SLI Graphics with M.2 SSD

[pcbsaw]

Hello everyone, I have gone through the other thread discussing this issue, but wanted a little more clarification.

Here are my hardware specs:
Asus Maximus VIII Formula Motherboard
Asus Strix 1080 Graphics Card in SLI
Samsung 960 Pro M.2 1TB
Intel i7 6700K

The way I have set it up currently is graphics card 1 in the PCIe x16 and graphics card 2 in the PCIe x8. The M.2 SSD is currently attached in the M.2 slot. (My understanding is that the M.2 SSD is using the PCIe x4 through the chipset and should not affect the graphics cards which are in the following configuration with the cpu PCIe x8 -times 2)

However since the Maximus VIII Formula has a cover over the M.2 slot, It makes the SSD run pretty hot. Even after removing the cover, it is pretty hot because the graphics card completely covers it and there is practically no ventilation in that area. I was considering using one of those M.2 to PCIe adapters to connect the M.2 SSD which hopefully makes it run a little cooler.

This is where I am uncertain of things. When I use the lowest PCIe slot of my motherboard (PCIe 3.0 x4) for the M.2 SSD, will it change my configuration to PCIe x8 x4 x4 or will it keep it at x8 x8 and the M.2 SSD will use the 4 PCIe lanes through the chipset?

Here is my motherboard spec:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=2uza5vp&s=9#.WL0eVxiZP-Y

Also, I am planning to consider the following adapters, any insight would be really appreciated.
1) https://www.amazon.com/Angelbird-Wings-PX1-PCIe-Adapter/dp/B018U79YQK/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1488788326&sr=8-12&keywords=m.2+pcie+adapter

2) http://www.performance-pcs.com/aquacomputer-kryom-2-pcie-3-0-x4-adapter-for-m-2-ngff-pcie-ssd-m-key-with-passive-heatsink.html

Thanks in advance..

 

[FD2Raptor]

According to what I can see in its manual, you'd still have your SLI intact, but will lose two SATA ports: SATA3_56.

Well, technically, if you configure that PCIe slot to just PCIe 3.0 x2 (half speed) then you'd still retain those SATA ports, but why would you want to intentionally hamper your 960 Pro anyway.

 

[DRagor]

From your mobo manual, page 26 "PCIex 4_3 slot shares lanes with SATA6G_56, and does not share any lanes with other slots."
So your PCIe will stay at x8 x8 and SSD will use lanes devoted to SATA, exactly the same way as it works when put to M.2 slot.

 

[helpstar]

How hot is it getting? Eventually an additional case fan could be a better solution.

 

[pcbsaw]

Thanks for your replies guys, that cleared up the my concerns.

 

[pcbsaw]

How hot is it getting? Eventually an additional case fan could be a better solution.

It gets close to 65C with normal usage (web browser etc..). I already have a few case fans installed. I will try an adapter and see how it fairs in that case.