Description
HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit
Elevate your HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus server with the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit, a purpose-built expansion solution that unlocks powerful PCIe capability in a compact, enterprise-grade form factor. This riser kit is designed to deliver two high-bandwidth PCIe x16 lanes, enabling you to deploy demanding accelerator cards, GPUs, NVMe expanders, or other PCIe devices without compromising system stability or rack space. Built for data centers, research labs, and enterprise workloads, this secondary riser kit helps you maximize throughput, accelerate compute-intensive tasks, and scale your server to meet evolving workloads.
As a critical component in the HPE ecosystem, the DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Secondary Riser Kit pairs with your DL38x family chassis to provide robust, reliable PCIe connectivity. It is engineered to integrate seamlessly with HPE firmware and management tools, helping you manage expansion slots with consistent performance and predictable latency. If you’re expanding GPU-accelerated workloads, data analytics pipelines, or high-speed storage environments, this riser kit is designed to deliver the bandwidth you need while maintaining the server’s thermal and electrical integrity.
In busy data centers where uptime matters, this riser kit provides engineering-grade reliability: rugged construction, secure connectors, and a design that minimizes signal loss across long server backplanes. It’s the kind of component that system integrators and IT professionals rely on to keep multi-GPU configurations, AI workloads, and virtualization environments running smoothly. With the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit, you’re investing in expansion flexibility that scales with your business needs, without compromising on server manageability or vendor support.
- Dual PCIe x16 slots in a single secondary riser configuration, delivering high-bandwidth expansion for GPUs, accelerators, and fast NVMe devices within HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus servers.
- Designed specifically for the DL38X Gen10 Plus chassis and compatible with HPE firmware, ensuring seamless integration with system BIOS, management tools, and driver stacks for enterprise reliability.
- Compact, rugged construction with secure connectors and a thermally aware layout that supports dense, data-center-grade deployments while maintaining predictable latency and stable power delivery.
- Easy integration into existing server builds with a straightforward installation pathway that minimizes downtime and preserves airflow, cabling simplicity, and overall rack density.
- Part of a trusted HPE expansion ecosystem, backed by standard HPE warranty and support, ensuring compatibility with future firmware updates and enterprise service offerings.
Technical Details of HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit
- Riser type: Secondary PCIe riser kit enabling two x16 PCIe lanes in a single expansion path
- PCIe slots supported: 2 x PCIe x16 (full-height, full-length card support as applicable to the DL38X Gen10 Plus platform)
- Form factor: Server riser module designed for HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus servers
- Compatibility: HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus chassis family; intended to work with HPE firmware, BIOS, and management tools for enterprise deployments
- Electrical and signaling: PCIe-based expansion with dedicated lanes to minimize bottlenecks and preserve bandwidth for high-performance cards
- Mechanical notes: Engineered for secure installation within the server backplane environment; aligns with standard HPE mounting hardware and backplane interfaces
- Warranty and support: Covered under HPE standard hardware warranty and support programs applicable to DL38X Gen10 Plus expansion components
How to install HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit
Step 1 Power down the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus server and unplug all power sources. Remove the side access panel to gain clear access to the backplane area where PCIe risers are installed. Ensure you follow proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions to protect sensitive components.
Step 2 Identify the secondary riser slot and confirm you have the correct expansion bay free of obstructions. If your chassis design requires rear fan clearance or specific cabling routes, plan the installation path to avoid airflow disruption and ensure easy future maintenance.
Step 3 Align the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit with the riser connector on the motherboard/backplane. Gently press to seat the riser in place, ensuring a firm, secure connection to prevent any interference or looseness during operation.
Step 4 Secure the riser kit using the appropriate mounting screws or brackets as specified by HPE’s hardware guide. Confirm that all fasteners are tightened to the recommended torque and that there is no warping or misalignment that could affect card seating.
Step 5 Reinstall the server side panel, reconnect power, and boot the system. Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup to verify that both PCIe x16 slots are detected and are configured for the desired operating mode (for example, PCIe Gen 3 or Gen 4 as supported by your processor and motherboard). Update BIOS and firmware if prompted to ensure optimal compatibility with the riser kit.
Step 6 Install the PCIe cards you intend to use in the two x16 slots. Confirm that each card is properly seated and secured, then power on the system again to perform a post-check. Use the operating system’s device manager or a hardware monitoring tool to verify recognition, temperature, and performance metrics for each card.
Step 7 Run a basic validation suite or vendor-provided diagnostics to confirm stability under load. Pay attention to power draw and thermal behavior; ensure that cooling airflow remains unobstructed by the added hardware. If any anomalies are detected, consult HPE support resources for guidance on power, thermals, or BIOS adjustments.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: What is the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus x16/x16 Slot 1/2 Secondary Riser Kit?
A: It is a purpose-built expansion component for HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus servers that provides two PCIe x16 expansion lanes via a secondary riser. This allows you to install high-bandwidth devices such as GPUs, accelerators, or NVMe expansion cards while maintaining compatibility with HPE management and firmware ecosystems.
- Q: Which systems is this riser kit compatible with?
A: Designed for HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus family servers, it aligns with the manufacturer’s backplane, chassis, and firmware. For best results, verify compatibility with your exact server model and BIOS version in the official HPE documentation or support portal.
- Q: Do I need any special cables or adapters?
A: The riser kit is designed to work with the server backplane and standard PCIe cards included in the chassis. In most cases, no additional cables are required beyond what’s included with the server and the PCIe cards themselves. Always follow HPE installation guidelines to avoid signal integrity issues.
- Q: Can this riser kit support GPUs or NVMe expansion cards?
A: Yes. The two PCIe x16 lanes on the secondary riser are intended to accommodate high-bandwidth devices, such as GPUs or NVMe accelerators. When deploying multiple high-power devices, ensure your cooling and power supply capacity meet the demands of the configuration.
- Q: What warranty comes with this riser kit?
A: It is covered under HPE’s standard hardware warranty and support terms applicable to DL38X Gen10 Plus expansion components. Check your regional HPE warranty details for exact terms and duration.
- Q: Is BIOS or firmware updates required after installation?
A: It is recommended to keep the system BIOS and firmware up to date when installing new expansion hardware. HPE provides firmware updates that optimize PCIe stability and compatibility with new riser configurations and PCIe cards.
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