Can I squeeze in a 2280 M2 SSD on an Asrock Z97E-ITX/ac motherboard?

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brakteat

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Oct 7, 2015
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I would like to mount a 2280 M2 SSD (Samsung 850 EVO or 950 Pro) on an Asrock Z97E-ITX/ac motherboard. This board officially only supports 2230 and 2242 M2 SSD. However, I will use a CPU cooler which has no backplate. There seems to be enough space for a 2280 M2 SSD which continues underneath the CPU. The SSD could then be secured to the motherboard with adhesive tape instead of the usual screw.

Would this work or have I missed any obstacle or compatibility issue?
 
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DonkeyOatie
OK. Here's some photos. I don't think it will work for you.

From the back.

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From the side 1

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and 2

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brakteat

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Thank you, I would be much grateful! When I draw a 2280 M2 SSD on a backside photo of the Asrock motherboard, the SSD seems to pass over the side of the closest bolt that holds the motherboard's own plate underneath the CPU. Does that bolt protrude too much from the motherboard surface for the M2 SSD to pass over its side?
 
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brakteat

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Thank you for helping me out with photos and advice! It was very kind of you. :)

From the photos, the backplate screw does seem to stop me from installing a 2280 SSD unless it is possible to saw/drill enough off the side of the screw in a safe way. I will still buy that motherboard and might try your suggestion of the double-sided 2260 to get 512 Gb or else settle for 256 Gb in 2242 form.
 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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Help is what we do here. :)

This sort of problem is so specific, we are always happy to help because who knows the lurkers out there or those who might Search and find this in the future.

Even the mounting plate is pretty thick. If you can return it easily, I might try a 2280 and see just what it might take, but I would certainly look at the 2260 option. The Crucial is a little slower than the Samsung but, for OS and applications, the difference will barely be noticeable, whereas the general improvement of the SSD is huge.

I think I'll try a 512Gb M.2 2260 when I put this board in its case. M.2 prices were higher when I looked last. Now there are almost the same as a SATA SSD and may drop further. I like very compact builds, so the space saved is useful.

If you have a Dremel tool or similar, you may be able to safely grind away one side of the nut and bolt, or even (VERY CAREFULLY) grind away the edge of the M.2 card.
 
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dvo

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I'm wondering if you ever tried this and what the result was? I have the same board and have also been interested in m2 ssd's.

 
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DonkeyOatie

DonkeyOatie

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This thread is solved and dead. Posting to in now is necromancy, resurrecting a dead thread, and frowned upon in this forum.

The best way to handle your needs would be to send me or the OP a PM.

In answer to your question, I tried a 512Gb 2260 M.2 but I was not prepared to mod. the board and the card enough to get it to fit. I used a 256Gb 2242 M.2 instead.

I didn't do photos and it is now in the case, under the mother board.
 
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brakteat

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I was actually able to grind off the side of the interfering screw and mount my 2280 M2 SSD with thermal tape. I also put thermal pads on it in order to get heat transfer to the bottom of my horizontal case. The SSD now works fine and runs cool under load in a completely fanless case.

 
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