Z97M WS C226M WS

28

Z97M WS / C226M WS

2.11 M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Installation Guide

The M.2, also known as the Next Generation Form Factor (NGFF), is a small size and versatile card edge connector that aims to replace mPCIe and mSATA. The M.2_SSD

(NGFF) Socket 3 can accommodate either a M.2 SATA3 6.0 Gb/s module or a M.2 PCI

Express module up to Gen 2 x2 (10 Gb/s). Please be noted that the M.2_SSD (NGFF)

Socket 3 is shared with the SATA Express connector; you can only choose either the M.2_

SSD (NGFF) Socket 3 or the SATA Express connector to use.

*The M.2_SSD (NGFF) Socket 3 supports SSD drives. Please note that the WiFi or other non-SSD M.2 modules are not supported.

*The M.2 slot is shared with SATA3_4 and SATA3_5 ports.

Installing the M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module

Step 1

Prepare a M.2_SSD (NGFF) module and the screw.

5

4

3

Step 2

Depending on the PCB type and length of your M.2_SSD (NGFF) module, find the corresponding nut location to be used.

2

1

E D C B A

No.

Nut Location

PCB Length

Module Type

1 2 3 4 5

A

3cm

B

4.2cm

C

6cm

D

8cm

E

11cm

Type2230 Type 2242 Type2260 Type 2280 Type 22110

29

30

E D C B

A

E D C B A

C B A

E D C B A

Step 3

Move the standoff based on the module type and length.

The standoff is placed at the nut location D by default. Skip Step 3 and

4 and go straight to Step 5 if you are going to use the default nut.

Otherwise, release the standoff by hand.

Step 4

Peel off the yellow protective film on the nut to be used. Hand tighten the standoff into the desired nut location on the motherboard.

Step 5

Align and gently insert the M.2

(NGFF) SSD module into the M.2 slot. Please be aware that the M.2

(NGFF) SSD module only fits in one orientation.

E D

NUT2 NUT1

Step 6

Tighten the screw with a screwdriver to secure the module into place.

Please do not overtighten the screw as this might damage the module.

31

30

Z97M WS / C226M WS

M.2_SSD (NGFF) Module Support List

PCIe Interface SATA Interface

Plextor PX-AG256M6e ADATA AXNS381E-128GM-B

Plextor PX-AG512M6e

SanDisk SD6PP4M-128G

ADATA AXNS381E-256GM-B

Crucial CT120M500SSD4/120G

SanDisk SD6PP4M-256G Crucial CT240M500SSD4/240G

Samsung XP941-512G (MZHPU512HCGL) Intel SSDSCKGW080A401/80G

Kingston RBU-SNS8400S3/180GD

For the latest updates of M.2_SSD (NFGG) module support list, please visit our website for details: http://www.asrock.com

31