Cisco Riser Card — Dual PCIe 3.0 Expansion for High-Density Cisco Servers

The Cisco Riser Card is a purpose-built expansion module designed to unlock maximum I/O potential in Cisco data center servers. Engineered for demanding enterprise workloads, this riser card delivers flexible PCI Express 3.0 expansion through 2 x PCIe 3.0 x8 lanes (full-height/half-length) and a PCIe 3.0 x16 lane (full-height/full-length). Whether you’re optimizing storage throughput, boosting networking capacity, or adding accelerators for virtualization and compute-heavy tasks, this riser card is built to enhance performance while preserving space in dense, rack-mounted environments. With Cisco’s reputation for reliability and compatibility, the card integrates seamlessly into supported Cisco platforms, enabling smoother upgrades without compromising system stability or service continuity.

• Dual-slot PCIe 3.0 expansion: Supports 2 x PCI Express 3.0 x8 lanes in a full-height/half-length configuration plus 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x16 lane in a full-height/full-length arrangement. This combination delivers robust, multi-device expansion suitable for NICs, storage controllers, GPUs, FPGA cards, or other PCIe devices, all while fitting into compact or dense server chassis.
• High-bandwidth, low-latency data transfer: PCIe 3.0 delivers excellent throughput and low-latency signaling, enabling high-performance peripherals to operate at their best. With x8 and x16 lane configurations, your data-intensive workloads—such as virtualized networks, high-speed storage, and accelerators—can move quickly between devices and the host processor.
• Flexible form-factor compatibility: Designed for full-height server slots, the riser card accommodates varying chassis depths and blade configurations. The combination of half-length and full-length lane support ensures compatibility across multiple Cisco server families, empowering you to upgrade without replacing your entire platform.
• Reliable, enterprise-grade build: Built to Cisco standards, this riser card prioritizes reliability and compatibility in mission-critical data centers. Expect stable operation, consistent PCIe signaling, and predictable behavior under load, which helps reduce maintenance windows and improve uptime for enterprise applications.
• Ideal for data center modernizations: Use the Cisco Riser Card to extend I/O for virtualization hosts, dense networking appliances, software-defined storage, and accelerator cards in scalable, future-ready architectures. It’s a practical upgrade path for expanding capabilities while preserving existing server investments.

Technical Details of Cisco Riser Card

• PCIe Version: PCI Express 3.0
• Lane Configuration: 2 x PCIe 3.0 x8 (Full-height / Half-length) plus 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 (Full-height / Full-length)
• Form Factor: Riser Card designed for Cisco servers
• Slot Orientation: Full-height compatible; accommodates both half-length and full-length PCIe devices depending on slot
• Target Platform: Cisco data center servers that support PCIe riser cards and multi-slot expansion
• Compatibility Notes: Certified as a Cisco hardware add-on; verify chassis clearance and slot availability for your specific server model

how to install Cisco Riser Card

• Prepare the server: Power down the host and disconnect all power sources. Move the server to a safe, static-free work area. Ensure you follow your data center’s electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions before handling any internal components.
• Open the chassis and locate PCIe slot(s): Access the server’s internal area and locate the designated PCIe riser or expansion slots. Refer to your Cisco server’s maintenance manual to identify the correct riser bay for full-height expansion cards.
• Remove any existing blanking panels or covers: If the slot is currently unused, remove any protective covers or blanking panels to expose the slot and ensure proper airflow around the riser area.
• Align and insert the riser card carefully: With gentle pressure, align the edge connector of the Cisco Riser Card with the PCIe slot and press straight down until seated. Do not twist or rock the card, and ensure the card sits evenly in the slot to guarantee a solid electrical connection.
• Secure and connect cables (if applicable): If the riser card requires any auxiliary connectors or power references, attach them per the server’s documentation. Tighten any securing screws to prevent movement and maintain signal integrity.
• Close the chassis and power up: Reinstall the server covers, reattach power, and boot the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to verify that the riser card is recognized and that the attached PCIe devices are detected correctly.
• Install or update drivers as needed: For PCIe devices connected behind the riser (network cards, storage controllers, accelerators), ensure the appropriate operating system drivers are installed. The riser card itself typically does not require separate drivers, but the devices it hosts may rely on vendor-specific or device-specific drivers for full functionality.
• Validate performance and cooling: After installation, monitor system temperatures and PCIe device performance under typical workloads. Verify that airflow channels around the riser card are clear and that there is adequate cooling within the chassis to prevent thermal throttling.

Frequently asked questions

• What devices can I install behind this Cisco Riser Card? It supports PCIe devices that fit within the 2 x PCIe 3.0 x8 lanes and 1 x PCIe 3.0 x16 lane configuration. Typical applications include NICs, storage controllers, and PCIe accelerators. Always confirm device compatibility with your Cisco server model and the riser card’s specifications.
• Is the riser card compatible with all Cisco servers? The Cisco Riser Card is designed for Cisco data center servers that support PCIe risers and density-optimized expansion. Check your server model’s maintenance guide or Cisco compatibility matrix to ensure proper fit and supported configurations.
• Do I need special drivers for the riser card? The riser card itself does not require separate drivers. PCIe devices installed behind the riser card rely on their own drivers. Ensure the operating system has up-to-date support for the PCIe devices you intend to deploy.
• Can I hot-swap or hot-plug this riser card? For server integrity and data protection, install or remove PCIe expansion components only with the server powered down unless the vendor documentation explicitly states hot-swap support for a given module. Always follow standard electrical safety and ESD precautions.
• What benefits does this provide in a data center environment? The riser card expands I/O capacity in high-density servers, enabling scalable networking, storage, and acceleration capabilities. It helps maximize rack space efficiency, improve resource utilization, and support evolving workloads in virtualized or cloud-native environments.
• How do I verify the riser card is functioning after installation? After enabling the server, check the BIOS/UEFI PCIe device tree to confirm the riser and attached devices are detected. In the OS, verify device presence with the appropriate vendor utilities or device manager, and validate performance under representative workloads to ensure correct operation.