Argon Review

Written by hitman43
English Translation by Jones23
Editing by Brakken
January 2008

-=[ original review on modcontrol.com (german) ]=-

Introduction

For the last year or so the Infectus Team has been one of the best teams in modchip business. Thanks to their innovative Infectus modchip, which proved it's functionality as NAND Flasher and Dual Firmware Drive Modchip for the Xbox360. It's our pleasure to see, that the team released another innovative, updatable and multi-functional product. This time Team Infectus shows it's skills in the Wii modchip scene with the Argon modchip and the sadly only seperately available InJectus, it's Argon JTAG Programmer.

One of the Argon's main features for example is to work as drive modchip in Wii consoles with D2C chipset and with less wires than the D2CKey. In addition there's the update function with the JTAG Programmer, which not only updates the Wii drivechip funktionality, but can also turn the chip into a PS2 modchip.

Unfortunatly we have to mention here, that the InJectus Programmer is not includeded in the shipment and also lacks a USB cable. To deliver perfectly full functionality, the manufacturer should release an all-in-one bundle.

Features

Works on All New Wii Boards (D2C, GC2-D1 and GC2-D1A)
13 Solder Points (3 Optional for Imports)
100% Upgrable Through the on-board JTAG Connector
ACTEL3 Family FPGA - A3P125 - Military Quality and Security
Direct Boot Wii Games (Extreme Compatibility - more than D2Ckey)
Direct Boot GameCube Games
GameCube Homebrew Support
Multiple Disc Support
Audio Streaming for GC Games Supported
Partial Regional Patch (80% Working)

Contents

Argon Modchip
Injectus Programmer & Flex Cable (Sold Seperately)

The Argon modchip and the Injectus (Argon JTAG Programmer) are very high quality products with a perfect design. The components are installed decently on the circuit boards and the pads are big enough to solder the cables without problems.

Layout of the golden solder pads is appropriate and the USB connector on the JTAG Programmer is mounted very solid. The ribbon cable, which connects modchip and programmer is of good quality, but you can't do much wrong with that. The connectors for the cable on both boards are robust and keep the ribbon cable firmly in place. Both PCB's have multiple layers and are solid as a rock. The ACTEL on the Argon and the USB controller on the JTAG Programmer really good quality products.

Installation

After opening the Wii and unmounting the DVD drive, you can begin with the installation. Like in the D2CKey test, the chip was installed with a mixture between the manufacturers diagram and the alternative diagram.

For professionals with enough soldering experience, installation should be done within 20 to 30 minutes. Amateurs should get the chip installed, because although it only needs 13 or 17 cables, the solder spots are really small and soldering amateurs could easily make a fatal mistake.

The 4 optional cables are used for one of the most important features, the import support (since firmware 1.3).

As described installation proceeds quickly and after installing all cables and isolating the chip. All you have to do is route the ribbon cable to the outside of the case to be able to connect the Injectus (when needed).

Usage - Updating the Argon

Due to bugs in the firmware that shipped with the Argon chip you will need to update it (or make sure the store you're buying from updates it for you). These bugs initially started a flaming war on various scene sites over which chip was best, but suddenly stopped when upgrades started to get released. These bugs included random reboots and freezing during gameplay.

If you own the Injectus you can update the modchip with the Infectus software. With the Injectus it's possible to update the whole ACTEL firmware on the chip, which hopefully will bring additional features in the future.


The Flashing Software for the Argon ships with the Injectus Programmer. Just turn on the Wii (with Injectus Argon Programmer connected to the chip) and connect the modchip with the PC using a USB cable. If the Infectus drivers are not installed yet, you have to install them when connecting the first time.


To flash the chip, simply click on "OPEN INFECTUS" in the Infectus Programmer and choose the "Argon update" with "LOAD.DAT." The program then naturally starts the update process. When the Argon is completely programmed you will see the following (sorta technical) message: Verifying FPGA Array -- PASS!

 

The procedure can take a few minutes, because the software permanently verifies to make the update is saved correctly.

It's also possible to update the Argon with an Infectus modchip and the Infectus Programmer Software, which requires to connect Argon modchip and Infectus modchip with 7 cables. So you see that the Injectus (JTAG Programmer) is really useful and simplifies updating the chip. Although, both methods working flawlessly it's up to the user to decide which Programmer to use (Infectus or Injectus).

Usage - Functionality

Long story short, the Argon modchip can boot Wii backups without problems and the recently released update 1.3 adds import support to the modchip. As described above 4 additional wires are required to use this feature, and unfortunately it's not fully functional.

Only few import games are working (which is actually a factor no modchip can control) and GameCube imports aren't working at all and GameCube games are generally having problems.

Judging this point is difficult, because there are already announcements of future updates and so far Team Infectus always kept to their promises. There's still room for features and improvements, so hopefully it's only a matter of time until the last bugs are fixed and complete GameCube and Wii import support is available.

These games were tested:

- GCOS (Homebrew) - working
- Killer 7 NTSC - not working
- Killer 7 NTSC Backup - not working
- WiiSports PAL (Wii Original) - working
- WiiSports PAL (Wii backup - Verbatim media) - working
- Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles PAL (Original) - working
- Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles PAL (Wii backup) - working

Conclusion

The Argon is setting standards for Wii modchips, as expected from Team Infectus. With the Injectus (JTAG programming) and update feature, this chip is absolutely future proof, but not including the external programmer is a minus and in addition the import support came with the last update and can only be used with the programmer.

Import support is not as good as with the D2CKey and GameCube imports can't be played at the moment. Due to the fact Team Infectus is releasing updates quite regularly, there's hope that Wii (as long as the games are compatible) and GameCube imports will work properly in future.

Both the Argon and the Injectus (JTAG Programmer) are perfectly designed and match high quality standards. The price of the chip is also fair, but despite the low count of cables, installation is not recommended for amateurs. Altogether, the Argon is a top product with a few bugs, which hopefully will be solved soon.

Negatives

Import Function "still" Incomplete
GameCube Imports Don't Work
Injectus (JTAG Programmer) not Included
No USB Cable Included
Import Functionality Needs Additional Soldering

Positives

Supports D2C, GC2-D1 and GC2-D1A Chip Sets
Only 13 to 17 Wires for Installation
Import Functionality (Beta)
Upgradable via USB using the Injectus
Also Upgradable via the Infectus
Boots Homebrew
Boots backups
Very High Quality Design
Extensive and Easy to Use Software
Software Improvements Announced

Links

Argon/Infectus Website
Original Review (German)
HardStore - Worldwide Distributor

-=[ Argon Review Discussion Thread ]=-