Dell R440 Risers / NVME / Single CPU

R440 Riser Options with Single CPU

The R440 supports four types of expansion card risers: LOM riser (OCP x8, tied to CPU1), right riser (slots 2/3), and a left riser, depending on system config.

 

With just one CPU installed in the CPU1 socket, typically only the slots wired to CPU1 are active. The right riser (which provides PCIe x16 and x8 slots) is tied to CPU1, so it is generally usable in a single-CPU configuration, while the left riser may require CPU2 to function.

 

Your current riser (0FJ4M3) is presumably either a single-slot or basic PCIe x8/x16 right riser.

 

The 0RHWXM + 0MC2DD parts are recognized as right riser kits and expansion modules specifically for the R440, usually providing two additional PCIe slots (1x low profile, 1x full height).

 

In a single CPU configuration, these risers will operate, but only the slot(s) wired to CPU1 will function; those wired to CPU2 will be inactive due to lack of PCIe lane assignment.

 

Conclusion: The 0RHWXM + 0MC2DD riser can be installed in a single CPU R440, but only the slot(s) connected to CPU1 will be active. This is the standard configuration for maximizing available PCIe slots with one processor, and it aligns with Dell's design as detailed in the R440 technical guide and service manuals.

 

Supported NVMe SSDs (PM1725a)

The R440 supports up to 4x NVMe U.2 drives in the 10-bay chassis variant, assuming the correct backplane and cabling are present.

 

Dell explicitly lists the PM1725a (1.6TB, 3.2TB, 6.4TB capacities) as supported for the PowerEdge R440 in multiple sources.

 

There are validated Dell forum accounts where configurations with two or more PM1725a NVMe SSDs work, but with the note that only Dell-branded/qualified drives will have support for firmware updates, monitoring, and diagnostic integration.

 

PCIe slot-based NVMe SSDs (PM1725a HHHL add-in cards) are only supported in specific slots (one full-height and one low-profile), so a pair of PM1725a add-in cards should work in the right riser’s available slots with a single CPU.

 

Conclusion: Two (or more, up to four via U.2 bays) PM1725a NVMe SSDs are supported in the R440, as long as you have the correct risers and backplane configuration. For add-in-card (HHHL) NVMe, up to two are configurable within PCIe slot limitations. For 2.5" U.2, up to four can be installed with the 10-bay NVMe backplane