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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]

6 clusters · 31 sources · 46 days · First seen · Last updated

Raspberry Pi hardware restrictions and rising memory costs

Overview

The Raspberry Pi ecosystem continues to face challenges regarding hardware availability and memory management. The company has confirmed that its Compute Module 5, as well as the Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5, feature hardware-level restrictions that prevent RAM upgrades. Recent bootloader changes effectively lock devices to their original factory capacity, even if users physically replace soldered memory chips. Raspberry Pi maintains this design to prevent gray-market resellers from swapping modules for profit, citing concerns over stability and unsupported configurations. However, these restrictions may potentially be bypassed by reflashing older bootloader versions via the SPI flash chip. Economic pressures from rising DRAM prices have led to significant price increases. Effective October 1, 2026, the 2GB Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 models increased by $12.50, reaching $67.50 and $77.50 respectively. More recently, the 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 model saw a substantial $80 hike to $385, which represents more than a threefold increase from its January 2025 launch price of $120. Additionally, 16GB Compute Module 5 variants increased by $40, ranging from $375 to $415. CEO Eben Upton described the decision as “unavoidable” due to a lack of alternative supply for 16GB DRAM and ongoing component shortages, noting that major producers are prioritizing high-bandwidth memory for AI applications. This marks the fourth price adjustment by the company within a single year. The Raspberry Pi Foundation attributed the surge to a global shortage of high-density DRAM chips, noting that the supply chain is highly concentrated among a few manufacturers. To mitigate costs, Raspberry Pi introduced a 3GB RAM variant of the Raspberry Pi 4B as a compromise. The company noted that these price increases are selective, as other 16GB models, such as the Raspberry Pi 500+, will maintain current pricing.

Entities

Raspberry Pi · Micron · Eben Upton · Raspberry Pi Foundation · Sanjay Mehrotra

Timeline

  1. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Raspberry Pi 5 16GB model price increases by $80

    Raspberry Pi has raised the price of its 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 model by $80 due to a global DRAM shortage, marking the fourth price increase in one year.

  2. [TECHNOLOGY] 15 sources
    Raspberry Pi 5 16GB price rises to $385 due to memory shortages

    Raspberry Pi has raised the price of its 16GB Raspberry Pi 5 to $385, more than triple its launch price, citing critical DRAM shortages and rising component costs.

  3. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Raspberry Pi increases prices for 2GB models due to RAM costs

    Raspberry Pi is raising prices on 2GB variants of the Raspberry Pi 4 and 5 due to rising RAM costs driven by data center and AI hardware demand.

  4. [TECHNOLOGY] 3 sources
    Raspberry Pi increases prices for 2GB Pi 4 and Pi 5 models

    Raspberry Pi is raising prices for its 2GB Raspberry Pi 4 and Pi 5 models due to rising memory costs, citing unsustainable industry economics.

  5. [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Raspberry Pi introduces 3GB RAM model amid hardware upgrade restrictions

    Raspberry Pi has introduced a 3GB RAM variant of the Pi 4B, while new bootloader changes from the Foundation limit the ability to upgrade RAM on Pi 4 and Pi 5 models.

  6. [TECHNOLOGY] 4 sources
    Raspberry Pi locks RAM capacity while Micron unveils 512 GB DDR5 module

    Raspberry Pi confirms hardware locks prevent RAM upgrades on Compute Module 5, while Micron unveils a high-capacity 512 GB DDR5 module for AI servers.

Sources

24matins.es · afrikmag.com · aphnetworks.com · blogspan.net · borncity.com · cnmo.com · domo-blog.fr · drweb.de · electronicsweekly.com · elektronikpraxis.de · finance.technews.tw · gadgetgear.nl · gamingonlinux.com · gigazine.net · gizmodo.com · hackaday.com · hardzone.es · lesjoiesducode.fr · linuxiac.com · linuxmag.nl · netzwelt.de · omgubuntu.co.uk · pc.watch.impress.co.jp · pisapapeles.net · shiftdelete.net · techbang.com · teltarif.de · theregister.co.uk · tuttoperinternet.it · weekly.ascii.jp · windowscentral.com

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history