Question New build, multiple M.2 SSD's, OS installation, ASUS Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

[cameraman]

ASUS Maximus Z790 Dark Hero Motherboard. Question on M.2 SSD installation for a new build. I have 3 Samsung 990 Pro's to install. Normally I would install just one, install the OS, power down and then install the other drives. The motherboard complicates my preference.

I was planning on using M.2 Slot 2 for Windows 11, 3 and 4 for data. With the heat-sink tape and cover, the GPU covering the slots, is it recommended to go ahead and install all three before loading the OS? It's been 8 years but can I only initialize the SSD in slot 2? I don't remember if when loading Windows 11 for the first time, will I know which SSD is in slot 2 and if I can only initialize it?

Or should I install one, leave the heat-sink cover off, install the GPU, load the OS, remove the GPU, add the other two SSD's, take the tape off the sink pads and replace the cover and GPU.

M.2 slot 4 and 5 don't have the bottom pad, just the top. Do I need to add anything on the bottom of the SSD in those slots?

Thank you.

 

[Lafong]

Not sure I'm visualizing your explanation or exactly what the problem is, but....

I'd think any 2nd or 3rd drive would be well down the list of priorities.

Graphics card might not be an immediate priority either as long as you have integrated CPU graphics. Don't know what CPU you have.

The hard drives aren't going to go up in flames immediately just because they lack a heatsink.

I'd at least temporarily be willing to do what I had to do in whatever order to get all the stuff installed, up and running....emphasizing the OS drive and Windows installation.

But I'm sure I'm missing something. Heatsink clearance issue?

You mention M.2 slots 2, 3, and 4. Is there no slot 1?

 

[cameraman]

It is an assembly question. I was hoping to cut a corner and not have to install a single SSD, the GPU, remove to install the other 2 SSD's and install the GPU again. My CPU is an Intel Core i9-14900KF (No graphics). There is a slot 1 but it shares bandwidth with PCIEX16(G5)_1 and 2.

All M.2 slots have a cover. Slots 2 and three have heat sink pads below where the SSD is installed and above where the pads are fastened to the cover. Slot 4 and 5 only has a pad on the cover.

The GPU when installed will cover the M.2 slots.