Here's a bit of a non-update update for now. Basically just a smattering of hardware pieces I've gotten but haven't yet or won't be putting into the build.
I guess first up is the ADT Link PCIe gen 4 riser cable that I ordered of AliExpress a while ago. They accidentely sent me the 20cm long version instead of the 25cm long one so it wont fit in my build. But more importantly, I don't think I'll be reordering a 25 cm version either. Holding it in my hands it just feels like less of a finished product compared to the LinkUP riser cables. It's very - for a lack of a better word - crinkly? Also very shiny. Here are some pictures:
[MEDIA=imgur]a/5dJKvgZ[/MEDIA]
I think I'll end up sticking with the LinkUP cables as they feel a little more polished and work well enough. I'll probably be looking to downsize from my current 30cm one down to a 25cm one. The 25cm fits pretty perfectly without the redriver card so the CPU cooler exhaust should have a pretty clear airflow path. I guess if anyone wants the 20cm right angle one from ADT Link, just let me know and I'll let you have it for shipping.
I've also slowly collected pretty much every option I've found to add USB Type C ports to the build. Here they are below:
[MEDIA=imgur]a/gBfWsa3[/MEDIA]
Delock M.2 to USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type E adapter: This is probably the one I'm going to use for now as it's the easiest to fit in my current build.
Generic M.2 to USB 3.2 Gen 3 Type C Female Header: This is the first one I got but ended up realizing that it probably wont work for me. I'm limited to single slot width and all the Type C cables are too tall to fit. The only options seem to the be the ADT Link right angle versions for the other end doesn't have a panel mount so I dont have a good way to mount the connector.
Sunix UPD2018: I think this is the holy grail in terms of my use case. Doesn't have all the hassle of Thunderbolt 3 add in cards and still allows me to output data + DP 1.2 to my KVM or monitor. I just need to figure out how to fit it in my case. Current plan is to get an M.2 to PCIe x4 adapter and let the card hand somewhere towards the front of the case. Would run DP and USB Type C extension cables to the back so we can pretend nothing sketchy is happening on the inside.
And lastly I got my J Hack M2426 replacement last week but haven't gotten around to putting it in yet. So that's part of my weekend plans. I'll also probably flip the fan on my bottom radiator to exhaust to see if that helps temps.
