Raspberry Pi single-board computers are now subject to a firmware-level lock that ties each board to the RAM capacity it shipped with. Previously, some users would desolder and replace the memory chips on the board to repair a faulty module or boost memory. That practice is no longer possible, as the firmware checks the installed capacity against the factory setting during boot.
A Raspberry Pi engineer has told DIY enthusiasts that trying to work around the lock is not worth the effort, effectively closing the door on memory-related repairs and upgrades. The company explains the change as a response to reseller scams, where modified boards might be sold with misleading specifications. For hobbyists, this reduces the repairability and upgradeability of the hardware, but the priority appears to be preventing fraudulent sales.