¶ Argon ONE UP CM5 Laptop
Open-source Raspberry Pi laptop designed for Builders, Developers, and Educators.
The Argon ONE UP Laptop brings desktop-grade Raspberry Pi performance into a portable, mobile, and upgrade-friendly form factor. Built around the Argon ONE Design Ecosystem, it emphasizes modularity, serviceability, and community-driven development.
WE want you to assemble, customize, and iterate with confidence.
Key Highlights
- Raspberry Pi–powered portable and truly mobile workstation
- Modular and serviceable internal design
- Fully integrated display, keyboard, and trackpad
- Designed for sustained performance with proper thermal management
- Optimized for open-source software and maker workflows
Who It’s For
- Makers and tinkerers building custom Raspberry Pi systems
- Developers needing a portable Linux workstation
- Educators and students learning hardware–software integration
- Open-source enthusiasts extending the Argon 40 ecosystem
¶ Parts and Features
¶
¶ Specifications
|
Category |
No. in Image |
Specification |
|---|---|---|
|
Compute Platform |
13 |
Raspberry Pi 5 (all CM5 supported configurations) |
|
Processor |
13 |
Broadcom BCM2712, Quad-core Arm Cortex-A76 |
|
Memory |
13 |
8 to 16GB LPDDR4X (depending on Raspberry Pi variant) |
|
Display |
4 |
14-inch IPS LCD, Full HD (1920×1080) |
|
Keyboard |
2 |
Full-size keyboard - 105 Keys |
|
Pointing Device |
3 |
Integrated multi-touch trackpad |
|
Wireless |
13 |
Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth through the CM5 Module |
|
Ports |
8 |
USB Type A - USB 3.0 Gen 1 |
|
|
9 |
USB Type A - USB 2.0 |
|
|
20 |
HDMI Out 2.0 |
|
|
21 |
USB Type A - USB 3.1 Gen 1 |
|
|
22 + 23 |
Modified Type-C USB for the 40-PIN GPIO Module |
|
|
22 |
USB Type C - USB 2.0 |
|
|
23 |
USB Type C - NO DATA |
|
Boot up Options |
13 |
via CM5 eMMC |
| 16 |
via internal M..2 NVMe |
|
| 10 |
via SD Card (for CM5 without eMMC) |
|
| 9, 8 or 21 |
via USB through USB A Ports ONLY |
|
|
CM5 Boot Mode |
24 |
OTG Boot Mode Switch set to OTG |
| 19 |
OTG Data Access when in Boot Mode |
|
|
Storage |
10 |
microSD card (Raspberry Pi) NO BOOT UP on SD Card for CM5 with eMMC |
|
|
16 |
M.2 NVMe SSD via 1 lane PCIe M-Key - 2242, 2260, or 2280 |
|
|
13 |
via eMMC via CM5 Module (only on specific modules) |
|
Camera Support |
5 |
USB Camera with mic , 2 Mega Pixels |
|
Audio |
11 |
3.5mm audio jack |
|
|
|
Integrated speakers |
|
Power Input |
19 |
Minimum 45 Watts, PD USB-C charging |
|
|
|
Internal rechargeable battery 55KWh |
|
Cooling |
12 |
Argon THRML Passive and Active cooling design |
|
Chassis |
1 |
CNC aluminum enclosure |
|
Operating Systems |
|
Raspberry Pi OS, Ubuntu, other Debian-based OS |
- There are certain ports that have dual use in the Argon ONE UP Laptop like port 19 which is the POWER PD input in NORMAL Mode but it is the Data transfer port when in OTG Mode.
- Likewise for the Modified USB-C ports, they are custom designed for the 40-PIN GPIO Module but 1 USB-C Port can still function as a USB 2.0 port.
¶ ONE UP Main Board Block Diagram
¶ Power Management
- Power is supplied to the Argon ONE UP Laptop via the USB Type-C port located on the upper-left side of the device (Item 19 in the Parts List image).
- The SC89171 power management IC handles battery charging and regulates power delivery to both the CM5 and Argon ONE UP peripherals.
- This design ensures that the CM5 consistently receives the required 5 V at up to 5 A for optimal operation.
- The power LED indicator is driven directly by the CM5.
¶ Display
- C55512AN-S converts the HDMI signals of the CM5 to eDP, which is the standard for most laptop screens
¶ Built-in Keyboard, Trackpad, USB Camera & Mic In, Internal Speakers
- All Argon ONE UP laptop peripherals—including the keyboard, trackpad, USB camera, and internal speakers—are connected to the CM5 through a 7-port USB hub (CH338).
