Raspberry Pi Bootloader Locks RAM Size to Curb Counterfeit Sales
Raspberry Pi Foundation introduced a bootloader update in September 2024 that prevents users from upgrading RAM chips on Pi 4, Pi 5, and Compute Modules to sizes larger than the original specification. While this restricts hardware modification, it is easily bypassed by downgrading the bootloader via USB. The move aims to combat third-party sellers who swap in unverified or harvested RAM chips, which often leads to instability and misleading product listings. Critics argue this limits repairability and user freedom, but proponents note that the restriction primarily targets fraudulent commercial practices rather than genuine repairs, as replacing a failed chip with an identical one remains possible.
