HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus x16/x8 PCIe M.2 NS204i-r Riser Kit

The HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus x16/x8 PCIe M.2 NS204i-r Riser Kit is a purpose-built expansion solution for modern data centers that demand high-performance, flexible storage within dense server environments. Specifically engineered for the DL36X Gen10 Plus family, this riser kit unlocks powerful M.2 NVMe storage by routing PCIe lanes through a compact, server-grade interface. It helps IT teams accelerate workloads, optimize boot and cache performance, and simplify storage topology without sacrificing chassis density or manageability.

• Compatibility and design for DL36X Gen10 Plus: Engineered to fit seamlessly in HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus servers, the NS204i-r riser delivers reliable PCIe lane routing with x16/x8 configurations. It preserves signal integrity, power delivery, and serviceability, ensuring a clean integration that aligns with HPE’s chassis geometry and backplane layout. The result is a stable, enterprise-grade upgrade path that minimizes downtime while maximizing I/O efficiency for memory-intensive and storage-heavy workloads.
• Integrated M.2 NVMe storage expansion: This riser kit brings PCIe-based M.2 drives into the server’s architecture, providing a fast, localized storage tier for operating systems, databases, virtualization caches, and scratch space. By positioning M.2 SSDs close to the CPU, it reduces latency and boosts IOPS, helping applications achieve quicker boot times, snappier database queries, and faster virtual machine provisioning—critical for peak-performance scenarios in labs, data centers, and edge deployments.
• Performance optimization and reliability: By offloading dedicated M.2 storage to a separate PCIe path, the NS204i-r minimizes contention on primary adapters and maintains steadier throughput under load. Built to enterprise standards, it undergoes rigorous testing for reliability, scalability, and compatibility with long-running workloads. Its rugged construction supports 24x7 operation in demanding environments, with materials and design choices that emphasize thermal stability, vibration tolerance, and consistent performance across diverse data-center conditions.
• Easy installation and scalable upgrades: The NS204i-r riser is designed for straightforward installation with minimal downtime. It slides into the designated backplane connector and is secured with included mounting hardware, delivering a tidy, cable-light solution. This makes capacity expansion or performance tuning straightforward during planned maintenance windows, enabling IT teams to scale storage without major reconfiguration of the server or disruptive downtime.
• Security, warranty, and global support: Built to HPE standards, the NS204i-r riser kit provides enterprise-grade security features and robust protection against mis-installation. It is covered by HPE’s hardware warranty and supported by global service channels, ensuring access to replacements, firmware updates, and expert assistance. Seamless integration with HPE management ecosystems, including iLO and standard monitoring tools, helps administrators oversee NVMe drive health, slot status, and performance from a single interface.

Technical Details of HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus x16/x8 PCIe M.2 NS204i-r Riser Kit

• Product family: HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus
• Riser type: NS204i-r
• PCIe lane configuration: x16/x8 (configurable to support diverse workloads)
• M.2 support: PCIe-based M.2 NVMe SSDs
• Slot/interface: Backplane-compatible riser with integrated M.2 connection
• Form factor: Riser card for PCIe expansion within the server chassis
• Warranty: Standard HPE hardware warranty and support
• Included components: Riser board, mounting hardware, and installation accessories
• Security features: ESD protection, secure insertion design, and enterprise-grade reliability
• Compliance: Enterprise-class design aligned with HPE reliability and serviceability standards

how to install HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus x16/x8 PCIe M.2 NS204i-r Riser Kit

• Power down the server, unplug the power cord, and discharge any static before handling components.
• Open the server chassis following the official service manual and locate the PCIe riser area designated for the NS204i-r.
• Insert the NS204i-r riser card into the backplane connector, ensuring proper alignment, and secure it with the supplied screws.
• Mount one or more M.2 NVMe drives to the riser as directed by the installation guide, making sure each drive is oriented correctly and firmly seated.
• Reassemble the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the system. Enter the server management interface (BIOS/UEFI or iLO) to verify that the riser and M.2 drives are recognized and properly configured for the intended boot or cache roles.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does this riser kit enable?
  A: It enables PCIe-based M.2 NVMe storage expansion for HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus servers, unlocking fast local storage without consuming primary PCIe slots and preserving expansion flexibility for compute workloads.
• Q: Which servers are compatible?
  A: The NS204i-r is designed for HPE ProLiant DL36X Gen10 Plus family systems. Verify compatibility with your model using your system’s service tag and the server’s hardware documentation.
• Q: Do I need a firmware or BIOS update to use this riser?
  A: In some configurations, enabling M.2 storage via a riser may require firmware or BIOS updates. Consult the HPE compatibility matrix and installation guide for guidance and to ensure you’re running supported versions.
• Q: Can I use multiple M.2 drives with this kit?
  A: Depending on the server configuration and backplane support, the NS204i-r can accommodate one or more M.2 drives. Check your DL36X Gen10 Plus model’s documentation to confirm the exact count and supported configurations.
• Q: Is this product covered by warranty?
  A: Yes. The NS204i-r riser kit is covered under HPE hardware warranty and supported by HPE’s global service ecosystem.