I spoke to some industry insiders last night in Taipei and 2013 looks to be a tough year for the leading motherboard manufacturers. Asustek are expected to see a slight drop in shipments in 2013, down from 22.2 million in 2012 to 21.5 million in 2013. Gigabyte will be trying to ship around 20 million units in 2013, a slight increase on 2012.

Rumors are circulating in Taipei that price hikes may hit the motherboard market although with the tough economy other sources have spoken out to say that it would be difficult for any of the leading motherboard manufacturers to raise prices.

Asus and Gigabyte are the top two motherboard manufacturers worldwide and they have been closely matched in China in regards to price and features.

An analyst confirmed that motherboard shipments in 2013 are likely to drop up to 5% in 2013 compared to 2012 due to the dropping sales of desktop PC's and dwindling demand for motherboards in the enthusiast sector.

Kitguru says: leaders Asus and Gigabyte will be going head to head in 2013 for as many sales as possible.

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