Motherboard makers optimistic about PC shipments than Intel

Motherboard makers appear to be quite optimistic about PC shipments, as DigiTimes notes that Intel has seen demand for chipsets increase to a level 20 percent higher than processor shipments. The motherboard makers are more optimistic than Intel, and some sources expressed concern that the motherboard players may get stuck with a lot of excess inventory if demand doesn't pick up as much as they expect. If that happens, the companies may resort to price cuts to digest their chipset inventories.

Motherboard makers are apparently more optimistic about desktops' demand than Intel, the sources commented. Although Intel is more conservative than motherboard makers, the chip vendor would be glad to see desktop demand pick up, and would adjust its shipments in line with the market development when necessary, the sources noted.

The sources pointed out that motherboard makers have been aggressive in preparing motherboard components in anticipation of an increase in demand for desktops in China, which is expected to take over Europe and North America to become the largest motherboard market worldwide.