The Argon40 M.2 case for Raspberry Pi 4 is a standout product that sets itself apart from other Raspberry Pi 4 cases on the market, offering a range of impressive features. It includes a built-in M.2 SSD slot, full HDMI ports, a power button, and GPIO access. The case supports booting via an M.2 SATA SSD, providing faster boot times and larger storage capacity. Despite an inaccessible SD card slot, the Argon40 M.2 case remains a robust and versatile choice for Raspberry Pi 4 users. In this review, we will delve into the design, installation, features, performance, and comparisons with similar products to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The Argon40 M.2 case for Raspberry Pi 4 is a well-designed product that stands out in the market. The case is slightly larger than other Raspberry Pi 4 cases, but this is justified by the additional features it offers. The case is designed with all ports located at the back, providing a neat and organized look. The design also includes two full-sized HDMI ports, a USB-C power supply, and a jack audio output.
The case is built with a metal top shell, which not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also serves as a large heatsink, helping to keep the Raspberry Pi cool. The metal construction contributes to the case’s heat dissipation capabilities, ensuring optimal performance. The case also includes a magnetic cover that can be removed to access all the GPIO pins of the Raspberry Pi.
However, one potential downside of the design is the angled top, which makes it difficult to stack anything else on it.
Installation and Compatibility
The Argon40 M.2 case is compatible with Raspberry Pi 4 and supports M.2 SATA SSDs of any size. The installation process is straightforward. You simply replace the bottom of the Argon ONE Case with the expansion board, and the case can now use SSDs.
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SATA Module
Features and Functionality
The Argon40 M.2 case offers several impressive features that enhance the usability of the Raspberry Pi 4. It has a built-in M.2 SSD slot, full HDMI ports, a power button, and GPIO access. The case also supports booting via an M.2 SATA SSD for faster boot times and larger storage capacity compared to the traditional microSD Card.
The case also includes a fan for additional cooling, which is especially useful when the Raspberry Pi is under heavy load.
The Argon40 M.2 case also offers IR support, which works best with the Argon ONE Remote. This feature is programmable and provides streamlined options for the Raspberry Pi, enhancing its functionality.
The case also supports UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) for Raspberry Pi 4, which maximizes high-speed data transfers. This is particularly beneficial when using an M.2 SATA SSD with the case, as it can significantly improve the performance of data-intensive tasks.
The SSD is 12x faster writing large files, and 8x faster writing small files compared to microSD cards.
However, there are a few drawbacks. The SD card slot is inaccessible once the case is closed, and the Wi-Fi signal can be affected when the case is used.
Performance and Temperature
The Argon40 M.2 case performs well in terms of cooling. Users have reported that the Raspberry Pi in the case typically operates at around 48 degrees, which is a comfortable operating temperature. However, some users have reported higher temperatures, but this could be due to the use of different thermal pads.
The case’s metal construction, which acts as a large heatsink, and the built-in fan, contribute to its effective cooling performance. This could potentially allow for more stable overclocking, as the effective cooling can help to maintain a lower operating temperature even when the Raspberry Pi is working harder.
Overclocking Benefits
Overclocking the Raspberry Pi 4 in the Argon40 M.2 case could potentially lead to improved performance. This could be particularly beneficial for tasks that require high computational power, such as gaming or running complex algorithms. By overclocking the Raspberry Pi 4, users can experience faster processing speeds and improved performance in specific applications or tasks.
Additional Features and Cable Management
The Argon40 M.2 case offers two power management modes: automatic booting and "Always ON Mode". These modes provide flexibility in how you use your Raspberry Pi, allowing you to choose between having it boot up automatically when power is supplied or keeping it on continuously. The "Always ON Mode" can be useful for specific applications or use cases, such as running a home server or media center.
The script for the fan and power button functions well, providing reliable control over these features. This ensures that the fan operates at optimal speeds to cool the Raspberry Pi, and that the power button provides a reliable means of turning the Raspberry Pi on and off.
The Argon40 M.2 case comes with small and sleekly made daughter (expansion) cards. These cards add to the functionality of the case, allowing for the addition of features such as the M.2 SATA SSD slot and full-sized HDMI ports.
The Argon40 M.2 case has repositioned all ports to the back of the Raspberry Pi 4, providing a sleek and modern design. This design also aids in cable management, keeping all cables neatly organized and out of sight.
Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to the Argon ONE V2 Case for Raspberry Pi 4, the Argon40 M.2 case offers additional features such as the M.2 SSD slot and full HDMI ports. However, the Argon ONE V2 Case is cheaper and also offers good cooling performance.
In terms of storage performance, the Argon40 M.2 case provides access to fast, reliable storage for your Raspberry Pi 4, which is a significant improvement over using a SATA to USB interface.
Price and Value for Money
The Argon40 M.2 case is priced higher than some other Raspberry Pi 4 cases, but its features and performance justify the cost. Considering its build quality, cooling capabilities, and additional features, the case offers good value for money in long run.
In conclusion, the Argon40 M.2 case for Raspberry Pi 4 is a well-designed, feature-rich product that offers good performance. Its key features include a built-in M.2 SSD slot, full HDMI ports, a power button, and GPIO access. The Argon40 M.2 case is a solid choice for Raspberry Pi 4 users who have a larger budget and plan to use an SSD for one main project.
