Tesla MCU 2 vs MCU 3: Differences & identification

Have you ever wondered which infotainment system in your Tesla is installed? In this article, you'll learn all about the differences between the Intel Atom-based MCU 2 and the AMD Ryzen-based MCU 3 and how you can easily find out which system your vehicle uses.

Introduction to Tesla's infotainment systems
Tesla relies on two separate computer systems: The Media Control Unit (MCU) for entertainment, navigation and vehicle visualizations, and the Autopilot/FSD computer for autonomous driving functions. The MCU is purely for infotainment - it does not influence the autonomous capabilities of your vehicle. The MCU has evolved over the years, and today MCU 2 (Intel Atom) and MCU 3 (AMD Ryzen) in particular differ in many features.

MCU generations at a glance

MCU 1 - NVIDIA Tegra 3
Introduced in 2012 and installed in older Model S and Model X until April 2018. Tesla offered an upgrade to MCU 2 as a retrofit for a fee.
MCU 2 - Intel Atom
Since the Model 3 in use in 2017. Although the Intel Atom was adequate for its time, it is increasingly showing its limits with new functions.
MCU 3 - AMD Ryzen
Since December 2021 in new vehicles such as the Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck. This system offers state-of-the-art 3D visualizations, improved gaming functions and an overall optimized user interface.

Feature comparison: MCU 2 vs MCU 3
To better understand the differences between MCU 2 and MCU 3, here is a comparison of the most important features:

Games & Arcade:
- MCU 2: Limited selection of games
- MCU 3: Expanded game library, including new titles like Vampire Survivors
Parked View:
- MCU 2: Split screen view (vehicle on the left, map on the right)
- MCU 3: Full screen view with realistic shadows and sun reflections
Vehicle visualizations:
- MCU 2: Limited display, e.g. for glass transparency
- MCU 3: Significantly improved, detailed visualizations
Full-screen FSD visualization:
- MCU 2: Only available in North America
- MCU 3: Country-specific unrestricted use
Zoom Meetings & UI optimization:
- MCU 2: No support for Zoom Meetings, simple UI display
- MCU 3: Extended functions with transparent display and background blurring
High Fidelity Park Assist and Autopark visualizations:
- MCU 2: Top-down view only
- MCU 3: Full 3D visualizations enable more precise parking

How to recognize your system
To find out if your Tesla is equipped with an Intel Atom (MCU 2) or AMD Ryzen (MCU 3), go to the menu in your vehicle:
Vehicle Options > Software > Additional Vehicle Information.
There you will find all the details about your infotainment system - the quickest way to identify your system.

Outlook: MCU 4 on the horizon?
Although the AMD Ryzen in MCU 3 performs impressively, there are currently no signs of an MCU 4. Tesla AMD Ryzen continues to rely on MCU 3 to ensure modern features and smooth performance. An upgrade to MCU 4 could happen in the future, but for now the Ryzen processor remains the basis for an optimal infotainment experience.

Conclusion
The differences between MCU 2 and MCU 3 clearly show how much Tesla's infotainment systems have evolved. With the Intel Atom in MCU 2 and the powerful AMD Ryzen in MCU 3 Tesla offers an individually optimized driving experience for every user. Find out now which system is installed in your vehicle and benefit from the advanced features designed specifically for your driving experience. Tesla developed especially for you.