Tesla settles AI5 chip memory at 96GB to free up volume for Optimus robots

Tesla/Optimus

Elon Musk said Tesla will set the memory in its AI5 chip at 96GB of LPDDR5, after first proposing a cut to 72GB, to get enough chips for Optimus humanoid production at lower cost. AI6 memory is cut by a third, to 144GB, and Samsung is preparing to build AI5 on its 2nm process in Taylor, Texas.

• AI5 memory was first described as halved, from 144GB to 72GB. Musk then said 96GB avoids Tesla being the only company using the minimum-RAM version of LP5.
• Musk expects a "negligible effect" on Optimus performance, because memory bandwidth, which is unchanged, limits these systems more than total capacity.
• Micron estimates a humanoid robot could need around 200GB of RAM, so Optimus would run on less than half that.
• Samsung has begun trial production of AI5 in Taylor, with mass production aimed at 2027. Tesla will use AI5 for Optimus and AI training before passenger cars.
• All figures come from Musk's X posts and press coverage of them. Tesla has not published an official specification.