Raspberry Pi locks boards to factory RAM capacities in firmware

Why It Matters

Raspberry Pi has quietly locked its boards' firmware to reject swapped RAM chips, preventing users from upgrading or repairing memory on their own. This matters because it restricts the DIY and repairability ethos the Pi brand is known for, and comes as memory prices are rising sharply due to AI-driven demand, making self-upgrades more appealing to cost-conscious users.

Key Takeaways

Raspberry Pi firmware now locks devices to their factory-set RAM capacity, blocking chip swaps.
The company says this prevents fraud and unreliable devices from resold boards with mismatched RAM.
The lockdown began in late 2024, predating the current RAM price surge, and undermines the platform's repair/upgrade culture.

Worth a Look

Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Board — If RAM upgrades are locked at the factory, the smart move is to buy the capacity you actually need from the start. The Raspberry Pi 5 8GB gives you plenty of headroom for demanding projects without worrying about firmware restrictions on swapping chips later.

See Raspberry Pi 5 8GB Board on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

Source: tomshardware.com — Mark Tyson, 2026-09-22

Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.