HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 x16/x16 Secondary Upgrade Riser Kit

The HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 x16/x16 Secondary Upgrade Riser Kit is a purpose-built expansion accessory designed to unlock additional PCIe bandwidth and expansion capacity for the DL385 Gen11 family. Ideal for data centers that demand more from their servers, this riser kit provides a dedicated secondary PCIe path with two x16 connectors, enabling high-performance GPUs, accelerators, NICs, and other PCIe devices to live alongside your primary expansion configuration. Engineered and validated by HPE, this upgrade enables you to scale compute, accelerate AI workloads, boost virtualization throughput, and optimize I/O-intensive applications without compromising system reliability or manageability. If you’re upgrading a DL385 Gen11 node to support dense accelerator deployments or high-speed networking, this kit offers the structural fit, electrical integrity, and compatibility you need for a seamless, enterprise-grade expansion.

• Expanded PCIe footprint for DL385 Gen11 servers: Adds a dedicated secondary PCIe path with two x16 expansion slots, enabling you to attach high-bandwidth devices while preserving your primary expansion configuration. This unlocks greater I/O capacity for graphics accelerators, FPGA cards, NICs, and other PCIe-based components, helping you realize higher performance per node.
• Ideal for GPU and accelerator deployments: Perfect for data-center workloads that demand accelerated compute, including AI inference, machine learning training, HPC simulations, virtual desktop infrastructure, and real-time data processing. Dual x16 slots on the secondary riser support dense accelerator configurations to accelerate workloads without reconfiguring the primary riser setup.
• HPE-designed reliability and compatibility: Built to meet enterprise reliability standards, the secondary upgrade riser is engineered for robust signal integrity, stable backplane alignment, and long-term operation within HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 chassis ecosystems. It is validated to work with the server’s firmware and BIOS, ensuring predictable behavior in production environments.
• Seamless integration with DL385 Gen11: Specifically tailored to the DL385 Gen11 family, this kit aligns with the server’s motherboard, backplane, and mechanical tolerances to deliver a trustworthy expansion option without requiring extensive rework of existing configurations.
• Streamlined installation and scalable architecture: Designed to integrate into your server with a straightforward installation workflow, enabling you to scale I/O capacity as workloads evolve. The dual x16 paths enable flexible topology planning for future upgrades, giving you a scalable foundation for growing data-center demands.

Technical Details of HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 x16/x16 Secondary Upgrade Riser Kit

• Compatibility: Specifically designed for HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 servers, with fitment and connector geometry matched to the DL385 Gen11 backplane and motherboard ecosystem.
• Riser configuration: Secondary upgrade riser providing two PCIe x16 expansion paths to host additional high-bandwidth cards alongside the primary expansion configuration.
• Form factor and interfaces: Riser card accessory intended for the DL385 Gen11 chassis, featuring secure connectors and alignment features to maintain signal integrity and reliable operation within dense server environments.
• Electrical and signal integrity: Engineered to preserve PCIe signaling quality, shielding, and mechanical stability required for enterprise workloads, with consideration for server-wide thermal and power delivery constraints.
• Warranty and support: Backed by HPE’s standard enterprise warranty and support options, aligned with other DL385 Gen11 components for consistent service coverage.

How to Install HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 x16/x16 Secondary Upgrade Riser Kit

Preparing for installation begins with standard server maintenance practices. Power down the DL385 Gen11 server, unplug power cords, and follow your data-center change-management procedures. Open the chassis access panel and verify that you have a compatible motherboard revision and a free secondary riser slot intended for the DL385 Gen11 platform. Remove any existing components from the primary portion of the PCIe topology if directed by the maintenance guide, then securely prepare the area for the new riser installation. Align the secondary upgrade riser with the designated connector(s) on the motherboard and backplane, and firmly seat the riser into place until it is fully engaged. Once seated, secure the riser with the appropriate hardware as specified in the server maintenance manual. If you plan to populate the two x16 slots immediately, install your PCIe expansion cards (such as GPUs or accelerators) onto the riser and connect any required power or data cables per card manufacturer instructions. Reassemble the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the server. Enter the BIOS/UEFI to confirm the secondary riser is detected and that the desired PCIe devices are recognized. Install or update drivers and firmware as needed, and validate operation within the operating system, including driver-level performance checks and workload-specific benchmarking. For GPU installations, ensure proper power provisioning, adequate cooling, and BIOS settings that optimize PCIe lane distribution for the dual x16 configuration. Finally, test with representative workloads to verify stability and expected performance gains from the expanded PCIe topology.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What does the DL385 Gen11 x16/x16 Secondary Upgrade Riser Kit enable? A: It adds a second PCIe x16 expansion path to the DL385 Gen11 server, enabling additional high-bandwidth cards—such as GPUs, accelerators, and high-speed NICs—to be connected without altering the primary expansion setup.
• Q: Is this kit compatible with all DL385 Gen11 configurations? A: The kit is designed for use with DL385 Gen11 servers and specific motherboard/backplane configurations within that family. Always verify compatibility with your exact DL385 Gen11 model, BIOS version, and firmware before purchase and installation.
• Q: Are there prerequisites to install the riser kit? A: Yes. Ensure you have a compatible DL385 Gen11 chassis, the correct backplane configuration, and up-to-date BIOS/firmware. Follow HPE maintenance guidelines for safe installation and avoid modifying critical components without proper procedures.
• Q: What kind of devices can I install on the dual x16 slots? A: The two x16 expansion paths are designed for high-bandwidth PCIe devices such as GPUs, accelerators (FPGA/AI engines), and high-performance NICs. Verify each device’s power, cooling, and driver requirements for optimal results.
• Q: What warranty or support applies to this kit? A: The kit is covered by HPE’s standard enterprise warranty and support options, consistent with other DL385 Gen11 components. Check your specific service contract for details.