Due to the dropping worldwide economy, first-tier motherboard makers Asustek Computer, Gigabyte Technology and Micro-Star International (MSI) are expected to maintain a sequential shipments growth of only around 15% in the third quarter this year, according to sources at motherboard makers.

With the motherboard market stepping toward mid-range and high-end segments, Asustek, Gigabyte and MSI, who focus in these markets, are still able to maintain growth, while Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS) and Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), who focus on mid-range and entry-level markets, have been facing a shipments decline since the beginning of 2008, and their shipments in the second half this year are also expected to face difficulties in see further growth.

Although Asustek and MSI will not see sequential growth of over 20%, as usual, this year, the continued expansion of their notebook businesses mean performance in the third quarter is still expected to surge.