Raspberry Pi firmware since 2024 locks down RAM upgrades by validating module compatibility, preventing users from installing different RAM sizes or manufacturers. While designed to prevent incompatible changes, this restriction frustrates users who expect upgradeability on open-source hardware, contrasting with policies on other devices like GPUs and Apple computers.
The Raspberry Pi Foundation implemented bootloader changes limiting RAM upgrades on Pi 4 and Pi 5 boards, but the author argues this is not problematic since the restriction is easily bypassable by downgrading the bootloader—a task within reach of anyone capable of performing RAM upgrades themselves.