Full Self-Driving Computer: Tesla Hardware 3 vs. Hardware 4 Breakdown

So, Tesla's whole self-driving thing has been a bit of a journey, right? They started with one system, then another, and now we're talking about Hardware 3 versus Hardware 4. It's like they're constantly upgrading the brains of the car. If you're wondering what's new with the latest hardware, or if your current car can even handle the fancy features, you're in the right place. We're going to break down the differences between the full self driving computer 3 vs 4.

Key Takeaways

• Hardware 3, also known as the FSD Computer, was Tesla's first in-house chip designed for full self-driving capabilities, replacing earlier NVIDIA hardware.

• Hardware 4, often called 'FSD Computer 2', represents a significant upgrade with more processing power, better neural network processors, and a more advanced sensor suite.

• Key differences between the full self driving computer 3 vs 4 include more CPU cores, higher frequencies, and a more efficient manufacturing process for HW4.

• Hardware 4 includes upgraded cameras with higher resolutions and wider fields of view, along with potential improvements in radar capabilities.

• While HW3 was retrofittable to older vehicles, HW4 has a different form factor, making retrofits much more complicated or potentially impossible for many older cars.

Understanding Tesla's Full Self-Driving Computer Evolution

Tesla's journey into creating its own brain for self-driving cars is a pretty interesting story. It wasn't always this way, you know. For a while, they were relying on outside companies to provide the brains for their Autopilot features. But as the technology got more complex, and the goal of full self-driving became clearer, Tesla decided it was time to build their own custom hardware. This move was all about getting more control and making sure the hardware was perfectly suited for the massive amount of data their cars needed to process.

The Genesis of Tesla's Custom AI Hardware

Back in the early days, around 2016, Tesla realized that off-the-shelf solutions just weren't cutting it for what they wanted to achieve with self-driving. They needed something that could handle the intense computational load of processing camera feeds and making real-time decisions. So, they started designing their own chips. It was a big undertaking, bringing in some serious talent to make it happen. The goal was to create a system that was not only powerful but also efficient and cost-effective.

Transitioning from NVIDIA to In-House Design

Before they went all-in on their own hardware, Tesla used chips from NVIDIA. This was their setup for what's now called Hardware 1.0 and Hardware 2.0 (or AP1 and AP2). The NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2 platform was what powered these earlier versions of Autopilot. However, as Tesla's vision for full self-driving evolved, they found that their in-house designs could offer significant advantages. This led to the development of Hardware 3.0, often called the FSD Computer, which marked a major shift away from relying on external chip providers. This transition was key to Tesla's self-driving capabilities.

Hardware 1.0 to Hardware 2.5: Early Autopilot

Tesla's initial foray into driver assistance systems started with Hardware 1.0, which used the Mobileye EyeQ 3 platform. This was pretty basic by today's standards but was a step forward at the time. Then came Hardware 2.0, which brought the NVIDIA DRIVE PX 2. This was a big upgrade, offering more processing power for features like Autosteer and Traffic-Aware Cruise Control. There was a minor update, sometimes referred to as Hardware 2.5, but Tesla itself didn't see it as a major leap. These early systems laid the groundwork, but they were just the beginning of Tesla's ambitious self-driving project.

Hardware 3: The Foundation for Full Self-Driving

Tesla really started taking its self-driving ambitions seriously when they decided to build their own computer, moving away from using parts made by other companies like NVIDIA. This shift led to what we now call Hardware 3, or HW3. It was a big deal because it meant Tesla could design chips specifically for the complex tasks its cars needed to do to drive themselves. They started working on this in 2016, and by late 2018, the first versions were actually being made. It was a pretty quick turnaround for something so complicated.

