Tesla Model Y Now Uses AMD Processors For Infotainment Systems, Only In China

JAKARTA - According to a report by Brinkwire, the Tesla Model Y has started switching CPU models from Intel-branded chips to AMD Ryzen processors for car infotainment systems. For now, the new AMD-equipped Model Y is only available to buyers in China.

Over the past few years, Tesla has worked with all three major semiconductor manufacturers, including Nvidia, Intel, and AMD. Tesla initially used Nvidia SoCs in its legacy vehicles, but switched three years ago to Intel Atom CPUs for the infotainment hub on the Model 3 and later versions of the Model X and Model S.

According to a tomshardware.com report, Tesla has switched the Model S and X to AMD chips, and now appears to be finalizing the transition with the Model Y. Unfortunately, it's not clear why Tesla decided to switch the team to AMD, which at first glance seems like an odd move given AMD's dependence on AMD on TSMC for semiconductor supply is quite high.

This is in view of TSMC's supply constraints on current 7nm products, which AMD relies heavily on for almost all of its current products. Simply put, there is so much demand for TSMC's 7nm silicon from its clients that it is contributing to the ongoing shortage.

This is in stark contrast to Intel, which has its own fabrication facilities, allowing the company to bypass some of the supply chain issues.

Nonetheless, Tesla's move to AMD is potentially based on performance. The public has seen the Tesla Model S and Model X equipped with the very powerful AMD Ryzen APU powered by RDNA2 graphics during the Computex 2021 event.

In fact, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, claims users can play The Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 inside the AMD-powered infotainment systems of these new cars — they're that powerful.

For now, at least, the AMD-powered Tesla Model Y is exclusive to China, with no word on whether the processor changes will make their way to the United States or other regions. So far, an AMD-supported infotainment system has only been included in the performance version of the Model Y, with all other versions still using Intel chips.

If this fancy AMD-powered Model Y makes it to other territories, don't expect every car to come with new hardware, especially with the current chip shortage.