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Troubleshooting Argon ONE V3 Assembly, Installation, and Initial Setup

Updated

Category

Troubleshooting

Products

Argon ONE V3

Platform

Raspberry Pi 5

Keywords

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Overview

This article provides the recommended procedure for assembling and performing the initial setup of the Argon ONE V3.

If your Raspberry Pi powers on outside the case but not after installation, or if the case does not function as expected after assembly, follow the checks below before concluding that a component is defective.

This article is intended for first-time setup and hardware verification.

If your issue is related to a specific component, additional troubleshooting articles are available for HDMI daughterboard issues, NVMe detection, firmware updates, and power supply warnings.

Before You Begin

Before assembling the Argon ONE V3, verify that:

  • The Raspberry Pi 5 is fully functional outside the case.
  • Raspberry Pi OS has been updated.
  • The Raspberry Pi EEPROM has been updated.
  • The system date and time are correct.
  • The recommended Argon installation scripts have been completed.

If you are installing an NVMe SSD, complete the EEPROM configuration before configuring PCIe boot.

Initial Hardware Verification

Before fully assembling the case, verify the fan and power board.

  1. Set the jumper to the default position (pins 1–2).
  2. Connect power to the RP2040 USB-C power input.
  3. Press the power button.

The fan should briefly spin and then stop.

This confirms that the power board, microcontroller, fan, and power button are functioning correctly.

If the fan does not spin, refer to:

Argon ONE V3 Firmware Update in the manual

Verify the HDMI USB-C Daughterboard

Reseat the HDMI USB-C daughterboard several times to ensure that it is fully inserted into the Raspberry Pi.

Because the connector has tight mechanical tolerances, applying firm and even pressure during installation is recommended.

A partially inserted daughterboard may prevent normal operation.

Do not test the HDMI USB-C daughterboard by itself.

The HDMI USB-C daughterboard is not designed to power the Raspberry Pi directly.

For additional information, refer to:

Argon ONE V3 HDMI USB-C Daughterboard Does Not Power the Raspberry Pi When Tested by Itself

Verify the Internal Connections

Confirm that:

  • The 6-pin connector between the HDMI USB-C daughterboard and the power board is fully connected.
  • The Raspberry Pi is seated correctly inside the case.
  • The pogo pins are properly aligned.
  • All internal connectors are fully inserted.

The power path relies on the complete internal assembly.

Testing individual boards separately is not a valid method of determining whether they are defective.

If You Are Using an NVMe SSD

After confirming that the case powers on correctly, continue with the NVMe setup.

For NVMe-specific troubleshooting, refer to:

  • Raspberry Pi 5 NVMe Troubleshooting for Argon ONE V3, Argon NEO 5, and Argon ONE V5 (Boot, Detection, Compatibility, and Configuration)
  • NVMe SSD Not Detected on Argon ONE V5, Argon NEO 5, or Argon V3 (Run lspci to Verify Compatibility)

If the Problem Persists

If the system still does not function correctly after completing the hardware verification:

  • Recheck all internal connections.
  • Verify the Raspberry Pi operates normally outside the case.
  • Confirm the Raspberry Pi OS, EEPROM, and Argon installation scripts are up to date.
  • Continue with the appropriate troubleshooting article based on your specific symptom.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Raspberry Pi works outside the case but not inside it.

Verify the HDMI USB-C daughterboard, the internal 6-pin connector, and the power board installation before concluding that a component is defective.

Can I test the HDMI USB-C daughterboard by itself?

No.

The HDMI USB-C daughterboard is not designed to power the Raspberry Pi directly. The complete internal power path must be assembled for the system to operate.

Should I configure the EEPROM before installing NVMe?

Yes.

The EEPROM should be updated and configured before completing the PCIe NVMe setup.

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