I did not know about the BPN-SAS-846A! That is what I really need as I already have Intel RES2SV240 sas expander.The TQ backplane will work with greater than 2TB drives as it is a direct connection to your HBA. It would be cable hell as you say so you would be better served with a BPN-SAS-846A which groups 4 drives per SFF8087 cable so six cables to connect all 24 drives. I just replaced the SAS2 expander in my SC216 with the A backplane and it works great.
Here is one on eBay. I don't know if this is a good deal or not. Seems expensive considering I paid $50 for my 216A backplane. It does come with the cables which is nice as it sounds like you have the breakout cables.I did not know about the BPN-SAS-846A! That is what I really need as I already have Intel RES2SV240 sas expander.
So anyone one have a BPN-SAS-846A for sale?