Now more than ever, both amateur and professional content creators are producing incredible amounts of
content, thanks to wider access to powerful hardware and software. To better equip users in this era of
content, GIGABYTE is introducing the “VISION” series for the very first time. “VISION” is a new product series
that will consolidate all GIGABYTE models which are designed around creator-focused features. We continue the
discussions with our Taipei designers who helped to create VISION.
We resume the conversation with our product manager, Andy, to explore what users can
expect from the VISION series.
Howard: “This is the first time we have introduced a new motherboard
series since some time. Take me back to the drawing board. Can you explain what inspired the creation of the
Vision series?”
Andy: “From our observations, we can see there is an explosion of content right now. There
are more and more creators who dedicate themselves to creating something wonderful. When creators looked for
hardware before, they seemed to struggle with finding the right fit. Those creators could only go for gaming
hardware, which does bring higher performance, but the aesthetic may not be to their tastes. Other times the
product has the right outlook, but there is a shortage of function. So the shopping experience becomes kind of
a compromise.”
“That is where the inspiration for VISION comes from - because we know creators care about ID, aesthetic, and
they also have some special need for function. For example, for those creators who focus on image processing,
they need Thunderbolt on board. For those creators who focus on the animation creation, they need something
that has ample PCIE expansion. So VISION is the pure product series that GIGABYTE has created for creators,
with its powerful design, beautiful aesthetic and creator-focused features.”
Howard: “What can users expect to see from the VISION series down the
line?”
Andy: “The most important feature of VISION is its dedication to creator-focused functions
like Thunderbolt 3, motherboard PCIe expansion, quicker connection or transfer speeds. Stability and speed are
the emphasises that we want to deliver to the user on AORUS motherboards. For VISION, stability and speed are
also features users can expect. Stability is absolutely crucial for creators because their work is their
livelihood and if any instability occurs when they are working on their designs, it could really be a
disaster.”
The VISION series that will consolidate future creator models from GIGABYTE. The DESIGNARE series will be
replaced by VISION and we can expect there will be more creator-focused products under the VISION name coming
out in the next generations. We will see, but it may not just be for motherboards, but perhaps other product
lines as well.
Rex chimes in on the design team’s “vision” behind VISION (pun intended).
Howard: “At first glance, the VISION motherboards look very different
from their AORUS counterparts. Share with us the key design aspects behind VISION motherboards.”
Rex: “There are two segments of VISION: VISION D and VISION G. The Vision D is for true
professional content creators and its design should reflect an equally premium feel. These people may prefer a
certain “creator” aesthetic, where simplicity and cleanliness are a plus. Like Dell or Apple, we want to
convey the image of luxury through simple design and clean appearance. VISION D is more sleek, while VISION G
is more flamboyant."
“VISION G is more for light creators whose systems are doing a little bit of everything. We try to convey
this idea in our “Optical Camouflage” graphic for the VISION G series. We got inspiration in these designs by
observing trends in other electronics such as cell phones. Take for example how some phone back covers will
reflect different shades of colors depending on the angle. With that mindset, we designed the Z490 Vision G’s
outlook to fit that look because we want to convey flexibility. This is one platform with many possibilities.
It is up to the users to determine the direction where they take their system.”
Howard: “We have used white sparingly in the past. What was the
thought process behind this change?”
Rex: “In our market research, there has long been a movement in the clothing industry which
focuses on the simplistic, white aesthetic. We adopted this trend in our design because we are seeing more of
these elements in the electronic and hardware industry. Because there were limited options in the GIGABYTE and
AORUS line up with that outlook, we wanted to create something that is more fitting for those user’s
preferences. We hope to continue this theme in future Vision G products.”
Our other product manager, Alex, joins us to share some insights on the technical
aspects of the Z490 VISION D and Z490 VISION G.
Howard: “What can users expect in the feature set of VISION
motherboards?”
Alex: “Fast transfer speeds and upgradability would definitely be the main focuses. However,
it does not mean we are sacrificing or slacking on other features. We expect the thermal design to be more
than capable of doing its job. The VISION D & VISION G have the same power architecture (Direct 12 Phases
with 50A Dr.MOS), which will make the VRM efficiency higher and reduce heat generated on the VRM. Another
small touch to note is that we upgraded the thermal pads to 5 watt versions. On the VISION G, we have
incorporated a new kind of microblock heat sink design, which could help the air flow from different
directions. Lastly, we have the Direct Touch II as well.”
Howard: “Can you take me through some scenarios that showcase how
each motherboard excels at certain workloads?”
Alex: “With the VISION D serving as “Designare” to “VISION” bridge, it makes sense to add
Thunderbolt on it. Let’s say you are video editing, but you would also like to share your creations with
others. You want the system to run fast, otherwise you will be sitting in front of the PC waiting for the data
to be copied out from the system to your portable drive. With USB 3.2 Gen 2, you may have to wait up to 20
minutes, but if you have Thunderbolt portable storage, it would take more or less 4 minutes. Along with
Thunderbolt, we have to have 2.5 GbE LAN. For those users who have workshops with 3 or 4 systems in a closed
network, 2.5 GbE LAN would provide a higher data exchange method across multiple workstations. In that case
you won’t have to break out your USB drive or Thunderbolt Drive.”
“When we talk about data transfer, the slowest part is the storage. This time we put three M.2 (the previous
generation had two), which helps to boost the system's storage performance. When creators are working on
artworks, 3D CAT files, editing, or streaming, they need to have high bandwidth of storage because of the
large file sizes. Using three M.2, you are able to build RAID1 to keep your data more safe.”
“The VISION D & VISION G both support SLI. More so on the VISION G, we give users the potential of
upgrading their graphics, so they can do SLI in the future. We see some of our in-house designers, they
actually put 2 graphics cards in their system for 3D modeling workloads.”
