Installing M.2 Devices; Installing M.2 Key-M Socket 3 Devices - EVGA X299 Micro ATX 2 Installation Manual

EVGA X299 Micro ATX 2 (121-SX-E296)

Installing M.2 devices

Installing M.2 Key-M Socket 3 Devices

Securing an M.2 device to the motherboard requires a few extra steps compared to other
current drive or slot-based connectors. M.2 devices used on this motherboard - Socket
3 (for SSDs) and Socket 1 (for WiFi/Bluetooth) – are installed differently.
Below are images from an installation of an SSD on the Socket 3 Key-M 80mm slot of
the X299 MICRO ATX 2.
1. Before you can install an M.2 device, you must
first remove the screw that comes pre-attached to
the Socket 3's retention standoff; this will be used
to keep the device in place. By default, the
standoff is placed at the 80mm interval for the
Socket 3 slots. If your device is shorter than
80mm, you will need to unscrew the standoff and
fasten it to the correct retention socket.
2. Add one thermal pad – included with the X299 MICRO ATX 2 accessories – to the
outlined area below. This will assist with cooling your M.2 Key-M device.
- 31 -