Risers

In a server, every free PCIe line is potential room for growth – more network cards, better RAID, an additional graphics card. The problem? Most rackmount enclosures have limited physical space. This is where server risers come in – adapters mounted vertically or horizontally that enable the installation of additional expansion cards in hard-to-reach slots. Thanks to them, you can expand your server with more GPUs, HBAs, or NVMe drives without changing the platform. It's a cheap and effective solution that opens the door to upgrades even in older 1U/2U designs. Hardware Direct offers riser cards dedicated to Dell PowerEdge, HPE ProLiant, Supermicro, and universal platforms – with full compatibility and ready for installation.

If you're working on a Dell server, there's no need to look for universal solutions – it's better to opt for a dedicated riser for a specific enclosure. For example: the Dell Riser R620 1xPCI-E 3.0x16 is a model designed for tight 1U spaces (e.g., R610/R620) – ideal if you want to add a 10GbE network card or HBA for disks. For larger enclosures – like the R720 or R720XD – versions with three slots (e.g., PCIe 2.0 x4) are available, allowing for the installation of, for instance, a PERC controller, an additional network card, and a GPU simultaneously. Newer platforms? The DF7XH riser for the R750 supports PCIe 4.0 x16 and full cooperation with CPU1/CPU2, making it ideal for environments with intensive I/O traffic – like render farms or AI/ML. In every case, you gain compatibility, stability, and the guarantee that everything will simply work.

HPE risers also have their specific applications – from expanding PCIe 3.0 in DL360 Gen9 and DL380 Gen8/Gen9 servers, to supporting full graphics cards in Gen10 models. An example is the 777283-001 riser, which, thanks to dedicated power, supports GPUs with power consumption up to 300W – ideal for virtual workstations, CAD applications, or machine learning. For Supermicro solutions, it's worth noting the RSC-R1UU-2E8 – a low-profile model with two PCIe 2.0 x8 slots, often used in homelabs and servers with limited expansion space. All risers from Hardware Direct's offer are available immediately, with descriptions of the server model, slot type, and supported TDP – so you don't have to guess if "it fits." You buy exactly what you need – without experimenting.

Contrary to appearances, risers aren't just the domain of large data centers. They're also an excellent solution for small businesses modernizing older servers, homelabs, or enthusiasts building their own test environments. An example? You have an R710 or R610 and want to add NVMe drives – a riser for just a few dollars is all it takes. Want to put a GPU in a DL380 Gen9? No problem – just the right riser with power. For virtualization, backup, and test environments – where every slot counts – it's an absolutely essential component. And if you're working in the AI/ML sector, where every PCIe x16 means the possibility of adding another accelerator – you can't do without a riser. The key? Knowing what fits which platform – and that's where Hardware Direct comes in.

Unlike unreliable auctions or random offers from Asia, Hardware Direct offers risers that are precisely described, tested, and matched to specific server models. Not only physically, but also technologically – with information on the supported PCIe standard, compatibility with processors (CPU1/CPU2), ventilation, and TDP. Plus: a 12-month warranty, VAT invoice, lightning-fast shipping, and real availability in stock. Importantly, risers are available at prices up to 60-70% lower compared to OEMs – such as the Dell DF7XH or HPE DL380 Gen9 x3 PCIe 3.0. And if something isn't available – you can count on quick help from the technical department. In short: you're not just buying a part – you're buying a working solution.