Riser cards let you fit extra PCIe expansion cards into a server or workstation by adding slots or turning them through 90 degrees. Our range of over 30 models covers server risers and PCIe extension risers, with Lenovo, Supermicro, Intel and Fujitsu leading the selection.
How to choose a riser card
Match the system exactly. Server risers are designed for a specific chassis and motherboard. Check the model of your server or board, and the riser position it needs (for example riser 1 or riser 2), before looking at anything else.
Check slot type and PCIe generation. Look at how many slots the riser provides, their length (x8 or x16) and whether it supports PCIe 3.0 or newer. A riser that is too slow for your card will hold back a fast network adapter, an NVMe controller or a GPU.
Consider height and orientation. In 1U and 2U servers, low-profile slots are common, while taller chassis accept full-height cards. Confirm that your expansion card and its bracket fit the riser as well as the case.
Look at processor requirements. On many dual-socket servers, some riser slots only work when the second CPU is installed, because the PCIe lanes come from that processor. Read the board manual before ordering.
Check what is included. Some risers are sold as a bare board, others come with a cage, bracket or cable. For flexible extender-style risers, also check the cable length and the connector type at each end.
Riser card brands we carry
- Lenovo: makes risers for its ThinkSystem and ThinkServer lines, usually numbered by the riser position in the server.
- Supermicro: its risers carry RSC part codes and are matched to specific Supermicro server chassis and motherboards.
- Intel: supplies risers for its own server boards and systems, which suits upgrades to Intel-based servers.
- Fujitsu: produces risers for its PRIMERGY servers, so the part number should be matched to the server generation.
- HP Enterprise: offers risers for ProLiant servers, where the riser part depends on the model and generation.
- Dell: covers PowerEdge server risers, which are specific to each model.
Also in our range: Qoltec, Gembird and HP Inc.
Riser card FAQ
What does a riser card do?
A riser card plugs into a motherboard slot and provides one or more PCIe slots in a different position or direction. This lets you fit expansion cards, such as network adapters or storage controllers, into cases where the board slots alone would not allow it. It is common in rack servers with thin chassis.
Can I use a riser card from a different server model?
Usually not. Server risers are built for a particular board layout, connector and chassis, and even models from the same brand can differ. Always compare the part number or the compatibility list for your exact server before buying.
Does a riser card reduce PCIe speed?
A correctly matched riser should run at the speed it is rated for, but it cannot exceed the PCIe generation or the number of lanes it supports. A long or low-quality extension cable can cause errors on faster PCIe generations. Choose a riser rated for the generation your card needs.
Do I need a second CPU to use every riser slot?
On many dual-socket servers, yes. Some slots are wired to the second processor, so they stay inactive with only one CPU fitted. The server manual shows which slots depend on which processor.