Key Specifications of the Full Self-Driving Computer

The HW3 computer is a custom piece of hardware. It's built using a 14-nanometer manufacturing process. Inside, you'll find a total of 12 CPU cores, arranged in clusters of four. These cores run at a decent speed, about 2.2 GHz. But the real stars are the custom neural network processors. These are the parts that do the heavy lifting for the AI, crunching numbers for things like recognizing stop signs and lane lines. Tesla claimed these chips could handle up to 36 trillion operations per second (TOPS). That's a lot of number crunching!

Performance Metrics and Neural Network Capabilities

Compared to the older NVIDIA hardware that Tesla used before, HW3 was a significant upgrade. The previous system could only manage about 21 TOPS. HW3, with its custom AI accelerators, was designed to process information from the car's cameras much faster. Tesla said it could handle about 2,000 frames per second from all the cameras at full resolution, which is way more than the older system. This boost in processing power was needed because Tesla relies heavily on cameras to see the road, unlike some other companies that use lidar. Processing all that visual data quickly is key to making the self-driving features work reliably.

Rollout and Vehicle Compatibility

Tesla started putting the HW3 computer into all new cars around April or May of 2019. If you bought a Tesla before this time and had also paid for the Full Self-Driving package, you were eligible for an upgrade. However, these upgrades didn't happen overnight. Tesla began offering these retrofits in earnest starting in early 2020. The process was supposed to be fairly straightforward, as the connectors were designed to be the same as the older hardware, making it easier to swap out the computers. It was a way for Tesla to try and fulfill its promise of providing the necessary hardware for its advanced driver-assistance features to owners of older vehicles.

Retrofit Options for Older Vehicles

For owners of Teslas with Hardware 2.0 or 2.5 who had purchased the Full Self-Driving option, Tesla offered a computer swap. Initially, this upgrade was promised to be free for those who paid for FSD. However, some customers faced long waits. Later on, Tesla did start offering these retrofits, and the cost was even reduced at one point from $1,500 down to $1,000 in March 2023. While Tesla maintained that HW3 was sufficient for its FSD capabilities, some people wondered if it would truly be enough for full autonomy, especially in tricky city driving situations. It was a point of discussion for many owners who had invested in the FSD package.

Tesla's move to custom silicon with Hardware 3 was a bold step. It showed they were serious about developing their own AI and weren't content with off-the-shelf solutions. This allowed them to tailor the hardware precisely to the demands of their vision-based self-driving system, aiming for better performance and efficiency.

It's interesting to think about how Tesla's approach to hardware development has changed over time. They went from using parts from companies like Mobileye and NVIDIA to designing their own chips. This HW3 computer was a major milestone in that journey, laying the groundwork for future advancements. While some owners had to wait for upgrades, the introduction of HW3 was a clear signal of Tesla's commitment to pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving technology. You can find more details about the history of Tesla's Autopilot hardware on Tesla's Autopilot history.

Introducing Hardware 4: Enhanced Processing and Sensors

Tesla didn't just tweak things with Hardware 4; they really went back to the drawing board. This new system, often called 'FSD Computer 2', is a pretty big step up from Hardware 3. It's not just about a faster computer, though. They've also revamped the whole sensor setup, which is pretty important for the car to actually 'see' the world around it.

The 'FSD Computer 2' and Its Advancements

So, what's new with this 'FSD Computer 2'? Well, it's built on the same Samsung Exynos architecture as before, but it's been beefed up. You're looking at 20 CPU cores now, up from 12 in HW3, and they're running a bit faster too, at 2.35 GHz. The real star, though, is the neural network processor. It's been upgraded to deliver up to 50 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second), a nice jump from HW3's 36 TOPS. This means it can crunch more data, faster, which is exactly what you want for self-driving.

Technological Leap with 10nm and 7nm Processes

One of the big reasons for the performance boost is the manufacturing process. While Hardware 3 used a 14nm process, Hardware 4 is rumored to be using TSMC's 7nm or even a 4nm class process. This smaller process node means more transistors can be packed into the same space, leading to better performance and, often, better power efficiency. It’s a pretty standard way to get more power out of computer chips.

