UPDATE: Tomorrow I will load W7 on the EVO, then update the BIOS to the most current from Asus, then install a fresh W7 on the m.2. The new BIOS update seems to be working for the ROG Maximus 8 Hero (Z170) allowing an m.2 installed on the mobo to be automatically recognized during boot without...
Another idea, can I load W7 onto the EVO 850 first, get everything running and update the BIOS. And THEN transfer the boot/windows files to the m.2? would this work at all? would I have to change things in the BIOS?