much more complicated, a lot of builds like the one you linked remove all of the drive cages which isn't terribly practical for the average user.

Finally, a build like the one you linked has spent a huge amount of money (and time) on getting that look. All of the cables used are custom sized for both length and purpose, removing excess connectors. Doing this yourself is possible, but most people wouldn't want to spend double their PSU cost (or more) on buying/making cable sets when the stock ones will suffice.
 
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Chiuy

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Interesting. I don't plan on putting a optical, but I do plan on putting a NZXT fan controller / temperature reader. And I agree, the front panel audio cable is reaching across my motherboard. I only have 1 SSD and 1 HDD.
I think my other problem is my liquid cooling, Antec 650, which is actually pretty big: http://www.antec.com/product.php?id=706542&pid=58&lan=nz
Any suggestion where I should put it? Rear? Top? Front?

Thanks for all the comments so far.
 
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Rammy

Rammy

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Yeah I have a 120mm AIO in a Prodigy, and it's one of the main reasons I'd advise against anyone else doing the same, it doesn't make a lot of sense when you consider the alternatives.
If you put it at the rear (almost undoubtedly the best place) then you end up with a fairly tight bulge of the pipes. This is a bit like mine, but the pipes on mine are thicker (and my layout is a lot messier). You just have to orient things as best as you can.
The front is basically a no-go, as you either need to remove the ODD or the drive bays to get a 120mm mount location.
The roof is possible, but given the direction of airflow, and the fact that air will escape naturally from here anyway, I think the rear makes more sense.
 
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Chiuy

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Nice. I'll try to put it in the rear. The reason why I got the Antec 650 liquid cooling was because it is only $25 on sale from Frys (Original was $79).
Are you able to put the rack that holds 2 HDD with your GPU? I have the XFX 7870 and my GPU is a bit big to fit in the rack. =\
What mobo are you using? Currently trying to find a new one since my ASUS Deluxe WiFi was DOA.
 
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Rammy

Rammy

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You can use the lower drive cage with any length of graphics card, it's only the top one (3 drives) that you can't.
Usually that's not a problem, because it still can fit 4 SSDs and 2 HDDs, which is more than most people need. Also, it is possible to mod so the drive cages can all stay in without hitting the graphics card (the overlap is very small anyway).

I use an ASRock Z77E-ITX, but it's not a board that makes a lot of sense these days. If you are using the Antec cooler then you don't need to worry about CPU socket compatibility so much and the Gigabyte/MSI boards might give you really good value for money.
 
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Chiuy

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What you think? The front looks really clean, but the back still has too many wires.

PZFWCqj.jpg

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Rammy

Rammy

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You can tie some of the fan controller cables down etc, but otherwise that's about as good as you'll get. I use the SSD mounting points on the side of the PSU enclosure which aren't necessarily the cleanest but it does get it out of the way.
Otherwise, it looks a lot like mine (but neater). I have a smaller graphics card, a bigger front fan and I use a Lamptron FC9. It'd probably be pretty easy to make a small L shaped bracket with cutouts to cover the whole rear side if it really bothered you, but I imagine with the side on you can't see much of the mess anyway.

It's not really a case with any real intentions towards good cable management, so you've done really well. You should stick it in the members systems image gallery sticky, it's looking really good.
 
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Chiuy

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Thanks! :)
I still have to make a window panel on the right side and hopefully spray paint the mobo and PSU to the orange color once warranty expires. I'm really loving my GPU's orange color that I spray painted. Maybe I should also get a black cover to cover the bottom wires on the right side.
 
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