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

Overview

The HPE P26463-B21 is a PCIe M.2 riser kit designed specifically for HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 Plus and DL365 Gen10 Plus servers. It provides a dedicated x16 or x8 PCIe path for M.2 drives, enabling administrators to add high-speed flash storage that significantly reduces latency and increases throughput. This makes it an excellent solution for boosting the performance of operating system boot volumes, cache tiers, or log files in demanding server environments.

Installation is simple and tool-free, with a compact footprint that fits neatly alongside existing components without obstructing airflow. Its silver metal finish complements the server chassis, maintaining a clean and organized interior. Weighing just under 23 ounces, it is easy to handle during installation or maintenance.

Key features

• Provides x16 or x8 PCIe connectivity to support high-speed NVMe or SATA M.2 storage devices
• Optimizes performance for virtualization clusters, edge deployments, and software-defined storage platforms
• Reduces latency and improves throughput for faster database, container, and virtual machine responsiveness
• Frees up front panel drive bays by enabling direct-attach M.2 storage inside the server chassis
• Compact design with a silver finish that blends seamlessly with the server’s interior
• Includes clear documentation to facilitate quick installation and setup

Key specs

• Compatibility: HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 Plus and DL365 Gen10 Plus servers
• PCIe connectivity: x16 or x8 lanes for M.2 storage devices
• Dimensions: 2.4 inches height, 11.4 inches width, 14.5 inches depth
• Weight: 22.93 ounces
• Finish: Silver metal to match server chassis

Connectivity and compatibility

This riser kit integrates directly into the server’s expansion bay, providing a dedicated PCIe interface for M.2 drives. It supports both NVMe and SATA M.2 storage, allowing flexible deployment depending on your performance and capacity needs. The design ensures compatibility with the specified HPE ProLiant server models, making it a reliable upgrade path for existing infrastructure.

Installation and setup

Installation requires no specialized tools, as the riser card slides into the standard expansion bay with ease. Its compact size ensures it fits alongside other components without disrupting airflow or cable management. The included documentation guides you through the process, helping you move from unboxing to operational status quickly and confidently.

Ideal uses and environments

This riser kit is well suited to IT teams managing virtualization clusters, edge computing nodes, or software-defined storage systems that demand low latency and high throughput. It enhances the performance of operating system boot drives and cache layers, making it a strong choice for environments where fast storage access directly impacts application responsiveness and overall system efficiency.