HPE DL38X Gen10 4-Port 8 NVMe Slim SAS Secondary Riser

The HPE DL38X Gen10 4-Port 8 NVMe Slim SAS Secondary Riser is a high-density expansion solution designed to optimize data center performance in demanding environments. Built for HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 family servers, this secondary riser delivers robust NVMe connectivity through a slim SAS interface, enabling accelerated data access, improved I/O throughput, and flexible backplane configurations. Whether you’re deploying large-scale databases, analytics workloads, or virtualization clusters, this riser card helps unlock the full potential of your NVMe storage while maintaining a clean, organized internal cabling layout.

• 4-Port Slim SAS interface provides a compact, high-density expansion path to NVMe backplanes and storage enclosures, enabling efficient use of space inside dense 1U and 2U server configurations. The slim profile is engineered to minimize airflow disruption while maximizing NVMe connectivity, helping data centers optimize cooling and energy use.
• Supports up to 8 NVMe devices in compatible configurations, allowing you to scale performance without adding bulky PCIe cards. This setup is particularly advantageous for workloads that demand concurrent low-latency access to multiple NVMe drives, such as real-time analytics, high-frequency trading simulations, and large-scale caching layers.
• Optimized for HPE DL38X Gen10 servers—engineered to integrate smoothly with the ProLiant DL380 Gen10 family’s firmware, BIOS, and backplane architecture. This compatibility helps ensure reliable operation, straightforward installation, and consistent performance across your HPE infrastructure.
• Dense, low-profile design supports tight server deployments while maintaining robust signal integrity. The slim riser preserves rack space and reduces pull-through of cables, making cable management easier and enhancing airflow within the chassis for cooler operation.
• Trusted HPE quality and serviceability backed by HPE’s engineering rigor, including validated interoperability with HPE storage backplanes and ongoing firmware updates to maintain peak performance and security in enterprise environments.

Technical Details of HPE DL38X Gen10 4-Port 8 NVMe Slim SAS Secondary Riser

• Product type: Secondary riser card designed for HPE DL38x Gen10 servers
• Form factor: Slim SAS-based expansion riser suitable for dense server configurations
• Ports: 4-port connection surface for SAS/NVMe backplane expansions
• NVMe support: Capable of supporting up to 8 NVMe devices in compatible server/backplane configurations
• Compatibility: Primarily designed for HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 family and related DL38x server models
• Firmware and compatibility: Requires server BIOS/firmware alignment to ensure proper detection and performance
• Warranty: Standard HPE warranty as per SKU and regional terms
• Other considerations: Proper installation and cabling are required to achieve full NVMe backplane connectivity

How to install HPE DL38X Gen10 4-Port 8 NVMe Slim SAS Secondary Riser

• Prepare the server—power down the system, unplug from power, and discharge static electricity by touching a grounded metal surface. Remove any external cabling and open the chassis access panel to gain clear access to the motherboard and backplane area.
• Identify the correct slot—locate the dedicated secondary riser connector on the motherboard or backplane area that is specified for the DL38X Gen10 series. Confirm that the server model supports a Slim SAS-based secondary riser and NVMe backplane wiring.
• Remove existing components if necessary—if a previous riser or backplane configuration occupies the intended slot, carefully detach it following the server’s maintenance guide. Save screws and connectors for reassembly with the new riser.
• Install the riser—align the HPE DL38X riser with the connector and slide it into place with even pressure. Secure the riser with the appropriate screws, ensuring it is seated firmly and level to avoid contact issues or misalignment.
• Connect NVMe backplane or storage cables—attach the required Slim SAS NVMe cables or backplane connectors according to the server’s documentation. Double-check that each port is properly seated and that no cables are under tension or obstructing fans.
• Power up and verify—reassemble the chassis cover, reconnect power, and boot the server. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI and verify that all four ports and the NVMe devices are detected. Install or update any required firmware and drivers to ensure optimal performance.
• Test functional performance—run storage benchmarks and validate NVMe latency and throughput to confirm proper operation. Confirm that the server recognizes the configured NVMe devices and that I/O paths are stable under load.

Frequently asked questions

• What servers is this riser compatible with? The HPE DL38X Gen10 4-Port 8 NVMe Slim SAS Secondary Riser is designed for the HPE DL38x family and is especially suited for ProLiant DL380 Gen10 servers. For best results, verify compatibility with your exact server model and firmware level before purchase.
• How many NVMe drives can I connect with this riser? The riser supports up to 8 NVMe devices in configurations that pair the 4-Port Slim SAS connections with compatible NVMe backplanes. Actual device count depends on your server chassis and backplane configuration.
• Do I need a firmware update to use this riser? Yes. Ensure that the server BIOS/UEFI and storage backplane firmware are up to date. Firmware alignment is important to ensure reliable detection, performance, and feature support for NVMe drives.
• Is the riser hot-plug capable? When used in a server with a hot-plug NVMe backplane and appropriate enclosure support, the riser can support hot-swapping of NVMe drives as part of a validated configuration. Always follow the server’s maintenance and safety procedures.
• What performance benefits does this riser provide? By enabling 4-port Slim SAS connectivity to NVMe backplanes, the riser helps reduce latency, increase parallelism for NVMe I/O, and improve overall throughput in storage-heavy workloads commonly found in databases, analytics, and virtualization environments.
• How should I plan cable management with this riser? The slim design reduces cable clutter, but plan for clean routing of NVMe backplane cables and power and data cables to maintain optimal airflow and cooling. Use proper cable ties and keep cables away from fans and moving parts.