Significant Gains in Processing Power

Putting it all together, Hardware 4 is designed to be significantly more powerful. We're talking about a potential 2-4x increase in processing speed compared to Hardware 3. This extra horsepower is needed to handle the more complex AI models that Tesla is developing for its Full Self-Driving features. It's all about giving the car more brainpower to make better decisions on the road.

Tesla has also brought back redundancy in Hardware 4. Each part of the new system has two identical processing units that can do the same calculations. If one unit has a problem, the other can take over. This was removed in Hardware 3 to save space and boost speed, but it's back now for added safety.

Upgraded Camera Resolutions and Fields of View

Let's talk cameras. Hardware 4 comes with a whole new set of cameras, and they're a big upgrade. Most of the cameras around the car are now 5-megapixel, a pretty big jump from the 1.2-megapixel cameras in Hardware 3. This means much clearer images and a wider view, which helps the system see more of what's happening. For example, the Model Y's HW4 upgrade really shows off these better cameras.

New Camera Placements and Sideways Visibility

It's not just the resolution that's changed. Tesla has also added new camera locations. You'll find cameras on the B-pillars (the posts between the front and rear doors) that can see sideways and slightly forward. There are also new cameras on the C-pillars, offering a view sideways and slightly backward. This gives the car much better 360-degree awareness, filling in blind spots that might have existed before.

Enhanced Radar Capabilities and Range

Remember when Tesla moved away from radar? Well, it looks like radar is back with Hardware 4, but it's a much more advanced version. It's rumored to be the Arbe Phoenix radar unit, which is a high-definition, 72 GHz radar. This new radar can see much further, potentially up to 300 meters, compared to the older radar's 160 meters. It's also supposed to provide more detailed information, which should help the car perform better in bad weather like fog or heavy rain, and even at night.

Hardware 4 Sensor Suite Improvements

Hardware 4 isn't just about a faster computer; it's a whole new way Tesla sees the road. They've really beefed up the cameras and even brought back radar, which is a pretty big deal.

Upgraded Camera Resolutions and Fields of View

One of the most noticeable changes is the cameras themselves. Many of the cameras across the vehicle now sport higher resolutions, often jumping from 1.2MP to 5MP. This means they can capture much more detail, which is super helpful for the car to figure out what's going on around it. Think clearer lane lines, more distinct road signs, and better identification of pedestrians and other vehicles, especially in tricky lighting. The field of view on some of these cameras has also been widened, giving the car a broader perspective of its surroundings.

New Camera Placements and Sideways Visibility

Tesla has also gotten creative with where they're putting cameras. You'll find new cameras on the B-pillars (the posts between the front and back doors) and C-pillars (the posts behind the back doors). These are positioned to give the car better sideways visibility, looking slightly forward and backward respectively. This helps cover blind spots and gives the system a more complete 360-degree view. Some reports also mention new cameras on the fenders, though their exact function is still being clarified. It's all about filling in the gaps in the car's perception.

Enhanced Radar Capabilities and Range

This is a big one: Hardware 4 seems to reintroduce radar to Tesla's sensor lineup, after they moved to a camera-only system, known as Tesla Vision. The new radar, rumored to be the Arbe Phoenix unit, is a high-definition, 72 GHz radar. It's expected to offer a much longer range, potentially up to 300 meters, compared to the older radar's 160 meters. This improved radar should help the car see better in conditions where cameras might struggle, like heavy rain, fog, snow, or even at night. It adds another layer of data for the FSD computer to process, hopefully making the system more robust.

The integration of higher-resolution cameras and the return of advanced radar signals a significant step up in how Tesla's vehicles perceive their environment. This sensor upgrade is designed to provide the FSD computer with richer, more reliable data, which is key for improving the system's performance in a wider variety of driving scenarios.

It's interesting to see how these sensor changes will play out. While Tesla's Hardware 3 was a big leap, the sensor upgrades in Hardware 4 seem to be just as important for the future of Full Self-Driving. The goal is to give the car an even clearer and more comprehensive picture of the world, which should lead to better decision-making on the road.

