It seems that the raid controller breakout cable thats designed for the backplane makes its incredibly difficult to cable it. The right angle bend sata cables need to bend down, making it very difficult to attach them.
Is there an easier way? Should I remove the backplane, cable it then reinstall?
Thanks
The best way I found was to remove the fan array and airflow blocking styrofoam by pulling the clip release on the top end of the fan array. Some of the older models have the fan array held in by rubber nipples that mate with metal pins. In this case removing the fan array is just lifting up.
Note. Even with the fan and styrofoam removed, port 3 can be a little tricky. Needle nose pliers can really help.