- As a result, the CM5’s USB 2.0 interface must be enabled for these devices to function correctly.
- In Raspberry Pi OS, USB 2.0 support is enabled by default. However, in other Debian-based distributions, this interface may be disabled.
To ensure proper operation, USB 2.0 must be explicitly enabled by adding the required setting to the
/boot/firmware/config.txtconfiguration file of your Operating System.
dtoverlay=dwc2,dr_mode=host
¶ Two Modified USB-C (left side) for the Argon ONE UP 40-PIN GPIO Module
- The heart of any Raspberry Pi Single Board Computer is the 40-PIN GPIO.
- The ONE UP 40-PIN GPIO is fully compatible with the Raspberry Pi 40-PIN GPIO.
- On the Argon ONE UP CM5 Laptop, this interface is made available through two modified USB-C ports on the left side (image no 22 & 23), which are used to connect the Argon ONE UP 40-PIN GPIO Module (image no. 17).
- To enable this GPIO extension, the USB-C ports are repurposed from standard USB operation.
- As a result, only one of the two ports retains USB 2.0 data functionality, while the other no longer behaves as a conventional USB port.
¶ Boot Mode Access for CM5 Modules with eMMC
- The Boot Mode for the Raspberry Pi 5 CM5 can be enabled on the Main Board, by flipping the switch into USB OTG mode.
- And connect the USB Type-C port located on the upper-left side of the device (Item 19 in the Parts List image) with a Data Cable to your Host Computer.
¶ Assembly & Setup
The Argon ONE UP Laptop is designed to make hardware assembly simpler than a typical Raspberry Pi 5 Model B setup.
Unlike standard Raspberry Pi builds that require mounting the board, attaching multiple cables, adding storage, and configuring peripherals individually, the ONE UP Laptop consolidates these steps into a minimal, streamlined process.
¶ What You Need to Install
For most users, hardware assembly consists of only two primary steps:
- Install the Raspberry Pi CM5 (Compute Module 5)
The CM5 slots directly into the internal carrier board inside the laptop chassis—no GPIO alignment, external adapters, or additional boards required. Make sure to connect the antenna wire to the CM5 Module - Install an M.2 NVMe SSD
Insert an M.2 NVMe SSD preloaded with your preferred Raspberry Pi 5–compatible Linux operating system(such as Raspberry Pi OS or Ubuntu).
Once these two components are installed, the core hardware assembly is complete.
¶ Notes for CM5 with eMMC
If you are using a CM5 variant with onboard eMMC storage, additional setup is required:
- The CM5 must be placed into boot mode (Refer to Section Below for more detailed instructions)
- Software must be installed onto the eMMC using a host computer before first use
- Refer to the software installation guide for detailed steps on entering boot mode and flashing the operating system.
¶ Hardware Assembly Overview
As noted above, the hardware assembly of the Argon ONE UP is straightforward and requires only a few careful steps.
¶ 1. Verify Power Is Off
- Before beginning assembly, ensure that the power button LED is not illuminated.
- This confirms that no power is being supplied from the internal battery to the CM5 socket or other internal ports.
¶ 2. Access Internal Components
Remove all screws securing the Argon THRML plate cover and carefully lift it off.
This will provide access to:
- The Raspberry Pi CM5 socket
- The PCIe M.2 (NVMe) slot
At this stage, you may install:
- An M.2 NVMe SSD for storage, or
- A Hailo AI M.2 module, if your CM5 variant includes built-in eMMC storage
¶ 3. Install the Raspberry Pi CM5 Module
Handle the CM5 module with care, as it is a precision and delicate component.
- Align the CM5 edge connector pins vertically with the socket
- Once properly aligned, press the module down evenly until fully seated
- Do not force the module if resistance is felt—recheck alignment
4. Connect the Antenna
Attach the antenna wire to the CM5 module.
- The antenna socket is located at the upper-left corner of the CM5 (orange in Fig 9)
- Ensure the connector is properly seated before proceeding.
- Make sure that the antenna is NOT grounded to the body of the laptop.
- Once connected, secure the CM5 module using the provided screws.
DO NOT over tighten the screws as this can cause the CM5 Pins not to align properly.
- Make sure that the setting for external antenna is enabled in the
/boot/firmware/config.txtfile:
dtparam=ant2
¶ 5. Apply Thermal Pads
Apply 1 mm thermal pads to the following components:
- CM5 CPU (blue in Fig 9)
- The M.2 NVMe SSD (if installed)
Optional:
- RP1 chip
- Power management ICs on the CM5
Ensure each thermal pad is properly aligned and fully covers the target surface.
