I'm really curious about the new hardware of the 3B+, and the reason why is it idling around 2.1 watts at the desktop, while older models can run with up to 40% less power at idle.
The main chip itself can't be the reason. It uses the same lithography as before, it's basically the same chip.
I'm trying to guess the possible causes, i suspect:
-1. Maybe the new ethernet & USB controller.
It's an always on chip, so it makes perfect sense, if it's improved capabilities would come at the cost of a few hundreds of mA power.
-2. Maybe the new power circuitry?
I checked these very cool heatmaps about the 3B+. https://medium.com/@ghalfacree/benchmar ... 122cf3d806
There's a new, very dimm, but clearly visible new hotspot in the area of the power circuitry. Maybe optimizing the power delivery at high stress levels comes at the cost of narrower electric pipeline? A.k.a. you're burning up electricity constantly in order to be ready to deliver high power when it's needed.
-3. Maybe the new Wi-Fi&Bluetooth controller?
I doubt it, but this also has been changed, so...
My guess is that it's the combination of the first two possible causes. Any thoughts?