Here are a few different tips and tricks you can do to better manage cables when building a computer.
1. Understanding your power supply
Power supplies can come in different forms: Modular, semi-modular and non-modular. The difference between each of them is the ability to add or remove cables to the power supply. Non-modular power supplies cannot be altered and will leave you with extra cables that need to be managed. Semi-modular power supplies usually have the 24-pin and ATX12V cables built into it, but other cables may also be built in. Fully modular power supplies allow you to add or remove every form of cable that can come with it.
2. Understanding your case
With the varieties of chassis to house computer builds, many allow you access behind the motherboard tray, giving you more space to work with your cables.
3. Understanding your motherboard
Most motherboards use standard connections that are similar to one another, however their placement on the board can differ depending on the design. Understanding the layout of your board can help with planning your cable management.
4. Using cable ties.
Cable ties, also known as zip ties or Velcro ties, will help hold cables together, especially for different cables that are going along the same paths from the power supply or elsewhere.
5. Minimizing loose additional connections
Some cables will have additional connections such as fan controllers or a daisy-chain setup between multiple parts, most commonly with the hard drive SATA power cables and more recently with PCIe power cables. Keeping loose connections tied or tucked away can help maintain a clean aesthetic and prevent the connections from coming into contact with other components in the system.
6. Functionality vs. Cosmetics: Planning ahead
Some methods of cable management are easier to modify than others. Consider whether you intend to perform future upgrades before settling on your management solutions.