Key Differences: Full Self-Driving Computer 3 vs 4

So, you're wondering what's actually different between Tesla's Hardware 3 (HW3) and the newer Hardware 4 (HW4), right? It's not just a minor tweak; there are some pretty significant upgrades happening under the hood, and also with the eyes and ears of the car, so to speak.

CPU Core Count and Frequency Comparisons

When you look at the brains of the operation, HW4 steps things up. HW3 has 12 CPU cores running at 2.2 GHz. HW4, on the other hand, bumps that up to 20 CPU cores, and they're ticking along a bit faster at 2.35 GHz. More cores and a slightly higher clock speed mean the computer can handle more tasks simultaneously and process information quicker. It’s like going from a decent desktop computer to a more powerful workstation.

Neural Network Processor Advancements

This is where a lot of the magic for Full Self-Driving happens. HW3 has two dedicated neural network (NN) processors, each running at 2.0 GHz. HW4 doesn't just add more; it improves them. You get three NN processors in HW4, and they're also running faster, at 2.2 GHz. This boost in NN processing power is key for handling the complex calculations needed for advanced driving features.

TOPS Performance Benchmarks

TOPS, or Trillions of Operations Per Second, is a way to measure how much raw processing power the chip has. HW3 was pretty impressive for its time, hitting around 36 TOPS. Hardware 4 significantly increases this, reaching approximately 50 TOPS. This jump means the system can process more data from the cameras and sensors in real-time, which is vital for making split-second driving decisions.

Manufacturing Process Nodes

Both computers are built using advanced manufacturing processes, but HW4 takes it a step further. HW3 uses a 14nm process. HW4, however, is built on a more efficient 7nm process (or possibly a 4nm class). Smaller process nodes generally mean better performance, lower power consumption, and the ability to pack more transistors into the same space. This technological leap is a big reason for the increased capabilities.

It's important to remember that while the computer hardware is a big part of the story, HW4 also includes a completely revamped sensor suite. The cameras have higher resolutions, wider fields of view, and new placements, like on the B and C pillars for better side visibility. Even the radar is rumored to be significantly upgraded. This combination of better processing and better sensing is what Tesla is betting on for the future of its self-driving technology. While retrofitting HW3 to HW4 isn't a simple swap due to different physical dimensions and power needs, Tesla's approach is to integrate the latest hardware into new vehicles, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the road. You can check if a new Tesla comes with Autopilot HW4 by looking at the vehicle's inventory page when ordering.

The transition from Hardware 3 to Hardware 4 represents a substantial upgrade in Tesla's autonomous driving capabilities. It's not just about raw speed; it's about more efficient processing, better neural network performance, and an improved sensor array working together. This evolution is designed to handle the increasing complexity of real-world driving scenarios and pave the way for more advanced FSD features.

Hardware 4 Rollout and Future Implications

Tesla has been steadily integrating its new Hardware 4 (HW4) system across its vehicle lineup. Initially, the rollout focused on flagship models like the Model S and Model X starting in early 2023. By May of the same year, production of the Model Y also began featuring HW4, with the Fremont factory being a key site for this transition. It seems most of Tesla's current models are now equipped with this updated hardware, paving the way for more advanced self-driving features.

Initial Vehicle Deployments of Hardware 4

When HW4 first started appearing, it was primarily in the Model S and Model X. Soon after, the Model Y also began shipping with the new hardware. The Cybertruck, which entered production later in 2023, also came equipped with HW4 from the start. This broad adoption across new vehicles suggests Tesla's commitment to making HW4 the standard for its future autonomous capabilities.

