Question Why is 2 of the NVME slots on my motherboard bigger than the one in the middle?

[SeriousGaming101]

Here is my Z390 Godlike motherboard: https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144209

Why are the 2 outer NVME slots bigger than the one NVME slot in the middle?

I recently ordered a Samsung 990 Pro 4TB NVME, am I ONLY able to install that storage drive in the middle NVME slot on the motherboard?

 

[Lutfij]

https://download.msi.com/archive/mnu_exe/mb/E7B10v1.1.pdf
page 36~37;
M2_1, M2_2 and M2_3 all have a post/standoff/mounting pole you can move closer to the slot.

 

[Eximo]

M2 form factor comes in many different lengths. 80mm is the most commonly used. But 110mm and other sizes are supported. You just have to move the mounting screw.

 

[USAFRet]

https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/MEG-Z390-GODLIKE/Specification

• M2_1 & M2_3 support up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/ 2260/ 2280/ 22110 storage devices
• M2_2 supports up to PCIe 3.0 x4 and SATA 6Gb/s, 2242/ 2260/ 2280 storage devices

It simply means they can take NMVe drives that are longer.
The typical size is 2280
(22mmwide, 80mm long)

2 of your slots can take also 22110 (110mm long)

Your 990 would physically fit in any of the 3.