According to MIC (Market Intelligence and Consulting Institute), an ICT industry research institute based in Taipei, the shrinking demand in the consumer market is anticipated to squeeze the development room for motherboard DIY and maintenance markets in the fourth quarter of 2013. The motherboard and desktop PC industries have been increasingly correlated. Upon entering the fourth quarter, traditionally the peak season for tablets, consumers are expected to allocate their budgets for tablets in anticipation of new rollouts. Worldwide motherboard market demand will be further dampened by the growing popularity of tablets. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Microsoft released the Windows 8.1 update, a modified version based on feedback. However, the richness and practicability of applications that Windows 8.1 update deliver are not helpful in gaining market acceptance. In addition, the introduction of Windows 8.1 to the commercial market has encountered some interoperability issues with existing corporate systems. Therefore, the contribution of new OS (Operating System) platform on motherboard sales is not effective.

As for pure motherboards, the major consumers are those either have DIY or maintenance demand and price is often their major consideration. With relatively high prices of touch screens, the chance of those consumers adopting one is slim. Therefore, the rollout of Windows 8.1 update has merely limited contribution on pushing sales of motherboards. Worldwide motherboard shipment volume is projected to top around 34.1 million units in the fourth quarter of 2013, declining 7.4% compared to the previous quarter.

Worldwide Motherboard Shipment Volume, 3Q 2011 - 1Q 2014

Source: MIC, October 2013

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About MIC

Market Intelligence & Consulting Institute (MIC), based in Taipei, Taiwan, was founded in 1987. MIC is Taiwan's premier IT industry research and consulting firm providing intelligence, in-depth analysis, and strategic consulting services on global IT product and technology trends, focusing on markets and industries in Asia-Pacific. MIC is part of the Institute for Information Industry. https://mic.iii.org.tw/english