Challenges with Hardware 4 Retrofitting

Getting HW4 into older Tesla vehicles that currently have HW3 is proving to be quite the challenge. The physical design of the HW4 computer is different, meaning it won't just slot into older cars without some serious modifications. Plus, the new sensor suite, including upgraded cameras and a new radar, requires different mounting points and potentially new wiring. While Elon Musk has indicated Tesla will eventually offer upgrades for customers who purchased FSD on HW3, it's expected to be a complex and costly process. It's not as simple as just swapping out a computer board like it was for the HW3 upgrade.

The physical differences, including new camera placements and a different computer form factor, make direct retrofitting a significant hurdle. This complexity means that owners of older HW3 vehicles might face substantial costs or a lengthy wait for any potential upgrade path.

Future FSD Features and Hardware Requirements

As Tesla pushes the boundaries of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) capabilities, more powerful hardware is a given. Future iterations of FSD are expected to debut on HW4-equipped vehicles first, with efforts then made to optimize them for HW3. This tiered approach makes sense, as the advanced algorithms and processing demands of next-generation autonomous driving will likely push the limits of even the current hardware. It's a constant race between software development and the hardware needed to run it, and Tesla's progress in this area is closely watched.

• Increased Processing Demands: More complex driving scenarios and AI models require greater computational power.

• Sensor Fusion: Integrating data from an expanded and improved sensor suite demands more sophisticated processing.

• Real-time Decision Making: Advanced FSD features rely on rapid, accurate decision-making, which is directly tied to hardware performance.

It's clear that as FSD technology evolves, the hardware it runs on will need to keep pace. The transition to HW4 is a significant step in that direction, setting the stage for what's to come in autonomous driving.

Looking Ahead: HW3 vs. HW4 and Beyond

So, we've seen how Tesla's hardware for self-driving has changed, moving from the NVIDIA-based systems to their own custom chips with Hardware 3, and now to the more powerful Hardware 4. Each step has brought better processing power and improved sensors, like those higher-resolution cameras. While Hardware 3 was a big leap, Hardware 4 is designed to handle even more complex driving tasks. Tesla has also mentioned future hardware, suggesting this evolution is far from over. It's clear that as the software for self-driving gets smarter, the hardware needs to keep up, and Tesla seems committed to that race.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is Tesla's Hardware 3?

Think of Hardware 3 as the first really powerful brain Tesla made for its cars to handle self-driving. It came out in 2019 and was a big step up from older systems. It uses special chips designed by Tesla to process all the information from the car's cameras and sensors, allowing features like Autopilot and the early stages of Full Self-Driving.

How is Hardware 4 different from Hardware 3?

Hardware 4 is the next generation of Tesla's self-driving computer and sensors. It's like an upgraded brain and eyes for the car. It's faster, uses newer technology, and comes with better cameras and sometimes improved radar, all designed to help the car understand its surroundings even better.

When did Tesla start using Hardware 4 in its cars?

Tesla started putting Hardware 4 into new cars around early 2023. Initially, it showed up in models like the Model S and Model X. More recently, cars like the Model Y have also started coming equipped with it. It's a gradual process as Tesla updates its production lines.

Can I upgrade my Tesla from Hardware 3 to Hardware 4?

While Tesla initially said owners of older cars who bought the Full Self-Driving option could get a free upgrade to Hardware 3, upgrading from Hardware 3 to Hardware 4 is more complicated. Because Hardware 4 has different parts and a different shape, it's not a simple swap. Tesla has mentioned it might be possible for some customers who paid for FSD, but it's not guaranteed and likely won't be a simple or free process for everyone.

What are the main benefits of Hardware 4's new cameras and computer?

The main improvements in Hardware 4 are its faster computer, which can process information more quickly, and its upgraded cameras. These new cameras have higher resolution, meaning they can see more detail, and some have wider views. There are also new camera locations on the car, like on the side pillars, to give the car better all-around awareness.

Why does Tesla make its own self-driving computer chips?

Tesla designs its own chips for its self-driving computers. This allows them to create hardware specifically built for the complex tasks needed for self-driving, like understanding what's happening on the road through cameras and sensors. It's their way of making sure they have the best possible technology for their cars' brains.