Raspberry Pi has implemented a firmware restriction preventing users from replacing RAM chips on the Raspberry Pi 5. This limitation applies even when installing identical modules with the same capacity taken from other boards.
The restriction was introduced in a firmware update released in late 2024. Users can only bypass this measure by utilizing a version of the firmware dated September 10, 2024, or earlier.
According to a company engineer, the decision stems from users seeking technical support from Raspberry Pi for modified devices that were purchased from third parties. The company aims to avoid liability for hardware failures caused by improper soldering or the use of unreliable memory chips.
Industry experts suggest that the company could have adopted a 'warranty bit' approach, similar to older models like the Raspberry Pi 3 B, which would void the warranty upon unauthorized hardware modifications rather than blocking functionality entirely.
