New Raspberry Pi 4 Model Splits RAM Across Dual Chips

Source: Slashdot

Overview

The blog OMG Ubuntu reports that a new version of the Raspberry Pi 4 Model B has been (quietly) introduced. The key difference is that it now uses a dual‑RAM configuration (source).

The Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (PCB 13a) adopts this dual‑RAM layout to improve supply‑chain flexibility and manufacturing efficiency, according to a company product‑change notice. Earlier revisions used a single LPDDR4 chip on the top side of the board; the new revision adds a second LPDDR4 chip on the underside, with a few passive components also relocated.

By moving to a dual‑chip design, Raspberry Pi can combine two smaller—and marginally cheaper—memory modules to achieve the same total RAM capacity, helping to mitigate fluctuating component costs.

Performance and Compatibility

• The change does not affect performance. The Broadcom BCM2711 SoC has a 32‑bit wide memory interface, so bandwidth remains identical; the memory bus is physically split, not logically doubled.
• The new board is fully compatible with existing official accessories, HATs, and add‑ons.
• All operating systems that support the Pi 4 will work, but because the memory setup differs, a new version of the bootloader must be flashed first.