¶ 6. Reinstall the THRML Cover
Carefully reposition the Argon THRML cover and secure it using the original screws. Make sure that it is the right side up to avoid grounding the wifi antenna
¶ 7. Power On
Once assembly is complete, power on the unit to begin operation.
Software Configuration
¶ First Boot: Enable Keyboard & Trackpad
¶ Raspberry Pi OS
On Raspberry Pi OS, the keyboard and trackpad are enabled automatically at first boot.
These input devices are connected to the Raspberry Pi CM5 through an internal USB hub, which is enabled by default in Raspberry Pi OS. No additional configuration is required.
¶ Other Debian-Based Operating Systems (e.g., Ubuntu)
For other Debian-based distributions, such as Ubuntu, additional configuration is required prior to first boot to enable the internal keyboard and trackpad.
1. Modify the config.txt File using the Command Terminal.
You will need with superuser privileges
sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt
Add the following settings at the bottom of the file under [All]
dtoverlay=dwc2,dr_mode=host
dtparam=pciex1_gen=3
dtparam=ant2
Folder location of the file may differ on various Debian flavors.
These settings enable the internal USB hub and related interfaces required for the keyboard and trackpad to function correctly. It also sets the wifi antenna to use the External Antenna of the ONE UP CM5 Laptop.
¶ 2. Alternative Input Method (If Needed)
If you are unable to modify the config.txt file prior to first boot, you may:
- Connect an external USB keyboard and mouse
- Boot into the operating system
- Add the required settings to
config.txt.Folder location of the file may differ on various Debian flavors. - Reboot the system
¶ Enable Custom Features
To enable additional laptop-specific functionality not available in the default configuration of Raspberry Pi OS, we provide a custom installation script.
¶ Supported Features
The custom script enables the following features:
- Battery status indication
- Pause button: Display Battery Status
- Lid-close behavior
- Set Automatic shut down of the system after a preset time
This is necessary because Raspberry Pi platforms do not support true sleep or suspend modes, and the system would otherwise continue to drain the battery when the lid is closed
- Screen brightness control
- Fn + F2 : Decrease brightness
- Fn + F3 : Increase brightness
¶ Installation Procedure
¶ 1. Run the Installation Script
For Raspberry Pi OS and Ubuntu, open a Command Terminal and execute the following command:
curl https://download.argon40.com/argononeup.sh | bash2. Reboot the System
After the installation completes, reboot the system for the changes to take effect.
¶ 3. Run the Argon ONE UP Configuration Tool
To run the Configuration Tool, open Command Terminal and execute:
argon-configFollow the steps in the Menu indicated to configure.
¶ ONE UP Script Behavior
During installation, the script will:
- Verify that your operating system and firmware are up to date
- Automatically apply required updates if necessary
- Install the Argon ONE UP add-on services and configurations
- Install a Desktop Icon with Battery Status
¶ Adjusting Display Settings
To adjust color settings or calibrate the display you will need to install ddcutil and ddcui on the Argon ONE UP, you need to configure the system to enable the I2C bus for the HDMI ports and install the required packages.
Step 1: Update your Raspberry Pi OS
Ensure your system is up to date and that you are using a recent kernel, which is necessary for I2C support.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Step 2: Enable I2C Communication
You need to enable I2C via the Raspberry Pi Configuration tool or manually in the boot config file.
- Using
raspi-config:
1. Run
sudo raspi-config2. Navigate to 3 Interface Options > I5 I2C and select Yes to enable it.
3. Reboot the system when prompted.
- Manually (if needed):
1. Edit the /boot/config.txt file:
sudo nano /boot/firmware/config.txt
2. Ensure that dtoverlay=vc4-kms-v3d is present instead of vc4-fkms-v3d in general section (KMS is generally recommended).
3. Add i2c_dev to the /etc/modules file:
echo i2c_dev | sudo tee -a /etc/modules
4. Reboot the Pi:
sudo rebootStep 3: Install
ddcutil and ddcui. The packages are available in the default Raspberry Pi OS repositories.
bash
sudo apt install ddcutil ddcui
Step 4: Verify Installation and Permissions
After installation, the I2C buses for the HDMI ports should appear as devices like /dev/i2c-N. You may need read/write permissions to these devices.
- You can run
ddcutilasrootusingsudoto avoid permission issues, or configure udev rules for persistent user access.
bash
sudo ddcutil detect
- The
detectcommand should list connected monitors and their DDC/CI capabilities. - If you encounter issues like "No displays found", it might be related to specific kernel/firmware interactions on the Pi 5, which are discussed on the ddcutil Documentation and GitHub pages.
