User Guide

ASUS Z170-WS
1-35
Chapter 1
15. M.2 socket 3
This socket allows you to install an M.2 (NGFF) SSD module.
• This socket supports M Key and type 2242/2260/2280/22110 storage devices.
• The M.2 X4_1 shares bandwidth with SATA6G_56. Refer to section 3.6.4 PCH
Configuration of this user guide for more details. When you use both connectors, the
system automatically detects the devices connected to these connectors and set a
higher priority to M.2 Socket 3 than SATA interface. You can adjust the BIOS settings
to set the priority.
• M.2 X4_2 SATA mode shares bandwidth with SATA6G_12. When you use both
connectors, the system automatically detects the devices connected to these
connectors and set a higher priority to M.2 Socket 3 than SATA interface. You can
adjust the BIOS settings to set the priority.
• M.2 X4_2 PCIe mode shares bandwidth with U.2. When you use both connectors, the
system automatically detects the devices connected to these connectors and set a
higher priority to M.2 Socket 3 than U.2 interface. You can adjust the BIOS settings to
set the priority.
• When using Intel
®
Desktop Responsiveness technologies with PCIe M.2 device,
ensure to set up the Windows
®
UEFI operating system under RAID mode.
The M.2 (NGFF) SSD module is purchased separately.