Lower-than-expected shipments of Intel's 4-series chipsets have caught motherboard makers off guard, leaving Asustek Computer and Gigabyte Technology carrying overstocks of 4-series-based motherboards which are rapidly depreciating in value as Intel prepares to launch its next-generation chipset series, according to motherboard industry sources.
Shipments of 4-series products have been low due to declining market demand and competition from low-cost PCs, the sources commented.
First-tier motherboard makers took on large inventory amounts from Intel under concerns they may lose supply priority or price discounts, the sources claimed. Asustek Computer is said to have taken the largest hit and currently still carries an inventory of 6-7 million units, equivalent to around NT$6 billion (US$180.57 million) in value, while Gigabyte Technology is said to be holding an inventory worth NT$4-5 billion, according to sources at the companies.