Step 5: Run
ddcui is a graphical interface for ddcutil, built using Qt. You can launch it from your desktop environment's application menu or the terminal:
bash
ddcuiThis will open a GUI that allows you to change monitor settings like brightness, contrast, and input source, provided your monitor supports DDC/CI communication
- In the GUI Tab View > Features you can now adjust the settings to your preferences.
¶ Setup Boot Mode on ONE UP CM5 Laptop
1. Ensure the Laptop Is Powered Off
- Before entering Boot Mode, confirm that the Laptop Power LED is off. This ensures that the system is fully powered down and ready for host communication.
¶ 2. Set the OTG Switch to OTG Mode
- Locate the OTG switch on the lower-right side of the CM5 module and slide it to the OTG position.
¶ Normal Mode
Always make sure that this switch is in NORMAL mode during regular operations.
Otherwise the ONE UP will not boot up.
¶ OTG Boot Mode
¶ 3. Connect to Your Host Computer
- Connect the USB Type-C port located on the upper-left side of the device (Item 19 in the Parts List image) with a Data Cable to your Host Computer.
¶ 4. Power On the Laptop
Once connected, press the power button to turn on the laptop. The system will now boot in OTG mode, allowing the host computer to access the CM5 module for programming or imaging.
¶ Mount the eMMC Storage using “usbboot”
To access the CM5 eMMC storage from your computer, you will use the Raspberry Pi usbboot utility. This involves downloading the repository, installing required libraries, and building the rpiboot executable. The following instructions were performed using the Terminal application on macOS, but equivalent commands are provided for Linux systems.
¶ 1. Install the Required USB Library
Ensure that your computer has the libusb library installed.
- On macOS (with Homebrew installed):
brew install pkgconfig libusb
- On Linux (e.g., another Raspberry Pi):
sudo apt install libusb-1.0-0-dev
¶ 2. Clone the usbboot Repository
Download the usbboot repository from GitHub:
git clone --depth=1 https://github.com/raspberrypi/usbbootThis creates a local copy of the repository on your computer.
¶ 3. Build the rpiboot Executable
Navigate to the repository directory and build the rpiboot tool:
cd usbboot
makeAfter building, the rpiboot executable will be available in the usbboot directory.
¶ 4. Mount the eMMC Storage
Run the following command to mount the CM5 eMMC storage:
sudo ./rpiboot
After a few seconds, the eMMC storage should appear as a mounted volume on your computer.
The LED on the CM5 inside the laptop may illuminate during this process, indicating disk read/write activity on the eMMC.
This workflow allows you to access, image, or flash the CM5 eMMC storage directly from your host computer.
¶ Flash Raspberry Pi OS to either eMMC or M.2 NVMe
Once the eMMC storage has been mounted using usbboot, it will appear on your computer just like a standard microSD card or USB storage device. You may now use a disk imaging utility—such as Raspberry Pi Imager—to flash Raspberry Pi OS or any other compatible operating system onto the eMMC storage.
1. Launch Raspberry Pi Imager
2. Select the desired operating system
3. Choose the mounted eMMC storage or the M.2 NVMe as the target device
4. Proceed with the flashing process as instructed by the application
After the flashing process is complete, safely eject the eMMC storage from your computer before disconnecting the laptop from the host system.
Then Power ON the Argon ONE UP CM5 Laptop.
¶ Community Support
This section serves as the central hub for community-driven support and collaboration around the Argon ONE UP Laptop.
Here, we share links to:
Community forums discussing builds, configurations, and troubleshooting
Individual contributions such as guides, mods, and optimizations created by users
Ongoing discussions on Argon 40 Forum and GitHub Discussions focused specifically on ONE UP development and usage
Whether you are looking for help, want to share your own improvements, or simply follow active development conversations, this is where the ONE UP community connects.
- https://forum.argon40.com/t/playing-with-the-1up/8813/6 - Argon 40 Forum Page
- https://github.com/JeffCurless/argon-oneup - Jeff Curless Github Argon ONE UP Builds
- https://github.com/geerlingguy/raspberry-pi-pcie-devices/issues/744 - Jeff Gerling Github Page
¶ Contribute
The Argon ONE UP Laptop is community-driven. Contributions are welcome.
Please let us know and contact us at cs@argon40.com if you want to contribute resources for the Argon ONE UP continuing development.
Argon ONE UP CM5 Laptop — Build it. Modify it. Make it yours.