Intel Motherboards - Z170 Extreme 4+: Ultra M2 + x16 graphics card?

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Z170 Extreme 4+: Ultra M2 + x16 graphics card?

Printed From: ASRock.com
Category: Technical Support
Forum Name: Intel Motherboards
Forum Description: Question about ASRock Intel Motherboards
URL: https://forum.asrock.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13370
Printed Date: 04 Aug 2025 at 6:19pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.04 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Z170 Extreme 4+: Ultra M2 + x16 graphics card?

Posted By: yaromir
Subject: Z170 Extreme 4+: Ultra M2 + x16 graphics card?
Date Posted: 06 Jan 2020 at 9:17pm

Hello.

I have ASRock Z170 Extreme 4+ motherboard. Currently I'm using Intel HD Graphics GPU integrated into Intel CPU. I'm planning to buy discrete graphics card. Also at some point in future I also plan to buy Ultra M.2 SSD.

Is it possible to install both Ultra M.2 SSD and PCI-E x16 graphics card on ASRock Z170 Extreme 4+?

I've read somewhere that there are limitations in motherboard schematic, i.e. it uses same PCI-E lanes for Ultra M.2 port and graphics card port: 4 lanes for Ultra M.2 are taken from graphics card port, so it's impossible to install both x16 graphics card and Ultra M.2 SSD. So available configurations are:
1) x8 graphics card + Ultra M.2 SSD (x4 are taken from first PCI-E x16 port for graphics card).
2) NVIDIA SLI (x8 + x8) + Ultra M.2 SSD (x4 are taken from first PCI-E x16 port for graphics).
3) x16 graphics card, no Ultra M.2 SSD (all lanes from first PCI-E x16 port for graphics card are engaged).
4) AMD/ATI Crossfire x16 + x8 + x4, no Ultra M.2 SSD (all lanes from first PCI-E x16 port for graphics card are engaged)

Is that true?
I'm unable to Google neither confirmation nor disproof of that.

Thanks.