Raspberry Pi has implemented a firmware lockdown that prevents users from swapping RAM chips on the Pi 5, even identical-capacity chips from other boards. The move targets resellers who re-solder cheap 1GB/2GB RAM onto boards and sell them as 8GB units, citing unreliable solder joints and memory timing issues. Users can bypass the lock only by running firmware from September 2024 or earlier.
Background
Raspberry Pi 5 supports configurable RAM options up to 8GB, and the hobbyist community frequently modifies hardware for custom builds. The AI hardware boom has increased demand and pricing pressure on components like RAM.
- Source
- Lobsters
- Published
- Sep 22, 2026 at 04:20 PM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10