Yeah I'm aware of the global shipping programme. I'll take another look once all is up and running. I haven't heard of Matrix Orbital. I'll have a look at those too.
I finally got some time this evening to start assembling. It's looking good
The default way Thermaltake had run all the wires was crappy - typical quick factory job. I think I spent more time re-routing wires than anything else.
I wouldn't worry about it looking like a viper nest... I think I've gone through almost 30 cable ties. >:D
I still have 9 SATA cables to do so that'll probably be closer to 35.
I ordered those today but they're coming from HK and probably won't get dispatched until Monday so I won't be up and running yet. I didn't want to get SATA cables until everything was in and I'd checked lengths. I have 9 of them to route, so didn't want to guess. I couldn't find those braided ones you mentioned however, I managed to find some rounded black/dark grey ones for the array and a flat blue one for the OS SSD. They're all about 50cm because for some reason 40cm cables are more expensive... Probably because you 'need' them.
Here's a view through the rear vent...
Btw.. It's VERY quiet. I can't imagine the drives will make a lot of difference. They're reasonably quiet models.
After a couple of preliminary benchmarks, and letting everything settle again, most components are sitting in the mid 30s or early 40s C, with the exception of the CPU which sits at about 53C. I might lap the heat sink when I get an hour. I think that can come down a tiny bit more.