A Tale of Two Chips: A Breakdown of Tesla’s Computing Strategy by Model (2025/2026 Outlook)

As the company that effectively created the modern EV market, Tesla’s every move is scrutinized. One of the most common questions I hear from industry peers is about the “brains” of their vehicles: what specific chips are powering their cars?

Tesla employs a fascinating dual-track strategy, using different silicon for its in-car infotainment system versus its Autopilot/Full Self-Driving (FSD) system. Understanding this choice reveals a lot about their priorities and where they are placing their biggest bets for the future.

Here is a clear, concise breakdown of the chips inside every Tesla model as of mid-2025.

1. The Infotainment System: The MCU (Media Control Unit)

The MCU is the heart of the user experience, powering the massive central touchscreen, navigation, music, and, of course, the in-car gaming features.

The Key Takeaway:
In late 2021, Tesla made a decisive switch from Intel Atom to AMD Ryzen across its entire lineup. This was a massive upgrade, significantly boosting processing power and enabling a console-level gaming experience inside the car. As of today, every new Tesla rolling off the assembly line is powered by AMD Ryzen. This shows Tesla is willing to partner with best-in-class suppliers for non-core functions where the user experience is paramount.

2. The Autonomous Driving System: The FSD Computer

This is where Tesla truly differentiates itself. The FSD computer is the dedicated hardware that runs the neural networks for Autopilot and Full Self-Driving. Unlike the MCU, this is 100% Tesla’s own, in-house designed silicon.

The Key Takeaway:
The upcoming leap to Hardware 5.0 (AI5) is monumental. With a projected 10x performance increase over the already powerful HW4.0, this new chip, reportedly manufactured by both TSMC and Samsung, is the hardware foundation for Tesla’s ambitious robotaxi and true Level 4/5 autonomy goals. The FSD computer is a non-negotiable, vertically integrated part of Tesla’s strategy.

(Image: A simple graphic comparing the TOPS performance of HW3.0, HW4.0, and the projected HW5.0.)

Summary: The Current & Future State by Model

For a Tesla produced in 2025:

• Infotainment (MCU): AMD Ryzen 3.0 (All models)

• Autonomous Driving (FSD): Hardware 4.0 (All models)

For a Tesla produced from 2026 onwards (Projected):

• Infotainment (MCU): Expected to remain AMD Ryzen 3.0

• Autonomous Driving (FSD): Upgraded to Hardware 5.0

Final Analysis:

Tesla’s strategy is a masterclass in focus. They partner with an industry leader (AMD) for the user-facing infotainment system, freeing up their world-class chip design team to focus exclusively on the single most critical element of their long-term vision: the self-driving computer. The upcoming launch of HW5.0 in 2026 isn’t just an upgrade; it’s the engine designed to power Tesla’s next decade of autonomous ambitions.

Disclaimer: This information is based on public reports and industry analysis as of June 2025 and is subject to change based on official announcements from Tesla.