JMich: I'd suggest checking the Motherboard's manual to be sure, but I think you could use up to 6 devices (with the Sata II for the optical drives I'd say). Windows should be able to pick up all the devices, as should linux and probably Mac as well.
As to why use so many drives, you use 2 in raid 1 for the system, with raid 1 meaning that the drives are cloned, so even if one fails, the other can still work, with 3 more drives (or 4) as raid 5, meaning that even if one fails, you can still reclaim your data. You do lose 1 drive's capacity for the redundancy, and it's not something you should worry about it right now, but there are people who use all their sata connectors, and need a few more as well ;)
Should you need anything else, do post here, we'll be cheering for you.
Yeah, I checked the manual, and it's not as crystal clear as YES YOU CAN PUT 5 HARD DRIVES in there, but I does read like that in fact is the case. I just wanted to make sure though. THANK YOU.
I think I'm gonna take advantage of that deal on Newegg today then. I got a Blue Ray reader only for my system, and that was $65 (after a promo code was used) and it's an LG that others have told me they had good luck with.
There's a promo code for today only at newegg for a Blue Ray Reader/Writer for $60!! It's a Lite-on, and I've heard mixed reviews on Lite-on, but I've got a Lite-on DVD drive/burner that's worked GREAT for me. And for $60, I'm gonna give it a go.
So, guess I have to wait for another part now. lol. That's ok. I'm NOT rushing this. I want to do it RIGHT, not fast. I just hope I actually can do it right. lol
Fifeldor: Hmm, I think I'll be in your shoes in the future, because my next PC, I want to build it myself with custom parts. The only thing is, I have no patience, so if I don't have someone telling me exactly what to do or can't figure it out, I'll just call a technician and we'll build it together.
Good luck dude, and post a picture of your machine once you're done. ;-)
Believe it or not, I do not own a camera at the moment. My laptop had a built in web cam that I used to pick up and "point" toward something before whenever I wanted to take a pic, but that laptop is now officially KIA. (Hard drive I think). And I had to ship my new one back because it wasn't right either. And no, I don't own a cell phone. AT ALL. Never had. Likely never will. So, no camera unless I get my new laptop back soon.
If I do get hold of a camera though I will take a pic, even if it's a pic to show others how NOT to do it since I screwed it up lol. My son, nephews, and niece of course all have cell phones (with cameras) so if one of them stops by I'll grab their phone for a minute. Assuming of course I actually get this built. lol
Oh, also, Newegg has a 3 part video series up that I found very helpful. I think there are better ones out there too, so I think there is help out there if you need it. I watched all 3 before ever starting. And I've watched the second one twice. And the third one once plus (there's a thing in there I'm still VERY CONFUSED ON regarding setting up Windows the first time, guessing when I get to that point I'll be posting here again because I've watched that part like 5 times and I still don't understand exactly what he's saying).
Anyway, start with the Newegg videos, then pick a couple more, and you'll feel better about it. I know I did.