Argus CI-21 Test – 3.5″ front panel extension with card reader

Not everyone wants to change their case when upgrading their hardware, because thanks to the ATX standard, even the latest components still fit into older cases. However, older cases often have a decisive disadvantage: the front panel may not meet the current standard. However, with the Argus CI-21 from this test and the closely related CI-22, Inter-Tech offers affordable solutions for adding USB 3 and USB-C as well as card readers to old cases or expanding newer systems. In the Argus CI-21 test, we take a closer look at how well the whole thing works, the build quality and general use.

Specifications

Installation size	3.5″ external bay
Dimensions	137 x 102 x 25 mm
weight	160 g
Internal connections	50 cm USB-3 internal and SATA power
External connections	1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GB/s) 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GB/s) SD card reader Micro SD card reader (alias TF)
Warranty period	24 months
Price	€ 12.14 *

The related Argus CI-22 model also has an internal connection for a USB-C header and an additional external connection for USB-C 3.2 Gen 2×2 (20 GB/s). The model would therefore be more relevant if you have a free internal USB-C header on the mainboard. However, this is the only difference between the Argus CI-21 and CI-22.

Packaging and scope of delivery

• Simple box with bilingual labeling
• Supplied with instructions, screws and connection cable

The Argus CI-21 is supplied in a small box. The box itself is unspectacular in white with blue accents. The labeling on the back is in German and English. In addition to the device itself, this box contains the internal USB connection cable, a set of four screws for mounting and instructions.

Screws, cables and the Argus CI-21 are each packed in their own plastic bag. So everything is relatively simple and as expected. There is no padding.

Design and build quality

• Simple, black design
• Robust workmanship with metal frame
• Test device with fine paint flaws

The workmanship of the Argus CI-21 proves to be solid in this test. The frame and front are bent from a single piece of metal. The device fits snugly in the hand and feels solid. So no plastic part. Visually, it is unspectacular and very simple. A black part with connections. Internally it is kept open, so it is not a completely black box, but you can see the circuit board and the connections directly.

There was a small defect on the test device due to a minimal paint defect on the front. At first glance, it looks like a bit of dust, but it can’t be wiped away. But you have to take a closer look.

Areas of application with old housings

• Continued use of old enclosures with newer mainboards and full use of the connections
• Extension of front panel connections even with newer enclosures
• Sleeper projects

Of course you need an enclosure with an external 3.5″ slot for the Argus CI-21. These are usually older enclosures. And these older enclosures were often only built with USB 2 ports. Anyone who wants to continue using an older enclosure in today’s world will be pleased that the CI-21 offers a solution.

For example, with the Xigmatek Asgard, I have an older case here (built in 2009) that offers an acceptable airflow as soon as better fans are installed than were used ex works (I have retrofitted Noctua NF-P12s here, for example). But in this day and age, it would bother me not to have USB 3 ports. So this would be an ideal application example, because thanks to the 3.5″ slot, there is definitely the option of expanding the front panel. I carried out the Argus CI-21 test accordingly.

This makes the Argus CI-21 ideal for preparing old cases for new hardware, as well as for corresponding sleeper projects. It can also be used to prepare various legendary classic cases for use with modern hardware. For example, the Chieftech Dragon CS-901 Big Tower or a Lian Li Aluminum Case.

If you don’t have a 3.5″ slot in your computer but instead have 5.25″ slots (and even this is rare in modern cases), you can also find adapters that can be used to install 3.5″ components such as the Argus CI-21 in these slots.

Areas of application with new enclosures

• Extension of the front panel
• Possible alternatives with more card readers

Newer cases very rarely have 3.5″ slots, but even here you can still find possible models in the office sector, such as the Inter-Tech IT-8862 PLAID. However, this case already comes with USB 3 ports and an SD card reader ex works, which is why I have to say that I actually see the Argus CI-21 more in the area of modernizing older cases than for expanding newer systems. But of course – if you have sufficient headers on the mainboard or install a PCIe expansion card, there is certainly the option of expanding the connections if you simply need more.

If you are looking purely for the card reader function, you can also take a look at the Argus CI-01. With this, you only get a USB 3-A connection, but a larger number of card readers, for example for Compact Flash cards, xD cards or memory sticks.

Installation and practical operation

• Typical installation for a 3.5″ device
• SATA power connector and internal USB cable must be connected
• Simple operation without manual driver installation
• Both SD card readers can be used simultaneously

The installation of the Argus CI-21 proved to be relatively simple in the test. First remove the cover of the 3.5″ slot from the housing, then lead a SATA power cable through it to the outside. Attach the USB cable to the Argus CI-21 and feed it through the slot to the inside. Then connect the SATA power cable and push the entire part in until the holes (or at least one hole, depending on the internal structure of the housing) are in the correct position and then screw tight. Now connect the USB cable to a free USB 3 header. With the sister model CI-22, you also have to connect the internal USB-C cable, but this is not the case with the CI-21.

That’s all there is to the setup. From the next start of the system, you can now use the USB ports and the SD card readers, whereby the slots are each displayed as a separate drive. Micro SD cards (aka TF) are inserted with the labeled side facing up and they snap into place with a click.

However, normal SD cards have to be inserted with the writing facing downwards, which initially seems a little less intuitive. However, this is not only the case here, but also with my external card reader from UGREEN, for example.

And yes, you can use both card readers and the USB ports on the Argus CI-21 at the same time. The speed is what you would expect from USB 3 and I was also able to copy files from my 128 GB SDXC card at 90 MB/s, which is the full speed offered by this memory card. It can be that simple.

Conclusion

The Argus CI-21 card reader is really more of a complete front panel extension than just a pure card reader and a very cool solution for inexpensively preparing old housings for newer systems. After all, this part is cheaper than even the cheapest new PC cases on the market. Of course, depending on the case and components selected, this may not always make sense, but if you want to build a new system as cheaply as possible and already have an old case, the Argus CI-21 from Inter-Tech may well be an option for you.

As soon as the planned mainboard has a dedicated USB-C header, which is the case with most of the very latest boards – apart from very inexpensive models – the sister model CI-22 is recommended, which is otherwise identically equipped.

I would be delighted if Inter-Tech were to offer an alternative model in 5.25″ format, as this would significantly expand the possible compatible cases without the need for an adapter.