Tesla Updates MCU for Faster, Smoother Touchscreen Experience

Mar 15, 2018 at 6:49 AM

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After several owners of newer Model S and Model X vehicles noticed faster, more responsive touchscreens compared to older Tesla’s, it’s now confirmed that the automaker has upgraded the Media Control Unit.

TMC Members have been sleuthing for days to confirm the speculation. Many deployed software scripts to scan the vehicle’s systems to extract references to the onboard hardware. What was uncovered is that Tesla has replaced the NVIDIA Tegra-3 chip in the MCU with a more powerful Intel x86_64 processor. Tesla has since confirmed the update.

A YouTube video from user Max KW shows off the speedier touchscreen powered by the updated hardware.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHHZ1GpYERA” video_title=”1″][vc_column_text]Tesla takes a unique approach to updates, choosing to introduce minor changes over time rather than updates that only happen for a new model year. The use of over-the-air software updates is key to the strategy.

The update has been reported by owners of cars produced in February, so those who have had fingers crossed that their Model S or X on order would include the new MCU can look forward to the smoother display.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Derek Kessler

Active Member

Mar 13, 2018

If it brings the improved performance of the 3's MCU, I might need to schedule an upgrade...

andrewket

Well-Known Member

Mar 13, 2018

Derek Kessler said:
If it brings the improved performance of the 3's MCU, I might need to schedule an upgrade...

My thoughts exactly. It’s unclear if it’s just the MCU or if the harness and modules changed too.

GatorGuy

Member

Mar 13, 2018

Any easy way to check this?

SummitX

Member

Mar 13, 2018

I had a brand new loaner Model S 100D yesterday, and I immediately noticed the MCU was quicker than in my Model X built in November 2017. I noticed the difference so much, I thought of making a post here yesterday.

This was my first time in a Model S, so I don't know if this is a normal difference between the S and X, but there was no screen lag at all on the new S.

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MorrisonHiker

S 100D 2021.4.12

Mar 13, 2018

SummitX said:
I had a brand new loaner Model S 100D yesterday, and I immediately noticed the MCU was quicker than in my Model X built in November 2017. I noticed the difference so much, I thought of making a post here yesterday.

This was my first time in a Model S, so I don't know if this is a normal difference between the S and X, but there was no screen lag at all on the new S.

Did the loaner have lighted vanity mirrors as well?

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Joshker

Member

Mar 13, 2018

My S will be delivered next week, just finished production yesterday! The biggest thing that bothered me about choosing the S was the difference in speed between the Model 3 and and S/X MCU. Even if the speed isn't there yet, the fact it would have the latest hardware would make me beyond ecstatic! Who else is reporting these findings?

AmpedRealtor

Well-Known Member

Mar 13, 2018

Derek Kessler said:
If it brings the improved performance of the 3's MCU, I might need to schedule an upgrade...

My Model S MCU is plenty fast for everything I do, but I don't have Autopilot and maybe the display requirement of that technology is breaking the back of the older Tegra 3. My speedo is the 2013 speedo, not the "retina" resolution speedo they use today. That's a lot more pixels that need to get pushed, I suppose.

I don't think this is a worthwhile upgrade for most of us, but for new customers it's a welcome improvement.

C_Beau

Member

Mar 13, 2018

I just took delivery of my 2018 MS 75D which completed production on 2/21/18. I have the new lighted vanity mirrors. I certainly haven't noticed any lag in my 17" screen. If there's a simple way to check the MCU in software settings, I'm happy to investigate. Not sure I'm committed enough to start disassembling trim pieces, though!

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chillaban

Active Member

Mar 13, 2018

C_Beau said:
I just took delivery of my 2018 MS 75D which completed production on 2/21/18. I have the new lighted vanity mirrors. I certainly haven't noticed any lag in my 17" screen. If there's a simple way to check the MCU in software settings, I'm happy to investigate. Not sure I'm committed enough to start disassembling trim pieces, though!

Switch your map between satellite and normal mode, or toggle traffic on and off. Pinch to zoom a bit. That should make it really obvious. The 3 is nearly instantaneously and 60fps smooth in all of those situations, while the S/X is more like 15-20fps.

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Krash

Data Technician

Mar 13, 2018

C_Beau said:
I just took delivery of my 2018 MS 75D which completed production on 2/21/18. I have the new lighted vanity mirrors. I certainly haven't noticed any lag in my 17" screen. If there's a simple way to check the MCU in software settings, I'm happy to investigate...

Try this SunSpider 0.9.1 JavaScript Benchmark (webkit.org/perf/sunspider-0.9.1/sunspider-0.9.1/driver.html)
You might have to run it twice.
Lower scores are better.
The author here got 3000 or so on the old MCU in 2014. But I get 4500 (or 5000 while also streaming audio).

If the above doesn't load, see if www.speed-battle.com/speedtest_e.php will load in your car browser window.

On a midrange workstation I get this from Chrome on my first try...

and this from Edge from my workstation on my first try...

here is what I got on my old MCU today...

Last edited: Mar 13, 2018

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SummitX

Member

Mar 13, 2018

MorrisonHiker said:
Did the loaner have lighted vanity mirrors as well?

Yes. Brand new, 6 miles.

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viper2ko

Active Member

Mar 13, 2018

I haven't heard anything about this. But man if true I missed it by 4 months.

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viper2ko

Active Member

Mar 13, 2018

Derek Kessler said:
If it brings the improved performance of the 3's MCU, I might need to schedule an upgrade...

Is this even possible?

Derek Kessler

Active Member

Mar 13, 2018

viper2ko said:
Is this even possible?

Can't say for sure, but I can't see how it wouldn't be. It's a modular component (the whole MCU computer) that presumably uses the same display, I/O, and power connectors as the old Tegra unit.

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number12

Supporting Member

Mar 13, 2018

Derek Kessler said:
Can't say for sure, but I can't see how it wouldn't be. It's a modular component (the whole MCU computer) that presumably uses the same display, I/O, and power connectors as the old Tegra unit.

A retrofittable Tesla? El oh el

Jk.. hope that’s true.

Derek Kessler

Active Member

Mar 13, 2018

number12 said:
A retrofittable Tesla? El oh el

Jk.. hope that’s true.

I know that some owners have had dash display upgrades, installed newer seat designs, etc.

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verygreen

Curious member

Mar 13, 2018

if you want to check if you have a new mcu or not, one good idea is to look at the software version and publish what you see. I imagine intel-based builds would differ from non-Intel, so if it's a 18.6.1 with a different hash, or 18.10 with a different hash... you will know.

This is about the least intrusive method I imagine.

Derek Kessler said:
It's a modular component (the whole MCU computer) that presumably uses the same display, I/O, and power connectors as the old Tegra unit.

ap2.0+ MCUs are not retrofittable into AP1 and non-AP cars for example, so physical dimensions are not everything here.

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DÆrik

Member

Mar 13, 2018

SummitX said:
Yes. Brand new, 6 miles.

Do you have the VIN of this car?

Thanks Erik

C_Beau

Member

Mar 13, 2018

verygreen said:
if you want to check if you have a new mcu or not, one good idea is to look at the software version and publish what you see. I imagine intel-based builds would differ from non-Intel, so if it's a 18.6.1 with a different hash, or 18.10 with a different hash... you will know.

This is about the least intrusive method I imagine.

Tesla app reporting 2018.6.1 641efac. Will confirm the car shows the same hash next time I'm in it.