Raspberry Pi has implemented firmware updates that lock boards to their factory-set RAM capacities. According to company representative PhilE, this measure aims to prevent fraudulent resellers from swapping lower-capacity RAM chips for higher-capacity ones of questionable quality and selling them as upgraded devices.
The new firmware also programs specific device attributes, which can prevent the successful replacement of RAM chips even when using components of the same size. The company warns that attempting hardware modifications or repairs is ineffective and advises users not to pursue such upgrades.
These restrictions began rolling out in updates starting in late 2024. While the company cites the need to reduce support burdens and ensure device reliability, the community has expressed concerns. Advocates like Jeff Geerling have suggested alternative solutions, such as a warranty bit or a firmware flag to void support for modified boards.
Users who wish to bypass these limitations would need to flash older firmware versions, provided they are available for their specific model. Raspberry Pi has also provided a lookup table to help users verify the original factory RAM configuration of their devices.
