Tesla Model Y Hardware 4 Teardown Reveals Cheaper Ram, Missing GPU and Camera Connectors
In a recent series of fascinating tweets, @greentheonly provided an unprecedented look into the internals of Tesla's new Model Y Hardware 4 or HW4. With his expertise and knowledge, Green shared detailed observations on the HW4's physical structure, board components, and the viability of retrofitting older models, giving the Tesla community much to ponder.
Breaking Down the HW4's Structure
Green's exploration of the HW4's complexities commenced with him acknowledging an "anonymous donor" for providing a chance to look inside Model Y's HW4. The serial numbers and other identifiers were blacked out. Green stated it was done to protect the donor after previous experiences, "Tesla is vengeful like this and went after the guy that did hw2.0 teardown by trying to deny warranty on unrelated repairs. Does not help that this new computer now has a (borderline illegal) 'warranty void if removed' sticker."
Delving into HW4's Core: Circuitry and Components
First up on the dissection table was the computer's physical form factor. According to Green, the HW4's form factor mirrors those of the S/X models, putting to bed any speculation around a potential retrofit to HW3 cars.
Moving deeper into the HW4, Green revealed that the board layout is similar to the HW4 on the Model S. However, as Green termed it, specific components, including the GPU and superior sound hardware, are now missing or depopulated. The use of cheaper non-Error-Correcting Code ram (ECC RAM) also seems to be a cost-cutting measure implemented by Tesla in this version of HW4 on the infotainment system side. Interestingly, this version of HW4 features two additional but depopulated display connectors, hinting at possible a possible second display in the vehicle.
Other distinguishing attributes of HW4 include a reoriented BroadR-Reach ethernet and the addition of a third, depopulated ethernet. Moreover, Green pointed out that the gateway chip has changed, too, with a different model from another vendor now in use. This chip, which was only seen in Chinese-made boards previously, seems to be a standard feature in all Model Y HW4 boards now.
Retrofitting HW3 to HW4: More Than Meets the Eye
The idea of retrofitting HW3 cars with HW4 stirred up quite a debate. According to Green, the concept may sound enticing, but it's not as straightforward as it seems. Modifying the vehicle to accommodate the new coolant pipe locations would be necessary for a retrofit, likely making this option more costly than simply manufacturing a new board in the old form factor.
Uncovering the Hidden Changes
Apart from the apparent changes, Green shared insights into some of the subtle modifications made by Tesla. For instance, the Texas-manufactured Model Ys feature a plastic "firewall" requiring a change in mounting methods for the new HW4. Despite the internal components remaining the same, the different mounting technique necessitates a unique part number for the computer.
Other changes include the absence of premium features like ECC RAM and the HD radar, which is reserved for the S/X models. Also, there's a reduction in the camera connectors in the Model Y, contributing to the list of differences in the HW4.
The missing camera connectors were for additional cameras, such as a front bumper camera. However, as Green says, the absence of a connector doesn't mean that Tesla won't add them in the future. In fact, if Tesla had no intentions of adding such features, they wouldn't be available on the board at all, instead of just being unpopulated.
Implications for Current and Prospective Tesla Owners
For existing and future Tesla owners, these findings offer a clearer understanding of what to expect from the HW4-equipped Model Ys. Notably, questions still linger about additional cameras and if and when newer models will receive them. The Cybertruck prototype already has a front bumper camera, so it may only be a matter of time.
While it seems that retrofitting HW3 to HW4 may not be feasible due to the cost and complexity involved, Green isn't entirely ruling out the possibility. He believes a different version could theoretically be created for retrofits, although it's unlikely.
