Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit

The Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit is a crucial expansion component designed to unlock powerful PCIe capabilities within Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U servers. Built to deliver reliable, enterprise-grade connectivity in dense data centers, this riser kit maximizes space efficiency while preserving airflow and thermal performance. It enables you to add high-bandwidth PCIe devices—such as graphics accelerators, high-speed NICs, or fast storage controllers—without sacrificing the compact form factor that 1U chassis demand. With ThinkSystem engineering behind it, the Riser2 Option Kit emphasizes durability, straightforward maintenance, and seamless integration with Lenovo server platforms, helping you scale compute, I/O, and storage to meet today’s demanding workloads.

• Maximize PCIe expansion in 1U ThinkSystem servers: The Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit provides a dedicated x16 PCIe pathway inside a 1U chassis, enabling high-bandwidth devices to be installed where space is at a premium. This means you can deploy GPUs for AI inference, accelerators for data processing, or high-performance NICs for faster network throughput, all within a compact, energy-conscious server footprint. The design focuses on signal integrity and robust electrical connections to ensure that card performance remains consistent under heavy workloads, even in densely populated data centers. If your goal is to accelerate analytics, virtualization, or HPC tasks without stepping into a larger server form factor, this riser kit is a pivotal upgrade that preserves rack density and operational efficiency.
• Designed for reliability and enterprise-grade reliability: Lenovo ThinkSystem hardware is known for its enterprise-grade reliability, and the 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit is no exception. It is engineered to withstand continuous operation in data centers, with components selected for durability and resilience in demanding environments. By integrating into Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U servers, it leverages Lenovo’s qualifications for server reliability, including resistance to temperature fluctuations, vibration, and dust ingress common in data-center deployments. For IT teams, this translates to lower maintenance overhead, fewer hot-swaps, and improved uptime for critical workloads—precisely what businesses require when systems are expected to run around the clock. The kit supports certified installation practices and is designed to align with Lenovo’s service and warranty ecosystems, giving administrators confidence when expanding system capabilities while maintaining hardware support channels.
• Easy integration with a streamlined, efficient installation process: The Riser2 kit is crafted to integrate smoothly with existing Lenovo ThinkSystem configurations. It emphasizes a straightforward installation flow, a tidy cabling approach, and secure mechanical fit that keeps chassis interiors clean and airflow unobstructed. With a well-designed connector interface and standardized mounting points, technicians can perform installs with minimal downtime. The kit reduces complexity when adding PCIe expansion, helping IT teams avoid misalignment or connector damage during installation. Even in environments with limited maintenance windows, this riser kit supports efficient upgrades by offering clear alignment cues and a robust locking mechanism to ensure stable card seating, which is essential as workloads evolve and hardware requirements shift over time.
• Preserves airflow and thermals in a dense 1U chassis: In 1U servers, airflow is a critical factor in sustaining performance. The ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit is engineered to maintain strong airflow characteristics within the chassis, minimizing obstructions that could impede cooling. Its compact, purpose-built form factor reduces dead zones and helps ensure that hot air is effectively directed away from sensitive components. By keeping thermal zones predictable, the kit supports consistent performance under load, whether you’re running multi-GPU configurations for data analytics, real-time processing, or virtualization clusters. The result is a more reliable data center operation with fewer throttling events and better energy efficiency, which translates into lower total cost of ownership over the server’s lifespan.
• Versatile for a range of workloads and deployment scenarios: The Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit is well-suited for diverse workloads that demand PCIe expansion in a compact 1U footprint. From AI inference and machine learning acceleration to high-speed storage controllers and accelerated networking, the riser supports a spectrum of PCIe devices that can transform a standard 1U server into a versatile compute node. This flexibility makes it an attractive upgrade path for growing data centers, remote offices, and edge deployments where space, power, and cooling budgets are tight. By enabling a scalable, cost-effective expansion route, the Riser2 kit helps organizations future-proof their ThinkSystem investments, accommodating evolving workloads without the need for a full platform replacement.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit

• Product Type: Riser Kit for Lenovo ThinkSystem servers
• Riser Version: x16 Riser2
• Form Factor: 1U server chassis compatibility
• Compatibility: Designed for Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U servers and PCIe expansion cards
• Notes: Exact specifications may vary by SKU; consult the Synnex listing for your UPC/SKU to confirm model-specific details

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit

• Power down the server, unplug power cords, and discharge any static electricity before opening the chassis.
• Remove the chassis cover to access the PCIe slot area and locate the appropriate riser slot designated for the Riser2 module.
• Align the Riser2 module with the slot connectors, ensuring proper orientation and seating to prevent misalignment or bent pins.
• Secure the riser using the provided fasteners or mounting hardware, as specified by Lenovo documentation for your chassis model.
• Reattach the chassis cover, reconnect all cables, power on the system, and enter BIOS/UEFI to verify that the new PCIe x16 path is recognized and the installed cards are detected.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U x16 Riser2 Option Kit? A: It is a PCIe expansion riser designed for 1U Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, enabling an additional x16 PCIe connection for expansion cards such as GPUs, accelerators, or high-speed networking adapters.
• Q: Which servers are compatible with this riser kit? A: The kit is intended for Lenovo ThinkSystem 1U server models; always verify compatibility with your specific chassis and motherboard using Lenovo’s official compatibility guides or the Synnex specification listings for your UPC/SKU.
• Q: Can I install GPUs using this riser? A: Yes, the riser supports PCIe expansion cards, including GPUs and accelerators, provided the card size, power consumption, and cooling requirements fit within your chassis specifications and node design.
• Q: Is installation complicated? A: The installation follows standard server maintenance procedures. With the proper precautions, static control, and adherence to Lenovo installation guidelines, the process can be completed without specialized tools beyond what is included with the kit.
• Q: Will this kit affect warranty or support? A: When installed according to Lenovo guidance and using Lenovo-certified components, the upgrade is generally supported within the terms of Lenovo’s warranty and service agreements; consult your support contract or Lenovo account representative for model-specific details.