M 2 Slots On Motherboard. The m 2 format is specially designed for manufacturers to replace various specific devices. Three pcie gen4x4 slots are integrated and the option for 2 remaining gen4x4 slots is available via included add in card which msi calls xpander z gen4.
I strongly recommend using the bottom slot with a pcie m 2 drive because the top slot interferes with sata operations in a complicated way explained on page 30 of the manual. To begin with what is an m 2 slot. The bottom slot disables the bottom x16 slot with x4 lanes.
In order to use an m 2 ssd in your desktop pc or laptop you ll need a motherboard with m 2 slots.
This motherboard supports m 2 cards in 42mm 60mm and 80mm lengths. Even a tiny mini itx motherboard can easily make room for the maximum length m 2 pcb which is 110 millimeters long. Both slots will disable a sata port if you use a sata m 2 drive refer to page 30 for more information. For desktops length isn t typically a problem.
