Probably overthinking it but I feel the manual could have used at least a word or two besides the basic photo, I have a WD black 1tb sn850 and just want to make sure I optimize the thermal pads with it.
 
Orange circle 1, pro tip use 5mm socket to remove because the teeth will pop off just breaking the factory torque when loosened. Probably didn't need to remove but was just following directions in order.
 
Orange circle 2 **** My problem mostly stemmed from not realizing the included screws separated into a riser and a screw and was attempting to use as a screw only ****
 
Square 3, assumedly I put a thermal pad here? seems strange to sit over a chip in first 2 boxes and flush in last one, im so hesitant to place something over multiple solderings out of fear lol. The thinner pad if double sided nvme and thicker if single sided. Both sizes provided. I dont quite see how this helps transfer heat if anyone can explain be greatly appreciated. also can I use a another piece to extend (fill in) until the mounting screw? any benefit of this? does it transfer heat on that side to motherboard or is it more for stability?
 
 

 

 

 
This is the manual, step one remove cover and screws, check
step two remove the screws that mounted the heatsink (not required for shorter cards remember 5mm not screw driver)
step 3 grey square assumedly thermal pad? peel both sides? (probably unfounded fear of conductivity)
step 4 lay in and press down the nvme (assume find extra screws and separate into a riser and install prior to nvme)
step 5 im guessing the arrow means use screw
step 6 replace heatsink, assuming remove the backing off of it first
 
I have done plain installs of NVME before and seemed more straight forward, being a performance build and pricey i am being extra careful but i cannot be the only one struggling here?
 
any help appreciated, I will update thread as I figure it out or answers are provided. Thank you

Good job.....!!
Now we will move on to installing a WB on a GPU ;)
 
Enjoy your new mobo and ssd!!

joneffingvo
"Orange circle 2 **** My problem mostly stemmed from not realizing the included screws separated into a riser and a screw and was attempting to use as a screw only ****" I still never figured out this part...

there should be m2 screws in the accessory kit box to hold down the m2 disks. use one of the supplied screws in there for that

it's a standoff and retaining screw. so the top part disconnects from the standoff in your photo, and then you screw that standoff piece in to board, lay m2 on top and use the screw part to hold it together 

joneffingvo

zippytek
it's a standoff and retaining screw. so the top part disconnects from the standoff in your photo, and then you screw that standoff piece in to board, lay m2 on top and use the screw part to hold it together 

I had an inclination that was the case, but how did you gets separate the top part? I tried screwing it into the board and then trying to pry the top off but no luck? I also tried prying it off with the screw in my hand(s) but as you can tell because its so little its hard to get any grip.

For mine, I just held the threads lightly with pliers (with a paper towel protecting the threads) and unscrewed the screw with a screwdriver.  I didn't want to install the standoff and inadvertently overtighten the screw I was trying to remove.

YA shame on EVGA for not explaining these screws better. 

<p>YA shame on EVGA for not explaining these screws better.&nbsp;</p>