Can't use bottom NVME M.2 Slot?

[BingoBongo]

So, I am using the MSI MPG z390 PRO CARBON AC, and there's some weird thing that has been going on in the bottom M.2 slot.

When using the bottom M.2 slot- freezes, BSODs, problems booting, etc. It seems as though these crashes stop after a while and it forces my GPU to run at x8 native

When using the top M.2 slot- everything is great, no problems at all. GPU runs at x16 and no freezes or BSODs.

Normally I would just use the top m.2 in this situation, but I would really rather not because the bottom M.2 has higher speeds and it has a m.2 cover to cover up the ugly blue PCB of my NVME SSD that takes away from my red color schemed to build.

 

[Caring1]

M2 - 2 is a shared slot with Sata ports, M2 - 1 (the top one) runs directly from the PCH and is not shared.
They are both the same speed according to the manual, neither is higher.

 

[yotano211]

So, I am using the MSI MPG z390 PRO CARBON AC, and there's some weird thing that has been going on in the bottom M.2 slot.

When using the bottom M.2 slot- freezes, BSODs, problems booting, etc. It seems as though these crashes stop after a while and it forces my GPU to run at x8 native

When using the top M.2 slot- everything is great, no problems at all. GPU runs at x16 and no freezes or BSODs.

Normally I would just use the top m.2 in this situation, but I would really rather not because the bottom M.2 has higher speeds and it has a m.2 cover to cover up the ugly blue PCB of my NVME SSD that takes away from my red color schemed to build.

Whats your question?

 

[BingoBongo]

Whats your question?

I would like to try to find out why I am unable to use the bottom NVME slot

M2 - 2 is a shared slot with SATA ports, M2 - 1 (the top one) runs directly from the PCH and is not shared.
They are both the same speed according to the manual, neither is higher.

Interesting. I do have an 860 EVO PRO connected to my SATA 1 port, could that have anything to do with it?

 

[Shou Miko]

Interesting. I do have an 860 EVO PRO connected to my SATA 1 port, could that have anything to do with it?

Yes, you need to change it to another SATA port otherwise the M.2. port will be disabled.

This is common lately because there isn't enough PCI-E lanes to go around.

 

[BingoBongo]

Yes, you need to change it to another SATA port otherwise the M.2. port will be disabled.

This is common lately because there isn't enough PCI-E lanes to go around.

Funky, in the manual I only see it saying that if I connect my M.2 to the bottom slot then only slot 6 or slot 5 will be disabled.

 

[Shou Miko]

Funky, in the manual I only see it saying that if I connect my M.2 to the bottom slot then only slot 6 or slot 5 will be disabled.

Some take SATA 1 & 2 other 5 & 6.

I had the same issue with my Asus ROG Strix B550-A Gaming, where I had to push my M.2. SSD down with my finger so it would detect it in bios then I shut down and screwed it in to place and it works fine now.

 

[BingoBongo]

Some take SATA 1 & 2 other 5 & 6.

I had the same issue with my Asus ROG Strix B550-A Gaming, where I had to push my M.2. SSD down with my finger so it would detect it in bios then I shut down and screwed it in to place and it works fine now.

Well considering that my disabled ports are 5 and 6 and I'm using 1 then that couldnt be the problem could it?

 

[Shou Miko]

Nope when you say that your manual lists SATA port 5 & 6 it might be a mounting issue, but you can just disconnect all your SATA devices and check.

Just saying my experince with a Asus B550 board.

 

[DeathtoGnomes]

if this is a new build, I'd unplug all drives anyways to install windows on the NVME