Tesla HW3, also known as Full Self-Driving Computer (FSD Computer), is Tesla’s third-generation onboard hardware platform designed to power advanced driver-assistance features and autonomous driving capabilities. Introduced in 2019, HW3 marked a major leap forward in Tesla’s approach to self-driving technology.
What Does Tesla HW3 Mean?
HW3 stands for Hardware 3, Tesla’s in-house computer system built specifically to run its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (FSD) software. Unlike earlier versions that relied on third-party processors, HW3 uses Tesla-designed chips optimized for neural network processing.
In short, Tesla HW3 is the “brain” that interprets camera data, makes driving decisions, and controls the vehicle in real time.
Why Tesla Created HW3
Before HW3, Tesla used hardware supplied by NVIDIA (HW2 and HW2.5). While capable, those systems had limitations in processing power and efficiency.
Tesla developed HW3 to:
- Support more complex neural networks
- Improve real-time decision-making
- Reduce latency for safety-critical tasks
- Enable future autonomous driving features
Elon Musk stated that HW3 was designed to be powerful enough for full self-driving without needing additional hardware.
Key Features of Tesla HW3
Custom Tesla AI Chips
HW3 includes two redundant Tesla-designed AI chips, each capable of processing up to 72 trillion operations per second (TOPS). The redundancy ensures safety—if one chip fails, the other can take over.
Camera-Centric Processing
HW3 is optimized to process data primarily from:
- 8 exterior cameras
- Forward radar (used historically; later phased out in newer models)
- Ultrasonic sensors (present on older vehicles)
The system analyzes visual data to detect lanes, vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lights, and road signs.
Full Redundancy for Safety
Critical systems such as power supply and data paths are duplicated. This redundancy is essential for autonomous driving, where failures must not result in loss of control.
Improved Efficiency
Compared to HW2.5, HW3 delivers significantly higher performance per watt, allowing faster processing without excessive power consumption.
Which Tesla Vehicles Have HW3?
Tesla began installing HW3 in April 2019. Vehicles that may include HW3 are:
- Model S
- Model X
- Model 3
- Model Y
If a vehicle was built after mid-2019, it likely has HW3. Additionally, Tesla offered free HW3 upgrades to customers who purchased the Full Self-Driving package on older HW2/2.5 vehicles.
HW3 vs HW2.5: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | HW2.5 | HW3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | NVIDIA-based | Tesla-designed AI chips |
| Performance | Limited neural processing | ~144 TOPS total |
| Redundancy | Partial | Full system redundancy |
| FSD Capability | Basic | Designed for full autonomy |
Is Tesla HW3 the Same as Full Self-Driving?
Not exactly.
- HW3 is the hardware
- Full Self-Driving (FSD) is the software package
You can have HW3 without activating FSD, but FSD requires HW3 (or newer hardware) to run properly.
How to Check If Your Tesla Has HW3
You can check directly from your vehicle:
- Tap Controls
- Select Software
- Tap Additional Vehicle Information
- Look for Autopilot Computer
- “Full Self-Driving Computer” = HW3
What Replaced HW3?
Tesla began introducing HW4 in 2023, which includes:
- More powerful AI processing
- Higher-resolution cameras
- No radar or ultrasonic sensors
However, HW3 remains widely used and continues to receive software updates.
Final Thoughts
Tesla HW3 represents a major milestone in the company’s self-driving journey. By designing its own AI hardware, Tesla gained tighter control over performance, safety, and future development. While newer hardware now exists, HW3 continues to power millions of Teslas worldwide and remains a critical foundation for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system.
