ASUS and Gigabyte expect flat growth for 2013 motherboard shipments

Industry sources told DigiTimes that both Asustek and Gigabyte aren't too optimistic about their 2013 motherboard shipments. ASUS anticipates to ship 21.5-22 million units this year, down from 22-22.2 million in 2012, while Gigabyte expects to ship 20 million units, up from 19 million units in 2012.

While recent market rumors have indicated that Asustek and Gigabyte both plan to hike prices of their motherboards, the sources believe it would be difficult for the two vendors to raise their quotes under current market conditions.

The top-two motherboard vendors have been competing fiercely in terms of prices, price/performance ratios and channel marketing, especially in China, commented the sources, adding that the speculated price hikes probably aim to persuade each other to cease price competition.

DigiTimes also adds that some industry watchers recently predicted that branded motherboard shipments may slide 3-5 percent this year due to weak DIY demand and dwindling desktop PC sales.