Proliant

Riser Cards for ProLiant Servers

Riser cards are vital components for expanding the hardware capabilities of ProLiant servers. Designed to maximize flexibility and performance, these cards allow for the integration of additional PCIe devices in compact server configurations. Whether for GPUs, storage controllers, or advanced networking, ProLiant riser cards are tailored to meet the demands of modern data centers and IT environments. This guide delves into the various types of riser cards available for ProLiant servers, their benefits, and practical use cases.

Key Functions of ProLiant Riser Cards

• PCIe Slot Expansion: Add additional PCIe devices, including GPUs, NICs, and RAID controllers, to your ProLiant server.
• Compact Design: Enable horizontal installation of PCIe devices, conserving space within the chassis.
• Enhanced Performance: Support advanced hardware configurations for demanding workloads.
• Future Scalability: Prepare your server for future upgrades and evolving technology requirements.

Types of Riser Cards for ProLiant Servers

HPE ProLiant servers support various riser card options, each tailored to specific hardware requirements and use cases. Here are the primary types:

1. PCIe Riser Cards

PCIe riser cards are versatile and widely used in ProLiant servers. They allow for horizontal expansion of PCIe devices, such as accelerators, network cards, or storage adapters. Available in multiple PCIe generations, these cards ensure compatibility with cutting-edge technology.

2. GPU Riser Cards

GPU riser cards are designed to support high-performance graphics processing units. These are essential for applications such as AI, machine learning, and video rendering, where computational power is critical.

3. Storage Riser Cards

Storage riser cards provide additional slots for RAID controllers, NVMe SSDs, or SAS adapters. These are ideal for environments requiring fast data access and reliable storage solutions.

4. Networking Riser Cards

Networking riser cards enable the installation of advanced NICs (Network Interface Cards), offering improved connectivity and higher bandwidth for virtualization and data transfer.

Specialized Riser Cards

Specialized riser cards for ProLiant servers cater to unique tasks, such as FPGA integration or workload accelerators. These cards provide tailored solutions for niche applications.

Benefits of Using Riser Cards in ProLiant Servers

Incorporating riser cards into ProLiant servers provides numerous advantages, enhancing both functionality and efficiency.

1. Improved Flexibility

Riser cards allow you to customize your server’s hardware configuration to suit specific workloads, whether for high-speed networking or GPU acceleration.

2. Space Efficiency

By mounting PCIe devices horizontally, riser cards maximize space in compact server chassis, making them ideal for dense data center environments.

3. Enhanced Performance

With support for advanced hardware, riser cards boost the overall performance of ProLiant servers, ensuring they can handle resource-intensive tasks efficiently.

4. Cost-Effective Upgrades

Riser cards provide a cost-effective way to upgrade your server’s capabilities without investing in an entirely new system, making them an economical choice for IT budgets.

Future-Proofing

Riser cards ensure that your ProLiant server remains scalable, ready to integrate new technologies as they emerge, and adaptable to changing business needs.

Common Applications for ProLiant Riser Cards

ProLiant riser cards are utilized across a wide range of industries and applications, demonstrating their versatility and critical role in server infrastructure.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

GPU riser cards enable ProLiant servers to handle the computational demands of AI and machine learning algorithms, making them ideal for research and analytics.

2. Virtualization and Cloud Computing

Networking riser cards enhance bandwidth and connectivity, enabling efficient virtualization and smooth operation of cloud-based applications.

3. High-Performance Storage

Storage riser cards provide fast and reliable access to large datasets, supporting RAID configurations and high-speed NVMe drives.

4. Media Rendering and Content Creation

GPU riser cards are indispensable for video editing, 3D rendering, and other media production tasks that demand high-performance graphics processing.

Edge Computing

In edge computing scenarios, riser cards allow compact ProLiant servers to handle specialized hardware, ensuring efficient data processing and low latency.

How to Choose the Right Riser Card for Your ProLiant Server

Selecting the right riser card for your ProLiant server involves considering several factors, including compatibility, workload requirements, and future scalability.

1. Server Model Compatibility

Ensure the riser card is compatible with your specific ProLiant server model. Refer to HPE’s documentation or consult technical support for guidance.

2. PCIe Version

Select a riser card that matches your server’s PCIe generation to maximize performance. For instance, PCIe 4.0 cards are ideal for servers supporting this standard.

3. Expansion Needs

Identify the type of expansion required, such as GPUs, storage, or networking, and choose a riser card designed for that purpose.

4. Chassis Constraints

Consider the physical dimensions and layout of your server chassis to ensure the riser card fits without obstructing other components or airflow.

Long-Term Scalability

Opt for riser cards that offer flexibility for future upgrades, allowing you to adapt your server infrastructure as technology evolves.