Cable management that actually helps

Clean cabling is airflow and serviceability, not just looks. Route order, tie points, and the shortcuts pros use.

1. 1

   Route behind the tray

   Nearly every cable should travel behind the motherboard tray and emerge through the grommet closest to its destination. Front-panel connectors route through the bottom grommet.

2. 2

   Connect in size order

   Largest first: 24-pin, then EPS (route it before installing the board top edge is easier), then PCIe, SATA, and finally the fiddly front-panel pins.

3. 3

   Tie at anchor points

   Most cases have tie loops behind the tray. Bundle parallel runs loosely with velcro — you WILL re-open this. Zip ties are for the final pass, if ever.

   Tip: The back panel doesn't need to be pretty; it needs to close. Flat bundles beat tight round ones.

4. 4

   Mind the airflow paths

   Keep the front intake → GPU/CPU → rear exhaust path clear. No cable should hang in front of a fan or rest on the GPU's fans.

   Careful: Never leave loose cables dangling near CPU or case fan blades — a caught cable can stall a fan silently.