ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero & M2 slots

[DavidReid67]

Just been checking the tech specs of my motherboard (ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero) on a new build going through production and test. I have ordered 3 times 4TB drives ( SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe) in the 3 M2 slots via the system configurator. The motherboard has 5 available (it would seem). The tech specs talk about M2_1, if used, disables PCIEX16(G5)-2 and PCIEX16(G5)-1 has bandwidth issues. I am thinking that the configurator takes care of this by allowing users to only spec 3 M2's and not allowing a build to include M.2_1 . Could you please let me know your thoughts on this one? Am I correct?

 

[Ekans2011]

Just been checking the tech specs of my motherboard (ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero) on a new build going through production and test. I have ordered 3 times 4TB drives ( SAMSUNG 990 PRO M.2, PCIe 4.0 NVMe) in the 3 M2 slots via the system configurator. The motherboard has 5 available (it would seem). The tech specs talk about M2_1, if used, disables PCIEX16(G5)-2 and PCIEX16(G5)-1 has bandwidth issues. I am thinking that the configurator takes care of this by allowing users to only spec 3 M2's and not allowing a build to include M.2_1 . Could you please let me know your thoughts on this one? Am I correct?

Hi, if I'm not mistaken when the M2_1 slot is in use, your second PCIe slot (PCIEX16(G5)_2) will not be available, and your first PCIe slot (PCIEX16(G5)_1) will operate at x8 rather than x16.
If you need both PCIe slots operational, simply use the remaining M.2 slots (M2_2, M2_3, M2_4, and M2_5).

 

[DavidReid67]

I understand your point. I forgot to say that there is a graphics card in first slot and a firewire card in the second. I'm not building this, but simply wanted reassurance that the three M2 cards were being fitted in such a way that the operation of the two cards are not impaired.

 

[Ekans2011]

I understand your point. I forgot to say that there is a graphics card in first slot and a firewire card in the second. I'm not building this, but simply wanted reassurance that the three M2 cards were being fitted in such a way that the operation of the two cards are not impaired.

If you put your M.2s in the other slots, there should be no problem.

Wait for more confirmation from some users that have a Z790 MB. Just to be sure.

EDIT: I forgot to mention that when both PCIEX16(G5) are in use, they run at x8.

 

[DavidReid67]

This is being built and tested as I type. Based on the professional feedback from PCSPECIALISTS to date I bet they have this all covered as standard - just wanted this ticked off.